Kanye West Surpasses Michael Jackson Billboard Charts; Can He Still Make Hit Records?

On “I Am A God,” from the album “Yeezus,” Kanye West famously rapped, “Soon as they like you make ‘em unlike you / Cause kissing people a-- is so unlike you / The only rapper compared to Michael.”

It appears that Yeezy wasn't too far off with his comparison because the rapper has now surpassed Michael Jackson on the Billboard charts with his 40th top 40 hit. Thank’s to Schoolboy Q's single “That Part,” which West is featured on, the rapper has moved past Jackson who had 39 top 40 hits in his 40-plus year career.

While it may not seem like a major feat for a rapper as popular as Kanye, Yeezy’s past two albums — “The Life of Pablo” and “Yeezus” — were not as radio friendly as his earlier work. “Yeezus” only had two radio singles compared to the fives singles from 2007's “Graduation.”

With 40 hits now under his belt, Kanye is still a long way from the top spot which is held by Elvis Presley who has 80 top 40 hits. Unfortunately for Kanye, the top 40 hits have slowed down for the rapper as he has opted for a less mainstream-friendly approach with his latest albums.

Although his latest album featured two top 40 singles — “Father Stretch My Hands” and “Famous” — the album’s other singles — “Wolves” and “Fade” — failed to chart. Kanye’s star-studded song “Champions” featuring Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, Desiigner from the upcoming "Cruel Winter" album also failed to crack the top 40.

With current artists such as Drake (53 top 40 hits), Jay Z (45 top 40 hits) and Lil Wayne (69 top 40 hits) in front of him, moving up the list may prove to be a tough task for Kanye. If the rapper does release his rumored collaboration album with Drake, he will surely get a few extra top 40 hits, but that would mean Drake would continue to move up the list as well.

Check out the list of male artists with 40 or more top 40 hits below: