The Rise of Tate McRae

👋 Struggling to escape your pandemic-era TikTok addiction? Blame Tate McRae. The Canadian pop sensation who dominated your FYP has now claimed Billboard's top spot, proving those endless scrolling sessions were actually cutting-edge music discovery.

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FEATURE

🎵 The Rise of Tate McRae

The music industry's newest powerhouse has quickly transformed from dance competition contestant to chart-topping artist in less than a decade.

1. 2025's Breakthrough Moment

As March 2025 unfolds, Tate McRae stands triumphant with her first Billboard chart-topping album. "So Close to What" has claimed the No. 1 position in a dramatic power shift, pushing heavyweights Drake and Kendrick Lamar to second and third place respectively. The Canadian singer's ascension signals a new force in pop music, with her single "Sports Car" making an impressive leap from No. 57 to No. 16 on the Hot 100.

This achievement comes at a particularly notable time, marking "the biggest debut week for a studio album by a woman in five months," according to Billboard. With 11 songs simultaneously charting on the Hot 100, McRae's dominance extends beyond just album sales, cementing her as one of music's most commanding new voices (read the new Rolling Stone piece).

2. The Eight-Year Evolution

When Tate McRae first appeared on television screens during the 13th season of "So You Think You Can Dance" in 2016, few could have predicted her trajectory. As a finalist showcasing remarkable dance skills, McRae displayed the work ethic and performance ability that would later define her musical career.

The intervening years saw McRae methodically building her following. Her breakthrough arrived with 2023's "Think Later," which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The album's standout single "Greedy" became a cultural phenomenon, reaching No. 3 on the charts and transforming McRae from promising talent to legitimate star. Her performances on Saturday Night Live and viral presence on TikTok further amplified her reach, making her one of America's most streamed artists last year.

3. A New Pop Paradigm

McRae's rise represents a notable shift in how modern pop stars achieve success. Unlike the slow-and-steady chart climbs of previous eras, her ascent mirrors the inverted trajectory common in today's streaming landscape. Yet unlike many contemporaries who rely heavily on variant editions and webstore manipulation, McRae's success seems built on genuine connection with audiences across multiple platforms.

The staying power of "So Close to What" likely hinges on whether another single can capture the lightning-in-a-bottle success of "Greedy." But with her proven ability to craft streaming hits and command attention across television, social media, and streaming platforms, Tate McRae appears positioned for sustained stardom in an industry where such longevity has become increasingly elusive.

In a musical climate dominated by established superstars, McRae's dramatic rise from reality TV contestant to chart-topper demonstrates that even in today's algorithm-driven landscape, extraordinary talent paired with strategic presence can still break through (watch Tate McRae perform “Revolving Door” on Jimmy Fallon).

SONG OF THE WEEK

📀 Tate McRae’s “It’s ok I’m ok” | ⭐ 3.9/5

This track comes from the official Musicboard Spotify playlist (updated weekly):

Here’s what the boards are saying:

• orangeskies314: "This song sounds very early 2000s Pop/R&B inspired. She's really leaning into the Britney comparisons."

• joma: "A hook that's arranged to be instrumentally bare — works well with Tate's breathy speak-singing"

• ghostwriter27: "The is still in her TikTok-Timbaland inspired era, but I enjoy that. It intrigues me, some listens engaging…others it bores me.

What do you think? Leave your review right here.

Honorable mention:

• Why These Coyote's "Dance Around The Fire" | Clear your schedule

• Swimming Paul & Beaux Neptune's "Driving Fast" | This track = banger

• Emotional Oranges' "West Coast Love" | Nostalgic vibes for the weekend

MEME