Billboard Hot 100 : 04/18/2015 - "Uptown Funk!" 14th week

[ss8]

As predicted, UF keeps dropping (not major drops) but by about 2-3% points every update. Luckily, haven't seen too many red updates which means sales are stable most likely. Guess its around 80% total now to SYA. At least its not exactly 'plummeting' as fast I thought esp/ w today being the peak day of the movie wkd. Tonight though is when more people go out so be prepared for *every song to nosedive lol. Song def. is on fire now for every logical reason. It's part of a record breaking opening movie from an insanely amazing franchise. Plus, the main song is about its recently deceased actor (who is in part of the movie). Even if he didn't pass, the song in itself would prob. still be very big but no doubt Walkers death is only fueling things to their advantage.

The only plus for UF now is SYA hasn't been making solid gains on radio for months (eg: currently only at #50 on pop). If that wasn't the case, I'd say UF was prob. down to its last week or two max lol. Again, the true test will be during this week. If SYN slows, then it means it wwas frontloaded due to the premiere and will need radio and time to grow in order to come close to #1.

Just curious- how did all those songs from Katy, Taylor, etc..either debut or come close to #1 yet this song has next to no shot? I'm assuming they already had several weeks of solid multi format radio support prior to the single release?

[SPRΞΞ]

Apr 4, 2015 16:14:01 GMT -5 ss8 said:

As predicted, UF keeps dropping (not major drops) but by about 2-3% points every update. Luckily, haven't seen too many red updates which means sales are stable most likely. Guess its around 80% total now to SYA. At least its not exactly 'plummeting' as fast I thought esp/ w today being the peak day of the movie wkd. Tonight though is when more people go out so be prepared for *every song to nosedive lol. Song def. is on fire now for every logical reason. It's part of a record breaking opening movie from an insanely amazing franchise. Plus, the main song is about its recently deceased actor (who is in part of the movie). Even if he didn't pass, the song in itself would prob. still be very big but no doubt Walkers death is only fueling things to their advantage.

The only plus for UF now is SYA hasn't been making solid gains on radio for months (eg: currently only at #50 on pop). If that wasn't the case, I'd say UF was prob. down to its last week or two max lol. Again, the true test will be during this week. If SYN slows, then it means it wwas frontloaded due to the premiere and will need radio and time to grow in order to come close to #1.

Just curious- how did all those songs from Katy, Taylor, etc..either debut or come close to #1 yet this song has next to no shot? I'm assuming they already had several weeks of solid multi format radio support prior to the single release?

Katy and Taylor had 2 of the Top 10 selling digital debuts weeks of all time for Roar and Shake It Off. That's why. Part of Me debuted at #1 when streaming wasn't included.

[ss8]

So even w/ streaming and minimal airplay, what if SYAs #s continue to be insane next week (for the whole entire chart week)? That's why I was saying that the regular week will be much more telling then the  *wkd premiere*. Again, I'm thinking it's more of a front loaded thing but who knows. Guess that's what Im trying to ask. Meaning, like what kind of hard sales #s would they need to maybe topple UF? 

[Gary]

That depends on who volunteers to create the viral video - ;)

[Deleted]

Apr 4, 2015 16:45:34 GMT -5 ss8 said:

So even w/ streaming and minimal airplay, what if SYAs #s continue to be insane next week (for the whole entire chart week)? Guess that's what Im trying to ask? Meaning, like what kind of sales #s would they need to topple UF? 

