London’s rap sensation Central Cee, hailing from Shepherd’s Bush, has notched his first-ever appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with his latest collaboration with none other than Drake. The “On the Radar Freestyle” was released on July 21 under OVO Sound, marking a significant milestone for the artist as it debuts at an impressive No. 80 on the Hot 100 chart. Garnering 7.1 million official streams in the U.S., the song has also secured the No. 33 spot on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The captivating collaboration between Drake and Central Cee came to fruition during one of Drake’s performances in New York City as part of his “It’s All a Blur Tour.” The song, a freestyle, stands as a testament to the artist’s growth and reach, now showcased on a global stage.

The unique nature of “On the Radar Freestyle” is underscored by its origin. It was recorded for the platform “On the Radar,” hosted by Gabe P of WWPR (Power 105.1) in New York. This platform is known for featuring interviews and freestyles from emerging rap talents. The song’s appearance on a Billboard chart signifies its exceptional quality and impact, as it marks the first instance of a track from this platform achieving such recognition.

Central Cee’s talent has long been acknowledged in his home country, with numerous chart-topping singles in the UK. Having charted 12 songs on the Official U.K. Singles chart, including six top 10 hits and one No. 1 (“Sprinter” with fellow English rapper Dave), Central Cee’s musical prowess is undeniable.

His impact on the global music scene has been steadily growing, with tracks like “Sprinter” and “Doja” making notable appearances on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and the Hot 100’s Bubbling Under ranking. Additionally, several of Central Cee’s songs have earned spots on the Billboard Global 200, solidifying his status as a rising star beyond borders.

Despite not yet releasing a full-length studio album, Central Cee’s journey has been marked by the success of his mixtapes “Wild West” (2021) and “23” (2022). His latest EP “Split Decision,” comprising four tracks, was released in June and has further fueled anticipation for his future projects.

Central Cee and Drake’s partnership goes beyond the studio, as the two have been linked since Central Cee became the face of Drake’s Nike x Nocta collection in 2021. Their creative synergy is evident not only in “On the Radar Freestyle” but also in previous collaborations like “Doja” and the video for “Jumbotron Shit Poppin.”

Central Cee’s Billboard Hot 100 debut is a testament to his undeniable talent, resonating with audiences worldwide and solidifying his place in the global music landscape.