Kendrick Lamar has achieved another significant milestone in his illustrious career. The renowned rapper has officially become the first hip-hop artist to surpass 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify, a testament to his enduring appeal and relevance in the music industry.
For days, fans anticipated this milestone as they watched Lamar’s monthly listeners climb steadily. His recent performance at the Super Bowl halftime show was expected to boost these numbers even further, and it did not disappoint.
Kendrick Lamar’s career has never been about chasing numbers. He’s known for focusing on the artistry and message in his music rather than commercial success. However, reaching 100 million listeners is a noteworthy achievement that highlights his broad fan base and global influence.
In addition to this remarkable Spotify milestone, Lamar also became the first lead artist in the United States to achieve a billion streams in 2025. This accomplishment adds to his impressive list of achievements and solidifies his place at the top of the music industry.
Moreover, reports suggest that Kendrick Lamar is breaking new ground with his albums. He is projected to be the first rapper with three albums simultaneously in the Billboard 200’s top ten. While official charts are yet to confirm this, projections show ‘GNX’ leading the pack, followed by ‘DAMN.’ and ‘good kid, m.A.A.d city.’
This wave of success comes despite some backlash after Lamar’s Super Bowl performance. DJ Hed suggested on the Bigger Picture podcast that the backlash may be partly due to regional biases, particularly against West Coast artists. Despite this, Lamar’s music, such as ‘Not Like Us,’ continues to dominate streaming charts.
Fans speculate about Lamar’s next move, reflecting on how the suspense leading up to releases like ‘Like That’ has made them even more impactful. It’s this anticipation and engagement that keep his audience hooked, eager for what he will deliver next.
Kendrick Lamar’s recent achievements on Spotify and the Billboard charts underline his influence and artistic legacy. As he navigates critiques and anticipations, he remains a central figure in hip-hop, constantly redefining the genre’s boundaries.
