Rihanna is first female artist to hit 2 billion streams on Apple Music

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Rihanna
The biggest artist under Apple Music's umbrella. Ella, ella. 'Eh 'eh?
Photo: Apple

Rihanna is the first female artist to surpass 2 billion streams on Apple Music, according to a tweet sent out by Cupertino.

It’s not clear whether the quick stat refers to just Rihanna’s solo songs or includes other artists’ tracks on which she appeared. However, it’s a big achievement — and proof positive of just how big Apple Music is getting.

Rihanna was followed by Taylor Swift in second place. Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Adele, Sia, Lana Del Rey, Selena Gomez, SZA and Lady Gaga round out the top 10. Interestingly, Rihanna was not featured at all in Apple’s list of the most-streamed albums on Apple Music last year. The highest-ranking woman on that list was Taylor Swift with Reputation. Rihanna’s last album was 2016’s Anti.

Apple’s tweet links to a page of “Rihanna Essentials” on Apple Music. No doubt the company hopes its promotion will help rack up a few more streams on its music service.

The listing of top female artists follows last week’s International Women’s Day. Then again, maybe promoting Rihanna is about dissipating the feud from that one time Eddy Cue and Rihanna were the subject of an unlikely “beef” after clashing at an NBA game!

Apple Music is on its way to being the biggest streaming service

As the 2 billion streams figure suggests, Apple Music continues to go from strength to strength.

Growing at a paid subscription rate of 5 percent every month, as opposed to Spotify’s 2 percent growth, Apple Music will soon be the U.S.’ most popular paid streaming service. Right now it is on track to overtake Spotify as the biggest music streaming service in the United States this summer.

Are you an Apple Music subscriber? Let us know in the comments below.

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