In a spectacular surge, Kendrick Lamar is on the brink of making Spotify history by becoming the first rapper to cross the 100 million monthly listener mark. This milestone is just a million streams away, signaling a new era in hip-hop.
Kendrick Lamar’s performance at Super Bowl LIX was nothing short of sensational. Held on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, the halftime show catapulted his streaming numbers, with Spotify reporting a stunning 175% increase within the following week. Lamar’s track ‘Not Like Us,’ which takes a jab at fellow rapper Drake, saw a dramatic 430% boost in streams.
Before Kendrick’s ascendancy, Drake held the record as the most-streamed rapper. The rivalry intensified after Lamar’s collaboration on ‘Like That’ with Future and Metro Boomin, where he openly challenged Drake and J. Cole as hip-hop’s elite. This rivalry has only fueled Lamar’s relentless pursuit of greatness.
Since launching his career on a new trajectory in April 2024, Lamar has unleashed a series of diss tracks, including ‘Not Like Us’ and ‘Euphoria.’ These tracks climbed the charts and featured on his latest album, GNX, which dropped at the end of the year. Collaborations with artists like SZA, Lefty Gunplay, and Roddy Ricch set the stage for a record-breaking five Grammy wins.
The Super Bowl LIX performance, notorious for its mixed reviews, attracted an audience of about 133.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime show in the U.S. The event not only showcased Lamar’s artistry but also solidified his impact in the digital music realm, driving his Spotify numbers skyward.
Lamar’s explosive artistry continues to captivate audiences and redefine modern music. Teaming up with SZA for the Grand National Tour starting in April, the duo kept the momentum going and further amplified his influence on a global scale.
Kendrick Lamar’s imminent Spotify milestone underscores his powerful presence in the music industry. His achievements reveal the massive influence of live performances and digital platforms in today’s music landscape. As he edges closer to this extraordinary feat, Kendrick’s journey emphasizes his lasting legacy in hip-hop.
