How does the Billboard work? Has it been compromised?

A look into how Billboard 100 works. Should we try a fairer way for independent artists.

6ix9ine’s Claims of Billboard Rigging the Charts

When Tekashi 6ix9ine returned to music in 2020 with his single Gooba, the rapper expected the song’s massive streaming numbers to secure the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Instead, the track debuted at No. 3, behind Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber’s charity single Stuck With U and Doja Cat’s Say So. This outcome triggered an explosive feud between 6ix9ine and Billboard.

At minute 1:00 is a jail call between Young Thug and his manager talking about buying streams to beat Gunna’s album on the same day.

Accusations of Buying No. 1 Spots

In a series of Instagram videos and posts, 6ix9ine accused Billboard of rigging the charts. He claimed the system allowed artists to purchase chart positions, declaring:

“Billboard is a lie. You can buy No. 1s on Billboard.”

He pointed directly at Stuck With U, alleging that Grande and Bieber’s team had used six credit cards to purchase 30,000 copies of their own single in the last hours of the charting week. According to 6ix9ine, this last-minute bulk buying artificially boosted their sales count and unfairly pushed his track down to No. 3.

Missing Streams

Beyond the bulk purchase claim, 6ix9ine insisted that Billboard disqualified or failed to count about 20 million streams of Gooba. He suggested that the true streaming numbers should have secured him the top position and accused Billboard of deliberately minimizing his performance to favor other artists.

Strong Language: “Corrupt” and “Cheating”

Throughout his rants, 6ix9ine repeatedly described Billboard as “corrupt”, “a lie”, and accused the organization of “cheating.” He framed himself as a victim of industry politics, portraying the charts as manipulated to benefit major-label stars with powerful connections.

Billboard’s Response

Billboard responded directly to the allegations with a detailed statement. They clarified that:

• Bulk purchases are monitored and audited. The rules limit how many copies can be counted when bought by the same credit card or billing address.
• The 30,000 sales figure claimed by 6ix9ine was inaccurate. Billboard said Grande and Bieber’s team submitted their sales data legitimately and within the rules.
• Streams are weighted differently. Paid subscription streams carry more value than free or ad-supported streams, which partly explained why Gooba’s high raw stream count didn’t translate into a higher chart ranking.

They emphasized that their charting methodology is transparent and audited, denying any manipulation or favoritism.

Industry and Fan Reaction

The feud sparked heated debate online. Some fans agreed with 6ix9ine, arguing that Billboard’s system was outdated and vulnerable to exploitation by major labels. Others dismissed his accusations as sour grapes, noting his controversial reputation and history of publicity stunts.

Even outside of 6ix9ine’s drama, the incident fueled a broader conversation about whether chart rankings truly reflect public popularity or if they are distorted by industry mechanics like bundles, timed releases, and marketing strategies.

When Billboard included Nielsen Ratings

Nielsen SoundScan’s data first became instrumental to Billboard charts on May 25, 1991, when its sales figures were adopted to revolutionize music measurement for the Billboard 200. This electronic tracking of retail sales transformed the Billboard Hot 100 into a combination of electronically-monitored airplay by Nielsen BDS and retail sales data from Nielsen SoundScan.  

• May 25, 1991: Nielsen SoundScan’s point-of-sales data is first integrated into the Billboard 200 chart. 
• November 30, 1991: The Billboard Hot 100’s airplay and sales data is transformed, incorporating Nielsen BDS for airplay and Nielsen SoundScan for sales. 

The singles chart evolved to include both radio airplay tracked by Nielsen BDS and retail sales tracked by Nielsen SoundScan. Nielsen’s data, including music sales, streaming, and radio airplay, has been used by Billboard to compile its charts for decades, beginning in 1991. 

What is Neilsen?

Nielsen was founded in 1923 by Arthur C. Nielsen, but the company launched its television ratings service in 1950. The company initially focused on market research for retail sales before expanding into media measurement, including radio in the 1940s and then television in 1950. 

Should we try another way to make ratings fair?

Even if it’s not compromised, should we continue to use an Illinois system rooted since the 1920’s??? Before Benny Goodman even swang a tune? The Billboard motives and intentions to actually be fair and help musicians just seem far removed these days. That’s just what I feel. Perhaps there’s a new way we can acquire Apple iTunes sales and streams. We can also include Amazon Prime, YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud (remember them?), I would say Pandora, but they are curated.

Just something to ponder. Let us know on Facebook!