I wouldn't count on that happening lol the reason it is selling so much now is because of the initial buzz of the movie. That'll probably die down by next week. But let's say it doesn't; to answer your question, with minimal airplay and some streaming, in order to make up for the huge lead in airplay and streaming that UF would have, SYA would have to outsell UF by about 300k to have a shot at #1 (that is, to sell about almost 450k next week, which, as I said, is extremely unlikely lol)

[ss8]

^ Good points. I'm just kind of surprised (based on the record companies initial statement in Feb. about their 'what sounded like' confidence in the song) that they didn't have everything aligned prior to the movie. For whatever the reason they didn't seem to actively push it on radio, and get it 'out there' until the movie came out which is a bit odd. I'm thinking maybe that was their plan though. Just let it linger until people saw the movie then connect it w/ that scene/ Walker to create the mega buzz. So even though it's been 'out' for months now, it's almost like a brand new single that will have to start from the ground up (almost) w/ airplay, streams, videos etc..

I'm w/ you though- while the song is def. good, it's not this epic, game changing jam lol. Eventually (thinking during the week) or by next wkd. the constant green updates will stop and things will slowly but surely stabilize and return to normal. Still def. wondering what the 1st 'official sales week' total will be.

[Deleted]

SYA is a nice song. I'll be happy if it makes top 10!

[ss8]

So odd that in Canada (which the US includes in their box office totals) SYA, while it's climbing is only at #5 on iTunes (and actually behind BBHMM) LOL

[jayhawk1117]

Apr 4, 2015 16:45:34 GMT -5 ss8 said:

So even w/ streaming and minimal airplay, what if SYAs #s continue to be insane next week (for the whole entire chart week)? That's why I was saying that the regular week will be much more telling then the  *wkd premiere*. Again, I'm thinking it's more of a front loaded thing but who knows. Guess that's what Im trying to ask. Meaning, like what kind of hard sales #s would they need to maybe topple UF? 

If would have to be nearly record breaking insane lol. Somewhere close to 475k

[zombieshadesofgrey]

What do you think is the closest contender to overthrow UF and save Mariah?

[Gary]

What does Mariah need to be "saved" from?.  Regardless of the outcome.  The Mariah/Boyz song spent 16 weeks at #1.

The record being broken is still a month away. There is still lots of time. The more Uptown Funk starts to decline, the easier it will be for a newer song to dethrone it.  Just might not happen at week 14 though.

[ss8]

Apr 4, 2015 18:05:26 GMT -5 Gary said:

What does Mariah need to be "saved" from?.  Regardless of the outcome.  The Mariah/Boyz song spent 16 weeks at #1.

The record being broken is still a month away. There is still lots of time. The more Uptown Funk starts to decline, the easier it will be for a newer song to dethrone it.  Just might not happen at week 14 though.

LOL. My god....really!  Even if the record gets broken..so what? She can still boast/ remind people over/over about having the 'most #1 singles for a solo artist' which she usually states first/foremost on interviews more than having the longest #1 single. People also need to remember (which most forget) Boyz II Men share equal billing/credit on OSD lol. WBT was 100% Mariah. 

[Rose "Payola" Nylund]

We should organize a crowd fund to get Uptown Funk to 17 weeks at #1.

[ss8]

Apr 4, 2015 18:22:06 GMT -5 Rose "Payola" Nylund said:

We should organize a crowd fund to get Uptown Funk to 17 weeks at #1.

Too funny but may not be necessary lol. ALL RCA needs to do is discount the song if/when it gets to that 15th and 16th week! Very simple. I cant believe they're not eyeing whats going on here 10x more than WE even are! lol. 

[Rose "Payola" Nylund]

How do you know they aren't?

Plus, it's not that simple, because the discount idea is so simple that it's obvious what they're doing and even if it works, there'd be some negative publicity. Probably not in the same vain as Mariah's 99 cent singles back in the day, but negative enough that it could work against the song, and Mark and Bruno.

[ss8]

Apr 4, 2015 18:00:08 GMT -5 jayhawk1117 said:

Apr 4, 2015 16:45:34 GMT -5 ss8 said:

So even w/ streaming and minimal airplay, what if SYAs #s continue to be insane next week (for the whole entire chart week)? That's why I was saying that the regular week will be much more telling then the  *wkd premiere*. Again, I'm thinking it's more of a front loaded thing but who knows. Guess that's what Im trying to ask. Meaning, like what kind of hard sales #s would they need to maybe topple UF? 

