Megan Thee Stallion’s “Lover Girl” Puts Rap Back in the Top 40—for…

Megan Thee Stallion has done what no rapper could for two weeks: brought rap back to the Top 40. Her new single, “Lover Girl,” released Oct. 24, debuted at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, a small but symbolic victory after a mini-crisis in hip-hop when, for the first time since 1990, not a single rap song appeared in the chart’s top 40.

According to data firm Luminate, “Lover Girl” pulled in 8.5 million official U.S. streams, 1.5 million in radio airplay audience, and 5,000 copies sold in its first week. That’s enough to technically “save” rap. At least until the next chart update.

But how long will the streak last? Reception to the song has been…mixed. Some fans embraced Megan’s new romantic energy—the song is widely seen as inspired by her public relationship with NBA player Klay Thompson—while others accused her of sticking to the same formula content wise.

“I love Meg but I’ve accepted I’ve outgrown her music,” one TikTok user admitted.

“That song is garbage; I’m so sorry," creator @newyork_nay.xo, said bluntly. "You’re not going to sit here and look me dead in my eyes and tell me that’s not a song that she has not come out with a billion times.”

“She’s saying different words this time, but it’s the same message. It’s the same shit," Nay said doubling down, saying people were lying about liking the track just to defend her.

Megan’s fans were quick to clap back.

“I don't really like the song either but people are being very weird with their takes,” one comment read. “Megan did not create hypersexuality in female rap and they're acting like she did.”

“Male rappers are never judged this harsh, ion like it," another commenter added.

Others pointed out that when Megan does rap about other topics—like her mental health—the support often fades, which is true to some degree.

So, yes, “Lover Girl” might not reinvent the wheel, but it did put a rap record back in the Top 40 and effectively the mainstream (this is sarcasm). We just hope it lasts.

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