Jason Aldean’s extraordinarily controversial single “Strive That In A Small City,” the video for which was pulled from CMT after being accused of selling racialized violence and vigilante justice, has hit #1 on the Billboard Scorching 100. It had debuted at #2 upon being launched to radio (the one initially got here out in Could). Three nation songs now at present maintain the highest three Scorching 100 spots; it’s the primary time that’s occurred. After Aldean, Morgan Wallen’s “Final Evening” is at #2, and Luke Combs’ Tracy Chapman cowl “Quick Automotive” sits at #3. That is Aldean’s first #1.

As Billboard factors out, the CMT determination, which occurred three days into “Strive That In A Small City”‘s rotation, doubtless gave Aldean a push. (CMT declined to provide a motive for the clip’s elimination.) The equally controversial video has since been edited to take away imagery of a Black Lives Matter protest, although Aldean’s label stated it was resulting from clearance points and never criticism.

Over the weekend, Aldean (once more) defended “Strive That in a Small City” whereas performing on the Xfinity Middle in Mansfield, Massachusetts, evaluating the tune’s messaging to the best way Boston residents unified after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. “The final time that occurred was a complete, not a small city, a big-ass city got here collectively, regardless of your coloration, regardless of something. Irrespective of in the event you’re something. The entire nation and particularly Boston got here collectively to search out” the individuals answerable for the bombings,” he stated.

Aldean added: “And anyone, any of you guys that may’ve discovered these guys earlier than the cops did, I do know you guys from Boston, and also you guys would’ve beat the shit out of them, both of ‘em. And I’ve been making an attempt to say, this isn’t about race, it’s about individuals getting their shit collectively and performing proper, performing such as you’ve obtained some frequent sense.”