If would have to be nearly record breaking insane lol. Somewhere close to 475k

Thing is, I actually think a DECENT chunk of those sales (that 'possibly' could've made it happen) have been happening since last night, today and tomorrow. I think the sales week ends  Sun night? So, theyre going to lose 2-3 very big sales days. Obviously, the weekly box office #s won't even close to the wkd #s. Not saying the song is gonna slow down. But even though its deep in the green, if UF doesn't start to majorly plummet/hold on 'enough' this week w/ sales/airplay then somehow starts to rebound which I still think is likely (esp. once the hype of the movie wanes). As everyone has said, the song is only first impacting pop this week and even w/ great updates has a LONG way to go to even get in the ballpark of UF, Sugar and endless other songs.  

[ss8]

Apr 4, 2015 18:28:36 GMT -5 Rose "Payola" Nylund said:

How do you know they aren't?

Plus, it's not that simple, because the discount idea is so simple that it's obvious what they're doing and even if it works, there'd be some negative publicity. Probably not in the same vain as Mariah's 99 cent singles back in the day, but negative enough that it could work against the song, and Mark and Bruno.

Kind of confused..sorry. Unless I misread your post lol. You say how do you know they aren't? Then you say a discount 'may' cause some negative publicity. So..if u think they're prob. well aware of what's up here (I think that's what you're saying) that insinuates that they may have a plan. If so, besides discounting the single (which many big named singers have done) what else is there to do that would be a quick fix? Plus, only people from places like here and Billboard readers (not the GP) would even realize it or care lol. It's the music biz and they play dirty 24/7 when necessary. One could say Maroon 5 performing Sugar (just as the song is peaking and not 'that' far behind UF) is also beyond obvious/transparent.  

[SPRΞΞ]

Apr 4, 2015 18:22:06 GMT -5 Rose "Payola" Nylund said:

We should organize a crowd fund to get Uptown Funk to 17 weeks at #1.

i'll chip in just for the "kii's" alone.

[Rose "Payola" Nylund]

Apr 4, 2015 18:41:40 GMT -5 ss8 said:

Apr 4, 2015 18:28:36 GMT -5 Rose "Payola" Nylund said:

How do you know they aren't?

Plus, it's not that simple, because the discount idea is so simple that it's obvious what they're doing and even if it works, there'd be some negative publicity. Probably not in the same vain as Mariah's 99 cent singles back in the day, but negative enough that it could work against the song, and Mark and Bruno.

Kind of confused..sorry. Unless I misread your post lol. You say how do you know they aren't? Then you say a discount 'may' cause some negative publicity. So..if u think they're prob. well aware of what's up here (I think that's what you're saying) that insinuates that they may have a plan. If so, besides discounting the single (which many big named singers have done) what else is there to do that would be a quick fix? Plus, only people from places like here and Billboard readers (not the GP) would even realize it or care lol. It's the music biz and they play dirty 24/7 when necessary. One could say Maroon 5 performing Sugar (just as the song is peaking and not 'that' far behind UF) is also beyond obvious/transparent.  

Yeah, how do you know they don't have a plan that is some sort of promotion, maybe a remix (which some will say is a cheap attempt too), or maybe a CD single (which worked for BTW's 6th week), or even a vinyl single for Record Store Day (which would only have little impact anyway). Anyway, there are other ways besides simply discounting the single.

Regarding people who care: Uptown Funk coming close to a record like this will go far beyond just Billboard readers. When artists come close to breaking easy-to-digest records like most albums sold in a week, or longest running #1 of all time, it gets publicity and Billboard themselves will try to get that media coverage. But if such a record is due to something like a discount, the average person will pick up on that and it will taint it to some degree. Obviously it won't have a massive negative impact but it would bring a loss of credibility. If I worked on Mark Ronson/his label's team, I would advise against doing that.

