The song is the list’s first newly released leader since April.
Machine Gun Kelly and Blackbear‘s “My Ex’s Best Friend” becomes the first new song in nearly four months to top Billboard‘s Rock Streaming Songs chart, debuting atop the Aug. 22-dated tally.
The track, released Aug. 7, bows with 6.2 million U.S. streams in its first week, ending Aug. 13, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.
“Friend” is the first first-time leader on Rock Streaming Songs since Twenty One Pilots‘ “Level of Concern” started atop the list dated April 25.
Since then, the No. 1 spot was exchanged between “Level of Concern” and Journey‘s 1981 classic “Don’t Stop Believin'”; in that span, “Concern” ruled for four weeks and “Believin'” for 13.
“Friend” is also the first Rock Streaming Songs No. 1 for Machine Gun Kelly, who’s recently adopted a rock-oriented sound after breaking through as a rapper. His previous best on the chart had been No. 4, twice, with Iann Dior‘s “Sick and Tired” (on which he’s featured alongside Travis Barker) and his own “Bloody Valentine” in May and June.
Blackbear also rules Rock Streaming Songs for the first time. He previously appeared, with Yungblud, on Marshmello‘s “Tongue Tied,” which peaked at No. 7 in November 2019.
Concurrently, “Friend” bows at No. 7 on Alternative Streaming Songs.
On the multi-metric Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart, it starts at No. 8, marking MGK’s fifth top 10. It’s also his first song since his turn toward rock to reach the Billboard Hot 100, bowing at No. 82. His last entry as a lead artist was the Eminem diss track “Rap Devil,” which hit No. 13 in September 2018.
“Friend” is the latest taste of Tickets to My Downfall, MGK’s fifth studio album, expected this year. Meanwhile, “Bloody Valentine,” the set’s current radio single, becomes his first top 10 on the Alternative Airplay chart, jumping 13-9.
