REPORT: Taylor Swift Helped The Hottest Rapper In The World Hit No. 1 For The First Time A Decade Ago

The 58th GRAMMY Awards - Backstage And Audience

A decade ago, Taylor Swift was one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. It seems that not much has changed in 10 years, as the singer-songwriter continues to dominate the global music industry, albeit in slightly different ways.

In the spring of 2014, Swift was heavily promoting her album 1989, her first pure pop project. The title had already produced a number of smashes, and Swift was not slowing down.

On the chart dated June 6, 2015, “Bad Blood” rocketed from No. 53 to No. 1 on the Hot 100. As it did, Swift added to her growing collection of champions, while the artist featured on the tune earned his first.

When “Bad Blood” bolted to the summit on the Hot 100, Kendrick Lamar collected his first champion on the list of the most-consumed songs in the nation.

Prior to that point, he had proved himself to be not just a superstar, but one of the most interesting musicians in hip-hop.

He’d earned critical acclaim and commercial success, but he had yet to top the Hot 100.

Much of Lamar’s output by that point had been his own, as he was not yet a big enough draw for well-known acts outside of the rap vertical to recruit. Swift jumped on his growing popularity and talent, and his verse on “Bad Blood” lent the track some credibility.

The collaboration turned the pop tune into a hip-hop/pop hybrid, making it more palatable for a larger audience.

Lamar’s presence certainly helped Swift send “Bad Blood” to No. 1 on the Hot 100. It’s not clear if the tune would have ruled the ranking had it remained a solo affair, but the combination was smart for both acts.

Before “Bad Blood,” Swift had topped the Hot 100 three times. She earned her first No. 1 in 2012 with “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” from her album Red. 1989 produced a trio of winners ahead of “Bad Blood,” with “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space” both reaching the top position in 2014.

Related Posts

Travis Kelce has been quietly reminiscing about his relationship, sharing never-before-seen photos of himself and Taylor Swift over the past five months. But during their most recent public appearance, fans spotted something on Taylor’s arm, and it immediately sparked a wave of speculation. Does this subtle change confirm what everyone has been saying – that the engagement happened behind closed doors? No one from their group has said anything… but the clues are starting to emerge, and Swifties are convinced the secret is out.

NFL star Travis Kelce has been quietly sharing nostalgic photos of his relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift over the past five months, each post brimming

During Chiefs training camp, Travis Kelce surprised fans by posting a series of romantic summer photos with Taylor Swift — but it was the cryptic caption that really made the rounds. The photos were sweet, but the message behind them? Not at all trivial. What exactly was Kelce hinting at… and why do fans believe this post will change everything about their future?

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce sent the internet into a tailspin on July 24, 2025, with a stunning Instagram post featuring never-before-seen photos of

Taylor Swift films ‘secret’ music video so confidential even CREW couldn’t hear the song

Taylor Swift has allegedly filmed a ‘secret’ music video in Los Angeles this week – with the project being so confidential that not even the crew were able to

Taylor Swift Leaves Dallas Cowboys Player Starstruck: ‘I Still Haven’t Washed My Hand’

Taylor Swift’s star power transcended beyond young fans and female audiences, but even NFL players were clearly not immune to her charm.

Breaking: Taylor Swift films ‘secret’ music video so confidential even CREW couldn’t hear the song

Taylor Swift has allegedly filmed a ‘secret’ music video in Los Angeles this week – with the project being so confidential that not even the crew were able to hear…

Is Taylor Swift Back Working After Downtime With Chiefs’ Travis Kelce?

It has been some offseason for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and partner Taylor Swift, with the pair seemingly in great shape, both personally and…