[ss8]

^ I know its a totally different kind of thing (and dont mean to go off subject for more than a min.) but look at what happened w/ Madonnas Rebel Heart. Maany people were pissed that she sold the most albums (#1 on basically every one of Billboards major charts) yet didnt hit #1 on the 'main' chart due to streaming of songs from Empire adding up to album sales which caused her to lose a #1 album. I'd say this is wrong for any singer to lose that way (whether you're a fan or not). In my gut, 'that' was a waay bigger blow regardless of who it is (and could def. be looked at as super shady and questionable) 'cause unlike hard sales, no one, or at least very few, really knows for sure how they truly tabulate their #s w/ this off the chart complex new formula. Point goes back to the biz itself. Depending on politics (a big part of it) and other variables, depending on who is running the show w/ this song if they're powerful, chart obsessed and eager enough I'm sure they wont care what they need to do lol. Thats all Im saying.

[ss8]

Apr 4, 2015 19:43:03 GMT -5 Rose "Payola" Nylund said:

Apr 4, 2015 18:41:40 GMT -5 ss8 said:

Kind of confused..sorry. Unless I misread your post lol. You say how do you know they aren't? Then you say a discount 'may' cause some negative publicity. So..if u think they're prob. well aware of what's up here (I think that's what you're saying) that insinuates that they may have a plan. If so, besides discounting the single (which many big named singers have done) what else is there to do that would be a quick fix? Plus, only people from places like here and Billboard readers (not the GP) would even realize it or care lol. It's the music biz and they play dirty 24/7 when necessary. One could say Maroon 5 performing Sugar (just as the song is peaking and not 'that' far behind UF) is also beyond obvious/transparent.  

Yeah, how do you know they don't have a plan that is some sort of promotion, maybe a remix (which some will say is a cheap attempt too), or maybe a CD single (which worked for BTW's 6th week), or even a vinyl single for Record Store Day (which would only have little impact anyway). Anyway, there are other ways besides simply discounting the single.

Regarding people who care: Uptown Funk coming close to a record like this will go far beyond just Billboard readers. When artists come close to breaking easy-to-digest records like most albums sold in a week, or longest running #1 of all time, it gets publicity and Billboard themselves will try to get that media coverage. But if such a record is due to something like a discount, the average person will pick up on that and it will taint it to some degree. Obviously it won't have a massive negative impact but it would bring a loss of credibility. If I worked on Mark Ronson/his label's team, I would advise against doing that.

Oh, also meant to say to my knowledge there have been at least a few 'remixes' already put out. Dunno if they were club only remixes or what. One was put out and I believe released as recently as mid March. Think it was called the Trininad remix (or maybe he/she was the artist...dunno lol). So...guess my point is, 'what' kind of remix at this point would even smash in any way? 

[Rose "Payola" Nylund]

Apr 4, 2015 20:03:15 GMT -5 ss8 said:

Apr 4, 2015 19:43:03 GMT -5 Rose "Payola" Nylund said:

Yeah, how do you know they don't have a plan that is some sort of promotion, maybe a remix (which some will say is a cheap attempt too), or maybe a CD single (which worked for BTW's 6th week), or even a vinyl single for Record Store Day (which would only have little impact anyway). Anyway, there are other ways besides simply discounting the single.

Regarding people who care: Uptown Funk coming close to a record like this will go far beyond just Billboard readers. When artists come close to breaking easy-to-digest records like most albums sold in a week, or longest running #1 of all time, it gets publicity and Billboard themselves will try to get that media coverage. But if such a record is due to something like a discount, the average person will pick up on that and it will taint it to some degree. Obviously it won't have a massive negative impact but it would bring a loss of credibility. If I worked on Mark Ronson/his label's team, I would advise against doing that.

