despite not being released for digital download until april 13, 2011, "motivation" made its us chart debuted on april 2, debuting at number fifty-five on the hot r&b/hip-hop songs chart. in the weeks following it continued to rise thanks to urban airplay, eventually reaching number one in its tenth week on the chart, chart dated may 23, 2011. "motivation" is rowland's first solo number one as lead artist on a us "billboard" composite chart (one combining airplay and sales), although she previously peaked at number one with nelly on his 2002 single "dilemma." it stayed at the top spot of the chart for six more weeks. in the same week that "motivation" hit number one on the hot r&b/hip-hop songs chart, lil wayne, who is featured on the single, had a total of twelve songs on the chart.