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.