Oh, also meant to say to my knowledge there have been at least a few 'remixes' already put out. Dunno if they were club only remixes or what. One was put out and I believe released as recently as mid March. Think it was called the Trininad remix (or maybe he/she was the artist...dunno lol). So...guess my point is, 'what' kind of remix at this point would even smash in any way? 

I don't know. I'm just throwing ideas out there from the perspective of someone whose job it would be to come up with ideas for situations like this.

Apr 4, 2015 19:55:48 GMT -5 ss8 said:

^ I know its a totally different kind of thing (and dont mean to go off subject for more than a min.) but look at what happened w/ Madonnas Rebel Heart. Maany people were pissed that she sold the most albums (#1 on basically every one of Billboards major charts) yet didnt hit #1 on the 'main' chart due to streaming of songs from Empire adding up to album sales which caused her to lose a #1 album. I'd say this is wrong for any singer to lose that way (whether you're a fan or not). In my gut, 'that' was a waay bigger blow regardless of who it is (and could def. be looked at as super shady and questionable) 'cause unlike hard sales, no one, or at least very few, really knows for sure how they truly tabulate their #s w/ this off the chart complex new formula. Point goes back to the biz itself. Depending on politics (a big part of it) and other variables, depending on who is running the show w/ this song if they're powerful, chart obsessed and eager enough I'm sure they wont care what they need to do lol. Thats all Im saying.

I missed this one.

You're right with the Madonna thing that it got some attention due to Madonna having the highest sales but not being the #1 album, but that was Billboard's doing due to its new rules, not Madonna's label. We're talking about things Mark's label could do (if they wanted to) to help Uptown Funk stay at #1, which is entirely out of Billboard's hands for the point of this discussion. And again, you're right that if they want the record and are willing to do whatever for it, they could discount it and successfully do it. I'm merely suggesting that it would look cheap and possibly taint it as far as news coverage goes. Again, not a huge deal really since most people wouldn't care but at the same time, it's entirely possible that it could become an issue and that's something they'd have to anticipate if they went that route.

[ry4n]

Every song has remixes

[ss8]

Apr 4, 2015 20:12:14 GMT -5 ry4n said:

Every song has remixes

Right, I  think what he and a few others may be saying/thinking (far as a 'remix') is something *mainstream w/ another big A list singer(s) like what Rihanna did w/ S&M (adding Britney) which pushed it to #1. If I remember it was around #3 for a while, was losing steam then out of nowhere the version feat. Britney came out and easily gave it that needed push to the top. I know there are more than a few other instances (just can't think of one this second) that something similar happened (whether or not it got the song to #1, but at least helped it chart higher). The Rihanna/Britney example popped up right away. 

Anyways, I'm def. eager to see the sales of this song for the past 3 days lol. Its about 25% ahead of UF but constantly in the green. Yes, UF sales have been decreasing but dunno...just cause a song is constantly in the green if it means its sales are off the chart or if its just based on its nearest competition. Though UF is falling, its not getting constant red updates. 

[ss8]

Anyways, I'm gonna leave it at this for now lol. Gut is telling me THIS Wiz song is gonna be the one. I think if it had the airplay, viral video etc.. already built up would be a cakewalk in the next week or two. Not 100% but reeks from one of those songs that touches the right nerve at the right time w/ the US. I'm expecting major gains on radio in the next week or two w/ prob a radio deal. *But, in the meantime, think UF will somehow hold up enough and put up a helluva fight and prob/more likely def. has enough time to at least tie (cause it's 'still' somehow huge lol) due to Wiz only just getting started from the ground up w/ airplay/streams etc etc... He's def. got the #1 sounding song. (I may be wrong, but never thought Earned It had/has enough juice to do it lol). I dont personally care for this FF7 song but am objective and reeks from what the public eats up in droves :)

[jayhawk1117]

Apr 4, 2015 20:57:25 GMT -5 ss8 said:

