In a monumental achievement, Kendrick Lamar has become the first rapper to surpass one billion streams as a lead artist in the United States. This milestone was announced on February 16, 2025, following a week filled with significant accomplishments for the acclaimed artist. The announcement came from Chart Data via X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the massive boost in Lamar’s streaming numbers fueled by his latest hit, “Not Like Us,” which has ascended to the number one spot on Spotify’s global charts.
This accomplishment has elicited mixed reactions from fans on social media, with some expressing skepticism about the timing and scale of the milestone. One user remarked on the seemingly sudden nature of hitting a billion streams after years of producing music, humorously suggesting that Lamar should send a thank-you note to Drake for his success. Others questioned the metrics behind tracking an artist’s streams, seeking clarity on how to verify such statistics in relation to specific timeframes.
Lamar’s rise to this streaming milestone is complemented by his recent successes in the music industry. At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, he took home five prestigious awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Not Like Us.” This historic win marks only the second time a rap song has won Record of the Year, following Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” in 2019. With these victories, Kendrick Lamar has solidified his status as one of the most decorated artists in hip-hop history, bringing his total Grammy count to 22 and placing him behind only Jay-Z and Kanye West in terms of accolades.
In addition to his Grammy triumphs, Lamar made headlines for his captivating performance during the Super Bowl halftime show at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. His show attracted an astonishing 133.5 million viewers, surpassing Michael Jackson’s previous record of 133.4 million viewers set in 1993. Lamar’s performance outshone the game itself, which averaged 127.7 million viewers. The 13-minute set featured a medley of his greatest hits, including “HUMBLE,” “DNA,” and “All the Stars,” alongside his award-winning track “Not Like Us.”
As Kendrick Lamar continues to break records and redefine the boundaries of hip-hop, his influence on the genre remains undeniable. His ability to resonate with a wide audience, coupled with his innovative artistry, has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also solidified his place as a cultural icon. With the release of “Not Like Us” and an array of accolades in quick succession, Lamar is poised to maintain his momentum and continue shaping the future of music. As fans celebrate his latest achievements, the anticipation for what Kendrick Lamar will deliver next is palpable, ensuring that his impact on the industry will be felt for years to come.
