Kendrick Lamar Achieves Milestone With 3 Albums in Billboard Top 10
Kendrick Lamar has once again solidified his status as a legendary artist with his latest album, GNX, returning to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that two of his previous works, DAMN. from 2017 and good kid, m.A.A.d city from 2012, are also holding strong in the top 10 at numbers 9 and 10, respectively.
This historic feat marks the first time in history that a rap artist has had three albums simultaneously in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart. The last musician, regardless of genre, to accomplish such a feat was Taylor Swift on the December 9, 2023 chart, with five albums in the top rankings. Prior to that, Prince was the last artist to achieve this milestone following his passing in 2016.
The success of Kendrick Lamar’s albums coincides with the physical release of GNX and his record-breaking performance at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime show. Billboard reports that the last time a Super Bowl halftime performer topped the Billboard 200 chart after their performance was Justin Timberlake in 2018.
Following his electrifying halftime show, which featured appearances from SZA, Serena Williams, Samuel L. Jackson, and Mustard, Kendrick Lamar’s track “Not Like Us” saw a staggering 430% increase in streams on Spotify. Interestingly, this song is not part of any of his albums. However, the other nine songs he performed experienced significant boosts as well, with “HUMBLE” rising by 300% and “Euphoria” seeing a 260% increase.
Moreover, Apple Music also witnessed Kendrick Lamar’s dominance with GNX reclaiming the No. 1 spot on the streaming platform. Reflecting on his creative process, the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper shared with actor Timothée Chalamet before the Super Bowl that writing is his form of sanity. He emphasized how it has helped him understand himself better, leading him to express thoughts and emotions he may not have otherwise discovered.
Kendrick Lamar’s impact on the music industry and culture is undeniable. His ability to create thought-provoking and introspective music has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. With his latest achievements on the Billboard charts, Kendrick Lamar continues to set the bar high for himself and the future of rap music.