The period of Taylor Swift’s dominance on the Billboard charts has come to an end—for now, thanks to Eminem.

Swift’s album, **The Tortured Poets Department**, has dropped to No. 4 on the Billboard 200 after a remarkable 12-week stint at the top. Eminem’s new album, **The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)**, has taken over the No. 1 spot, marking his eleventh time achieving this feat.

Swift’s streak was a notable achievement, adding to her long list of record-breaking successes. Previously, she held the record for the most consecutive weeks at No. 1 with 11 weeks, a mark she reached twice with her albums **1989** and **Fearless**. According to Billboard, only two other albums in history—Morgan Wallen’s **One Thing at a Time** and Stevie Wonder’s **Songs in the Key of Life**—have maintained the top position for at least their first 12 weeks.

The shift in dominance isn’t entirely unexpected, considering Swift’s current status as a central figure in contemporary culture. She seems to be the focal point of current trends, largely fueled by the hype around her Eras Tour and her relationship with Travis Kelce. The success of **TTPD**—despite receiving mixed reviews from critics—reflects not just the quality of the music but also the massive cultural phenomenon surrounding her.

It’s evident that Taylor Swift is actively pursuing this strategy, and people are beginning to notice. As Vulture recently pointed out, Swift has effectively turned “chart manipulation into an Olympic sport,” orchestrating additional releases and carefully timing them to maintain her position at No. 1, set new records, and solidify her status as the leading artist of her generation. This involves the frequent release of new “editions,” remixes, or singles following an album launch, aimed at keeping her at the top.

For instance, Swift’s album **TTPD** faced competition when Billie Eilish released her new album, **Hit Me Hard and Soft**, in early June. However, Swift responded by announcing more editions of her album, which helped her retain the No. 1 spot and sparked speculation about a possible feud between her and Eilish—though it’s unclear if these rumors hold any truth.

Swift has been engaging in these chart tactics for some time, and other artists use similar strategies. However, in this current era, fans are increasingly scrutinizing her methods. Some have criticized her for, in their view, preventing other artists, particularly women like Eilish, from reaching the top. This criticism comes during a year notable for the rise of female artists such as Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappel Roan, alongside new releases from Beyoncé and Ariana Grande.

It’s also just become a meme.

One interesting thing about the conversation is that despite Swift’s apparent desire to stay on top of the charts, many parts of TTPD are about how many things she dislikes come from being famous. Mainly, that we all (society) have so many opinions about her personal life, e.g., dating Matty Healy. Yet she still wants to be No. 1, the most visible and best-selling artist.

So clearly the spotlight isn’t going away any time soon.

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri, is one of the most influential and controversial figures in the music industry. Known for his provocative lyrics, technical prowess, and significant impact on rap and hip-hop, Eminem’s career has been marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Early Years and Breakthrough:

Eminem’s rise to fame began in the late 1990s. Initially gaining attention in Detroit’s underground rap scene, his debut album *Infinite* (1996) garnered little success. However, his breakthrough came with *The Slim Shady LP* (1999), which introduced his alter ego, Slim Shady, and earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The album’s success, fueled by hits like “My Name Is” and “Guilty Conscience,” established Eminem as a major force in hip-hop.

Continued Success and Controversy:

Eminem’s follow-up album, *The Marshall Mathers LP* (2000), became one of the fastest-selling albums in history. It featured iconic tracks such as “Stan” and “The Real Slim Shady,” and solidified his reputation as a lyrical genius and a controversial figure due to its explicit content and social commentary.

In 2002, Eminem released *The Eminem Show,* which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and included hits like “Without Me” and “Cleaning Out My Closet.” His subsequent album, *Encore* (2004), continued his commercial success but faced criticism for its perceived decline in quality.

Hiatus and Return:

Following a period of personal and professional turmoil, including struggles with addiction and a highly publicized feud with his mother, Eminem took a brief hiatus. He returned in 2009 with *Relapse,* followed by *Recovery* (2010), which was met with critical acclaim and included hits like “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie.” *Recovery* marked a significant comeback and earned him a Grammy for Best Rap Album.

Recent Work and Legacy:

Eminem’s later albums include *The Marshall Mathers LP 2* (2013), *Revival* (2017), and *Kamikaze* (2018). *Music to Be Murdered By* (2020) and its deluxe edition *Music to Be Murdered By – Side B* (2020) continued his streak of releasing provocative and impactful music.

Throughout his career, Eminem has faced criticism for his controversial lyrics but has also been praised for his storytelling ability, technical skill, and influence on the genre. He has won numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Lose Yourself” from the film *8 Mile* (2002). Eminem remains a central figure in hip-hop, known for his resilience, innovation, and enduring impact on the music industry.