Tank Ties Toni Braxton and Silk Sonic’s Album Record on Adult R&B Airplay Chart

Tank may have already released his final album, but the R&B veteran has saved his best for last. The singer once again crowns Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart as “See Through Love” featuring Chris Brown ascends to the summit on the list dated May 20. The new leader is the fourth No. 1 from his final album, R&B Money, becoming the first ever by a solo male to generate a quartet of champs.

“See Through Love” advances from the runner-up spot after a 4% increase in plays that made it the most-played song on U.S. monitored adult R&B radio stations in the week ending May 11, according to Luminate. The single ousts Ravyn Lanae’s “Skin Tight” featuring Steve Lacy after the latter’s one-week command.

With “See Through Love,” Tank banks his eighth No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay, and his chart-topping rate has soared in recent years. After capturing two No. 1s in the 16 years from his 2001 chart debut until 2017, he has logged six leaders in the past six years. Consistency, too, has become a standard, with only two of his eight chart entries since 2017 – “I Don’t Think You’re Ready” (No. 3) and a featured turn on J. Brown’s “Don’t Rush” (No. 7) — missing the top spot.

Here’s a recap Tank’s No. 1 titles on Adult R&B Airplay:

  • “Please Don’t Go,” No. 1 for 10 weeks, beginning May 19, 2007
  • “Next Breath,” one, June 16, 2012
  • “When We,” 11, Nov. 18, 2017
  • “Dirty,” three, April 20, 2019
  • “Can’t Let It Show,” two, July 3, 2021
  • “I Deserve,” one, March 19, 2022
  • “Slow,” featuring J Valentine two, Nov. 5, 2022
  • “See Through Love,” featuring Chris Brown, one (to date), May 20, 2023

As his last four No. 1 all spring from R&B Money, the album makes history as the first by a solo male artist to produce that at least many No. 1s on Adult R&B Airplay. Overall, it’s the third set to manage the feat, following Toni Braxton’s self-titled debut LP (“Another Sad Love Song,” “Breathe Again,” “Seven Whole Days” and “You Mean the World to Me”) in 1993-94 and Silk Sonic’s An Evening With Silk Sonic (“Leave the Door Open,” “Smokin’ out the Window,” “Love’s Train” and “After Last Night,” featuring Bootsy Collins and Thundercat) in 2021-22.

“I am truly humbled and honored to have reached my [eighth] No. 1 hit,” Tank said in a press release. “This milestone is a testament to my fans’ incredible support and love throughout the years. I couldn’t have achieved this without the amazing collaboration with Chris Brown, whose talent and dedication are unparalleled. I want to thank everyone involved in making ‘See Through Love’ a success, and most importantly, my fans who inspire me daily.”

For featured artist Chris Brown, “See Through Love” secures his fourth No. 1 Adult R&B Airplay hit. The R&B superstar previously reigned with “No Guidance,” featuring Drake (11 weeks in 2020), “Go Crazy,” with Young Thug (seven, 2020-21) and in a supporting role on H.E.R.’s “Come Through” (one, 2022).

Trevor Anderson

Billboard