Paul Russell Brings ‘Boo Thang’ to Top 10 on Hot Rap Songs Chart

Paul Russell’s “Lil Boo Thang” jumps into the top 10 of Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart with a 12-9 climb on the list dated Nov. 4. The pop-rap tune, which first went viral on TikTok and other social media networks, continues its chart ascent with gains in all three chart metrics – streaming, radio airplay, and sales – and sprints into the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100.

During the latest tracking week, Oct. 20 – 26, “Lil Boo Thang,” released on Arista Records, generated 6.7 million official U.S. streams, a 14% improvement from the prior week, according to Luminate. It also sold 5,000 downloads in the same period, up 8% from the previous week and retains its crown on the Rap Digital Song Sales chart for third, nonconsecutive week. Among all tracks, it’s the third-best seller and sits at No. 3 on the Digital Song Sales chart, down one spot from its No. 2 best last week. In the radio world, “Lil Boo Thang” registered 28.4 million in weekly audience, up 18% from the prior frame. Thanks to that haul, it steps 24-21 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart.

Pop radio has been the single’s biggest supporter, as it pushes 15-13 on the Pop Airplay chart, following a 16% increase in plays at mainstream top-40 radio during the latest tracking week. The adult pop sector follows closely behind, with a 19-15 advance on the heels of a 26% surge in weekly plays, enough to nab “Lil Boo Thang” the chart’s weekly Greatest Gainer tag. Beyond the pop world, the rhythmic format has also embraced the track, which moves 20-17 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart through a 15% weekly play boost.

Across-the-board gains drive “Lil Boo Thang” 58-35 on the Hot 100 and secure Paul Russell’s first top 40 visit on the flagship chart. The rising hit already has a Hot 100 tie-in, sampling The Emotions’ “Best of My Love,” a five-week No. 1 from 1977. Thanks to use of the classic, writers Maurice White (of Earth, Wind & Fire) and Al McKay land another top 40 hit

As “Lil Boo Thang” races into the Hot 100’s top 40, Paul Russell lands a third week at No. 1 on Emerging Artists chart, which ranks the most popular developing artists each week using the same formula as the all-encompassing Billboard Artist 100. The Emerging Artists chart, however, excludes acts that have reached the top 25 on either the Hot 100 or Billboard 200, as well as artists that have achieved two or more top 10s on Billboard’s “Hot” song genre and/or consumption-based “Top” album genre charts.