Flo Rida scores his fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Nielsen BDS-based Mainstream Top 40 chart, as “Whistle” (Atlantic) rises 3-1. The Sunshine State rapper had previously ruled with “Good Feeling” (Feb. 18), “Right Round” (two weeks, 2009) and introductory hit “Low,” featuring T-Pain (six weeks, 2008).
While mainstream top 40 radio has in large part become the domain of pure pop since the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Rihanna became format mainstays in recent years, Flo Rida has carried the mantle for rappers. While he’s racked four No. 1s since his first appearance on Mainstream Top 40 almost five years ago, no other rapper boasts more than one as a lead act in that span. “Whistle” spends a second week atop Rhythmic, where it’s likewise Flo Rida’s fourth No. 1.
While mainstream top 40 radio has in large part become the domain of pure pop since the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Rihanna became format mainstays in recent years, Flo Rida has carried the mantle for rappers.