As we approach the final months of 2023, several aspects of this year have distinguished it from the past five or six. To begin, it appeared that there were fewer music releases across the board. Major and indie labels alike did not have a consistent flow of new music. This observation might explain the increase in the number of songs reaching #1 on the charts, albeit often for shorter durations. However, we did have some artists that gave us big records throughout the year, such as SZA, Doja Cat and Ice Spice, to name a few. This felt like a transition year with some new independent policies, labels shying away from overnight adds, etc. In light of these trends, it's clear that the industry is in a state of flux, and as we look ahead, I hope that the first quarter of 2024 brings us fresh new music, introduces new artists, and delivers more hits from the established acts we are currently playing.

As previously mentioned, Doja Cat was one of the artists that had a great 2023. RCA’s Lori G and Inca have her current single, “Paint the Town Red” (Kemosabe), holding at #1 for a third week. It’s also Top 5 and climbing at Top 40 and looks headed for #1 soon. Meanwhile, Victoria Monét’s “On My Mama” is entering the Top 25 with an increase north of 475 spins. And even though they haven’t officially impacted it yet, Doja Cat’s other single, “Agora Hills,” debuts at #35 and is up an impressive 520+ spins.

Over at Republic, Davey Dee has Nicki Minaj’s “Last Time I Saw You” perched inside the Top 20. He debuts Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy” f/Sexyy Red (OVO) at #36 this week, which is the official first single from For All the Dogs. Davey also has a goal to debut 41’s “Bent,” which ends the week at #51, as well as Lil Tecca’s “500lbs,” and the metrics on this continue to impress each week.

Michael Williams and the gamma. team slide up one spot to #2 this week with Usher x Summer Walker x 21 Savage’s “Good Good” (mega). With an increase of nearly 300 spins, the goal is to take this to the #1 spot this week. Meanwhile, Sexyy Red’s “SkeeYee” (Open Shift) secures another triple-digit increase of 150 spins and comes in at #17.

Over at Epic, Rick Sackheim and Dontay Thompson see Travis Scott’s “MELTDOWN” f/Drake (Cactus Jack) enter the Top 5. It gains 640 spins and looks to make a #1 push in the next few weeks. Scott’s “I KNOW?” picks up 315 spins and climbs to #13 and should be Top 10 by the week’s end. Tyla’s “Water” debuts at #33. It’s up over 400 spins as the buzz continues to grow.

B dot Scales and Warner just miss the Top 10 with Saweetie x YG x Tyga’s “BIRTHDAY,” but it has a shot to get there this week. NLE Choppa’s “It’s Getting Hot” lands at #16 and is up 80 spins. They debut DJ Mac x TeeJay’s “Drift” this week at #40.

Nick P and Arista continue to drive Paul Russell’s “Lil Boo Thang.” It’s at #21 this week and is up over 230 spins.

Dixie Tipton and Capitol are impacting Ice Spice & Rema’s “Pretty Girl.” Radio really seems to like it, and it’s sure to be in the Most Added column this week.

And make sure you get with Strazz at Columbia this week. He’s playing a new Kid LAROI single that features Central Cee. The track is right down the rhythm/pop vein.

Most Increased:
Travis Scott's “MELTDOWN” f/Drake (Cactus Jack/Epic)
Drake's “Rich Baby Daddy” f/Sexyy Redd (OVO/Republic)
Doja Cat's “Agora Hills” (Kemosabe/RCA)
Victoria Monét's “On My Mama” (Lovett Music/RCA)
Drake's “First Person Shooter” f/J. Cole (OVO/Republic)

Buzz Records:
Drake's “Rich Baby Daddy” f/Sexyy Red (OVO/Republic)
Doja Cat's “Agora Hills” (Kemosabe/RCA)
Victoria Monét's “On My Mama” (Lovett Music/RCA)
Ice Spice & Rema's “Pretty Girl” (10K Projects/Capitol)
Lil Tecca's “500lbs” (Republic)