Megan Thee Stallion on Whenever’s Spotify Chart Debut
Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion sparked conversation with her candid response to her single “Whenever” debuting at #157 on the US Spotify Chart with 366,000 streams on April 24, 2025. Known for chart-topping hits like “Hiss” and “Savage Remix,” Megan expressed disappointment, stating, “something gotta change…from me and the hotties.”
Fans were equally shocked, with some praising her honesty and others debating the single’s performance, citing factors like repetitive style or fallout from her legal battle with Tory Lanez. This article explores Megan Thee Stallion’s reaction, the “Whenever” release, her career achievements, fan perspectives, and how to engage with her music, addressing readers’ curiosity about this pivotal moment for the Houston rapper.
Houston Rapper’s Career Achievements
Megan Thee Stallion, born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete on February 15, 1995, in San Antonio and raised in Houston, Texas, rose to fame with viral freestyle videos on Instagram. Signing with 1501 Certified Entertainment in 2018, she became the first female rapper on the label, releasing Tina Snow that year. Her 2019 mixtape Fever and singles like “Hot Girl Summer” (#11 on Billboard Hot 100) marked her mainstream breakthrough. In 2020, “Savage Remix” with Beyoncé and “WAP” with Cardi B both hit #1, earning her three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, per Billboard.
Her albums Good News (2020), Traumazine (2022), and Megan (2024) consistently hit the Billboard 200 top 10, with “Hiss” becoming her first solo #1 in 2024. Named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in 2020, Megan’s resilience through legal battles with 1501 and Tory Lanez underscores her influence, engaging readers interested in her journey.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Response to Whenever’s Chart Rank
The track, accompanied by a music video directed by Zac Dov Wiesel showing Megan crashing a car through a reception area, garnered 366,000 streams but failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100. Fans expected another hit, given her 2024 successes like “Hiss,” which topped the Hot 100. Megan’s introspective response, hinting at changes for herself and her fanbase (“hotties”), resonated widely. Megan Thee Stallion’s statement “something gotta change” followed the April 24, 2025, release of “Whenever,” her first solo single of the year, which debuted at #157 on the US Spotify Chart.
The Houston rapper’s transparency reflects her engagement with fans, addressing their disappointment while signaling a potential shift in her approach. This openness aligns with her history of tackling challenges head-on, from legal disputes to personal setbacks, making her reaction a focal point for readers seeking insight into her mindset.
Whenever’s Release and Performance
“Whenever,” released on April 24, 2025, marked Megan Thee Stallion’s first solo effort since her 2024 album Megan: Act II. Promoted with teasers on social media, the single aimed to build on her Hot Girl Summer Tour momentum. Its music video, featuring bold visuals like Megan posing in a fish tank, leaned into her confident persona. However, the song’s #157 Spotify Chart debut with 366,000 streams fell short of expectations, especially compared to “Hiss,” which amassed millions of streams and hit #1.
Critics and fans speculate on the underperformance. Noting the competitive streaming landscape, while others suggested Megan’s recent legal victory in her Tory Lanez case might have polarized her audience. Despite the chart rank, “Whenever” showcases her signature Houston rap style, appealing to readers tracking her musical evolution.
Megan and Tory’s Unforgettable Shooting
On July 15, 2020, Megan Thee Stallion publicly revealed that she had suffered gunshot wounds and undergone surgery to remove bullets from her feet—directly countering earlier reports that suggested she had only injured her foot on broken glass. The incident occurred three days earlier when Megan was in a car with rapper Tory Lanez (Daystar Peterson) and an unidentified woman. After police pulled the vehicle over, Lanez was arrested on gun charges following a search.
On July 27, Megan clarified that she had been shot in both feet and tearfully addressed the incident on Instagram Live, dispelling online rumors and public speculation. In August, she identified Lanez as the shooter, explaining that she initially withheld details from the police out of fear for her life. Megan’s attorney, Alex Spiro, later accused Lanez’s team of launching a “smear campaign” with falsified messages to discredit her—a claim Lanez’s representatives denied while vowing to investigate the source of the fake emails. Megan also alleged that Lanez’s team had offered her money in exchange for her silence.
The Aftermath of The Incident
The case escalated when, on October 8, 2020, Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Lanez with shooting Megan. He was ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from her and surrender any firearms. In a powerful op-ed for The New York Times that same month, Megan used her platform to spotlight the broader issue of violence against Black women, writing, “I was recently the victim of an act of violence by a man.” In April 2022, Lanez was arrested for violating the protection order but was later released on a $350,000 bond.
During the December 2022 trial, Megan testified emotionally, saying she “wish[ed Tory] would have just shot and killed me,” reflecting the psychological toll of the incident and the backlash she endured. On December 23, 2022, a jury found Lanez guilty on three felony charges, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He was sentenced on August 8, 2023, to 10 years in prison, closing a painful chapter. One that sparked widespread discussions about misogyny and victim-blaming. In addition to the protection of Black women in the music industry and beyond.
Something Gotta Change: Fan Reaction
Megan Thee Stallion’s “something gotta change” comment ignited varied fan responses. Some fans, as seen in , supported her call for reinvention, suggesting she diversify her flow, with comments like “her music sounds the same” reflecting a desire for new sounds. Others speculated that backlash from her 2020 shooting by Tory Lanez, might have impacted her fanbase. Especially, with debating lingering controversies. Conversely, loyal “hotties” defended her, praising her authenticity and citing her Hot Girl Summer Tour success. Which ultimately grossed over $40 million.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Next Steps
Megan Thee Stallion’s response to “Whenever”’s chart performance suggests she’s poised for evolution. Her history of overcoming obstacles—like parting ways with 1501 Certified Entertainment in 2023, shows her adaptability. In 2024, she signed a distribution deal with Warner Music Group. Releasing Megan and its deluxe Act II, both praised for creative freedom. Her recent features, like “Rapunzel” with Blackpink’s Lisa, indicate she’s exploring new collaborations to broaden her appeal.
For readers wondering about her future, Megan’s Hot Girl Summer Tour success and upcoming projects, signal continued ambition. Her willingness to address criticism head-on positions her to pivot. Whether through new sounds or deeper fan engagement, making this a critical moment in her career.
How to Support Megan Thee Stallion’s Music
Fans can stream “Whenever” on Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal to boost its performance. Watching the music video on YouTube, where Megan’s bold visuals shine, supports her creative output. Despite this negative moment, fans can continue to support Megan via her social media platforms. Additionally, fans can share posts with #Whenever or #HotGirlSummer. Which can help amplify her visibility. Exploring her catalog, from Fever to Megan: Act II, on streaming platforms offers context for her Houston rap roots, encouraging readers to engage actively with her work.
