Carey’s ‘Honey’ Enters Singles Chart At Top

Deep Throat told us to “follow the money,” and that’s what Mariah Carey has done, as her “Honey” (Columbia) this week entered Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart at No. 1, succeeding “Mo Money Mo Problems” by the Notorious B.I.G. (Featuring Puff Daddy & Mase).

“Honey” is the sixth single in the rock era to enter the Hot 100 in pole position, and Carey is responsible for half of them. In 1995, “Fantasy” and “One Sweet Day” debuted at No. 1.

When the latter title, recorded with Boyz II Men, opened at No. 1, Carey became the first artist to have two chart-topping debuts. No one has matched that feat, and now Carey has three.

“Honey” continues the incredible reign of Sean “Puffy” Combs at No. 1.

The Bad Boy chief is one of the producers of Carey’s first single from her forthcoming “Butterfly” set. That means Combs has produced five of the seven No. 1 singles to advance to No. 1 in 1997.

It also means he has been listed as producer of the No. 1 song on the Hot 100 for 23 weeks this calendar year, and we’re only in week 37.

The instant success of “Honey” rewrites Carey’s entry in the chart books. It’s her 12th No. 1 hit, breaking her out of the three-way tie she’s been in with Madonna and Whitney Houston as the solo female artist with the most No. 1 hits.

Among all artists, Carey is now tied for fourth place with Diana Ross & the Supremes, behind the Beatles (20), Elvis Presley (17), and Michael Jackson (13).