Anyways, I'm gonna leave it at this for now lol. Gut is telling me THIS Wiz song is gonna be the one. I think if it had the airplay, viral video etc.. already built up would be a cakewalk in the next week or two. Not 100% but reeks from one of those songs that touches the right nerve at the right time w/ the US. I'm expecting major gains on radio in the next week or two w/ prob a radio deal. *But, in the meantime, think UF will somehow hold up enough and put up a helluva fight and prob/more likely def. has enough time to at least tie (cause it's 'still' somehow huge lol) due to Wiz only just getting started from the ground up w/ airplay/streams etc etc... He's def. got the #1 sounding song. (I may be wrong, but never thought Earned It had/has enough juice to do it lol). I dont personally care for this FF7 song but am objective and reeks from what the public eats up in droves :)

Unless there is an official music video and sales stay as high as they are now, they won't, and airplay would have to more than skyrocket. And all of this has to happen with 3 weeks.

[pnobelysk]

I really like the idea of marks label releasing a Cd Single for week 16. Sure it wouldn't get huge sales but it could maybe like 20k. ? How much did lady gagas move ? Id expect it to do a little less than that . And I don't this tactic would bother anyone or would seem unfair

[85la]

Katy Perry did a remix for Last Friday Night (which also might have been discounted to 69 cents, but that might have been The One that Got Away, I don't remember), and that did not seem to taint her tying Michael Jackson's record of 5 #1's from one album.

It's almost like, if Bruno is going to come close to breaking the all time record, and the single most distinguished Billboard record, of course you would expect his label to try to do something to increase his chances. It would be surprising if they didn't. Any shady tactics will probably get lost in the anals of history. Not saying that it's the right thing to do, but, what would you expect?

[Deleted]

Apr 4, 2015 18:21:28 GMT -5 ss8 said:

Apr 4, 2015 18:05:26 GMT -5 Gary said:

What does Mariah need to be "saved" from?.  Regardless of the outcome.  The Mariah/Boyz song spent 16 weeks at #1.

The record being broken is still a month away. There is still lots of time. The more Uptown Funk starts to decline, the easier it will be for a newer song to dethrone it.  Just might not happen at week 14 though.

LOL. My god....really!  Even if the record gets broken..so what? She can still boast/ remind people over/over about having the 'most #1 singles for a solo artist' which she usually states first/foremost on interviews more than having the longest #1 single. People also need to remember (which most forget) Boyz II Men share equal billing/credit on OSD lol. WBT was 100% Mariah. 

Not to mention the fact that it would still have held the record for more than 19 years which is a hell of a long time lol.

[ss8]

Apr 4, 2015 21:45:02 GMT -5 jayhawk1117 said:

Apr 4, 2015 20:57:25 GMT -5 ss8 said:

Anyways, I'm gonna leave it at this for now lol. Gut is telling me THIS Wiz song is gonna be the one. I think if it had the airplay, viral video etc.. already built up would be a cakewalk in the next week or two. Not 100% but reeks from one of those songs that touches the right nerve at the right time w/ the US. I'm expecting major gains on radio in the next week or two w/ prob a radio deal. *But, in the meantime, think UF will somehow hold up enough and put up a helluva fight and prob/more likely def. has enough time to at least tie (cause it's 'still' somehow huge lol) due to Wiz only just getting started from the ground up w/ airplay/streams etc etc... He's def. got the #1 sounding song. (I may be wrong, but never thought Earned It had/has enough juice to do it lol). I dont personally care for this FF7 song but am objective and reeks from what the public eats up in droves :)

Unless there is an official music video and sales stay as high as they are now, they won't, and airplay would have to more than skyrocket. And all of this has to happen with 3 weeks.

Not at all disagreeing and hope/thinking ur prob right! Like Ive said more than a few x...*all about timing. I'm strongly thinking 3-4 weeks is just too short a time and if UF was only at week #10ish at #1 or whatever would be a no brainer- not just for SYA but for at least a few other songs :)