Drake's surprise three-album drop makes UK album chart history

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Drake's surprise three-album drop makes UK album chart history11 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleNaomi de SouzaBBC NewsbeatGetty ImagesFans had been waiting for one new Drake album - but ended up with threeDrake has made UK chart history by becoming the first artist to debut three studio albums inside the top 10. The rapper dropped his anticipated solo record, Iceman, plus two more surprise ones - Habibti and Maid of Honour - on 15 May. They're the first projects he's released since his beef with US rapper Kendrick Lamar escalated in 2024.

Iceman's gone in straight at number one on the weekly UK official albums charts, with Maid of Honour at six and Habibti and seven. The Official Charts Company confirmed Drake is the first artist "to debut three studio albums inside the Top 10 simultaneously". Iceman becomes the Canadian rapper's seventh UK chart-topper, and his 17th top 10 album in total.

The Details

The new albums, which total 43 songs, include collaborations with artists including Central Cee, 21 Savage and PARTYNEXTDOOR. Drake immediately broke streaming records as fans rushed to hear his new music after the albums were released. Spotify later confirmed he now holds the record for most-streamed artist and album in a single day in 2026.

Getty ImagesDrake takes aim at Kendrick Lamar, DJ Khaled and LeBron James in the albumsDrake displays a mixture of musical styles in the three new albums - with Iceman being more rap and hip-hop focused. Habibti leans more towards R&B, while Maid of Honour is dance music-inspired. And reviews of the rapper's latest offerings have been mixed.

The Independent says Drake "continues to be his own worst enemy", with some of his best work "obscured by the bad". But Rolling Stone was more positive, saying parts of his new material are "confident" and "joyous". He also appears to reignite his bitter feud with Kendrick Lamar, something which music journalist Mary Mandefield says is no surprise.

What Experts Say

Speaking to Newsbeat last week, she described Drake as a "smart businessman, as well as a great musician". "It would have been a massive miss to have three albums and not to mention Kendrick at all," she said. Not as much luck for Drake in the official singles chart though, as Olivia Dean and Sam Fender's Rein My In stays at number one for a 12th week.

He does have three songs in the top 10 though - Janice STFU, National Treasure and Make Them Cry - taking his career tally to 50. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.

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