The fourth quarter is DEFINITELY here. In the last two weeks, we‘ve had releases from Big Sean, Sam Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Kid Ink, Ariana Grande, Fergie and T.I., just to name a few. You can bet there are other big records coming in the next few weeks, and the deluge will continue through November. This is definitely causing a major space issue, as well as a separation issue. The “work” records are inevitably taking a backseat to the major artist/event records. This, in turn, is causing a log-jam, as these records command full-time slots. The other problem lies in artist separation, with artists like Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Iggy Azalea being featured on or having multiple singles out. So, what records will cut through and be the monsters of Q4? Research and, ultimately, sales will be the determining factors. So will we see a new Kanye? A new Jay Z? Gwen Stefani? Stay tuned… It’s shaping up to be a two-horse race for the #1 spot this week, with Iggy Azalea f/Rita Ora’s “Black Widow” (Grand Hustle/Def Jam) and T.I. f/Iggy Azalea’s “No Mediocre” (Grand Hustle/Columbia); at this point, it’s so close that it’s just a matter of single spins on the building chart. Both labels are fighting for extra spins, rotation increases, etc. T.I. just released a remix, which features Migos, on Monday; that could help garner those last precious mix-show spins over the weekend. But for now, Rick Sackhiem, Noah Sheer, and Scott Maness still own #1 with Jeremih f/YG’s “Don’t Tell ‘Em,” which has been on top for six weeks now. They also have Big Sean’s “I Don’t Fuck With You (IDFWU),” which is impacting this week and is already at #47 on the chart after just two weeks. Ask the label for the “super clean” edit if you have any issues with the original clean. They’re also impacting August Alsina f/Nicki Minaj’s “No Love” this week and are continuing to build Teyana Taylor f/Pusha T & Yo Gotti’s “Maybe.”… In addition to trying to get T.I. f/Iggy Azalea’s “No Mediocre” to #1 this week, Ayelet Schiffman and James White have Beyoncé’s “Flawless” at #18, gaining 230 spins, Calvin Harris f/John Newman’s “Blame” at #43, up 170 spins, and T.I.’s latest, “About the Money,” at #46… Gary Spangler and Davey Dee at Republic have both Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” and Drake’s “0-100” in the Top 10, both with great increases. Jessie J + Ariana Grande +Nicki Minaj’s “Bang Bang” sits at #14, and Rich Gang f/Young Thug & Rich Homie Quan’s “Lifestyle” moves into the Top 20, up 275 spins. Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” (Big Machine/Republic) moves #30-27, while DJ Khaled f/Chris Brown, August Alsina, Future & Jeremih’s “Hold You Down” moves to #32, up over 200 spins, and Kalin & Myles’ “Love Robbery” debuts at #40. They’re impacting Ariana Grande f/The Weeknd’s “Love You Harder” this week… RCA’s John Strazza, Inca and Lori G continue to build Chris Brown f/Usher & Rick Ross’ “New Flame,” as it moves into the Top 5 this week and gains 370 spins. They also impact Kid Ink f/Usher & Tinashe’s “Body Language,” which already debuts this week at #36. Pitbull f/John Newman’s “Fireball” is at #34, and Tinashe f/A$AP Rocky’s “Pretend” debuts this week at #38. Mr. Probz’s “Waves” continue to develop and moves to #49… Lee L’Heureux and Warner Bros. take Jason Derulo’s “Trumpets” into the Top 25 this week, while gaining 230 spins. I Love Makonnen f/Drake’s “Tuesday” is at #51 and has created quite a buzz; look for this to chart in the next two weeks. And Nico & Vinz’s “In Your Arms” is rolling at Pop, with a handful of new Rhythm stations jumping on board each week… Epic Records and Sujit Kundu have TeeFlii’s “24 Hours” still growing after 18 weeks on the chart; it moves to #8 this week, up over 200 spins. Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” leaps #16-12, up nearly 300 spins. And Bobby Shmurda’s “Hot Boy” climbs #32-29 this week, increasing 180 spins.

Most Increased:
1) Kendrick Lamar “i” Aftermath/Interscope
2) Iggy Azalea f/Rita Ora “Black Widow” Grand Hustle/Def Jam
3) T.I. f/Iggy Azalea “No Mediocre” Columbia
4) Drake “0-100” YMCMB/Republic
5) Chris Brown f/Usher & Rick Ross “New Flame” RCA

The Pulse:
1) Kendrick Lamar “i” Aftermath/Interscope
2) I Love Makonnen f/Drake “Tuesday” OVO/Warner Bros.
3) Big Sean “I Don’t Fuck With You (IDFWU)” G.O.O.D./Def Jam
4) Kid Ink f/Usher & Tinashe “Body Language” RCA
5) Fergie “L.A. Love” Interscope