Chart Brief: Michael Jackson and Kehlani Lead Weekly R&B Rankings
Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ maintains its dominance on the R&B Albums chart, while Kehlani’s ‘Folded’ reclaims the top spot at R&B radio.
Welcome to Chart Brief, our weekly column tracking the latest movements across R&B charts. Each week, we break down and analyze the R&B artists making waves on the Billboard, radio, and streaming charts. This edition covers the charts dated Aug. 29, 2026.
Billboard Charts
Adult R&B Airplay
Tracks the week’s top adult r&b hits via 24/7 airplay data from Mediabase and Luminate.
No. 1: “What You Need” – Tems (LW: 1)
THE BRIEF: Tems logs a fourth consecutive week at No. 1 on Billboard’s adult r&b airplay chart with her emotional ballad “What You Need.” Elsewhere on Billboard, she holds the top spot on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop chart with her feature on Dave’s “Raindance.”
CHART NOTE: Tank’s “Yes” returns to the top 10 this week on the Adult R&B Airplay chart at No. 10. The Floetry-inspired bedroom jam is his 18th top 10 hit on this list.
R&B Streaming Songs
No. 1: “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson (LW: 1)
THE BRIEF: Michael Jackson’s immortal 1983 hit “Billie Jean” spends its 16th consecutive week at No. 1 on the R&B Streaming Chart. The streaming surge follows the release of Jackson’s blockbuster biopic MICHAEL in April.
Top R&B Albums
No. 1: Thriller – Michael Jackson (LW: 1)
THE BRIEF: Michael Jackson’s iconic album Thriller spends its 15th week at No. 1 on the Top R&B Albums chart. The album has controlled the top spot since mid-May.
Mediabase Radio Charts
R&B Radio
No. 1: “Folded” – Kehlani (LW: 2)
THE BRIEF: Kehlani’s “Folded” returns to the top spot at R&B radio. The hit has remained stable since it first topped the chart in 2025. She is currently on a world tour in support of her self-titled album.