Only a few artists can say they’ve knocked themselves off the top spot—and BTS, Taylor Swift, and Kendrick Lamar are part of that elite club. These artists didn’t just hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—they replaced their own songs there, proving they’re their own toughest competition.
Let’s break down each of their songs and moments:
- BTS:
The K-pop kings pulled off the rare feat in July 2021 when their dance anthem “Permission to Dance” debuted at No. 1, pushing their previous smash “Butter” down to No. 2. It was a historic moment, showing the group’s unstoppable momentum and the loyalty of their ARMY, who powered both tracks to the top spot in America.
- Taylor Swift
In 2023, the pop queen dropped her “1998 (Taylor’s Version)” led by the vault track “Is It Over Now?” The song debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100, replacing her own hit “Cruel Summer,” which found new success after being originally released in 2019. The reason? TikTok virality, and most importantly, being the opening song for “The Eras Tour.” Only Taylor could revive a 2019 sleeper hit and immediately follow it with a new release that takes over the throne.
- Kendrick Lamar
The rapper officially joined the elite club in 2025 with a massive chart takeover. His Grammy-winning disstrack “Not Like Us” initially topped Billboard in 2024. Then, it came back to the top spot the year after, following Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance. In March 2025, his collab with SZA, “Luther,” ranked No.1. Since then, it has become the longest chart-topper for both artists.
Whether it’s BTS serving feel-good bops, Taylor Swift commanding with re-recorded power, or Kendrick Lamar shaking the industry with hip-hop and R&B, these three aren’t just topping charts—they’re showing what chart supremacy is.
