Babyface has achieved a new hit at R&B radio. The legendary singer, songwriter and producer’s single “As of a Matter of Fact” has advanced to No. 1 on the airplay format.
The song gained 200 new spins, totaling 2,264 with 8.21 audience impressions this week, according to Mediabase.
“As a Matter of Fact” was released days before Babyface’s performance at the Super Bowl LVII pregame in early February, where he sang “America the Beautiful.”
The feel-good tune reached the top 10 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart in late May, scoring Babyface his 16th top 10 hit.
At the time of publication, “As a Matter of Fact” has also moved to No. 1 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart. It’s Babyface’s first time topping this chart as a solo act in 26 years.
He previously topped the chart as a soloist with “Every Time I Close My Eyes” in March 1997. The song spent two weeks at No. 1.
Circling back to R&B radio, “As a Matter of Fact” is Babyface’s first No. 1 single on that chart since his “Keeps On Fallin’,” his 2022 collaboration with Ella Mai.
The Grammy-nominated track, nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance, was released as the lead single from Babyface’s album, Girls Night Out.
In addition to Mai, the album featured appearances from Ari Lennox, Kehlani, Sevyn Streeter, Queen Naija, Coco Jones, Tiana Major9 and more.
Girls Night Out was among Rated R&B’s 30 Best R&B Albums of 2022.
Last month, Babyface performed for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. He was joined by R&B vocalists Chanté Moore, Tank and Avery Wilson.
The 30-minute set included live renditions of his classics including “Whip Appeal,” as well as songs he’s written for other artists such as Karyn White (“Superwoman”).
He also performed other classics he’s penned such as Mary J. Blige’s “Not Gon’ Cry” and Tevin Campbell’s “Can We Talk.”
Although Babyface didn’t include “As a Matter of Fact” in his Tiny Desk setlist, it’s possible that he may perform it at one of his upcoming shows.
Stream Babyface’s “As a Matter of Fact” below.
