Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ Becomes the Fastest Rap Album to Reach 2 Billion Streams, Shattering Records

Kendrick Lamar has once again proven why he remains one of the most dominant forces in the hip-hop industry. His latest album, GNX, has set a new benchmark by becoming the fastest rap album to reach 2 billion streams, breaking the previous record held by Travis Scott’s UTOPIA. According to industry sources, GNX hit the milestone in just 96 days, surpassing Scott’s record of 114 days, which was set in 2023.

This incredible achievement highlights Lamar’s unmatched influence and loyal fanbase, reaffirming his place as one of the greatest artists of his generation. But this isn’t the only record the Compton-born rapper has shattered in 2025.

Breaking Records: The Unstoppable Rise of Kendrick Lamar

Beyond just breaking streaming records, Kendrick Lamar’s success continues to be evident in chart dominance. Multiple tracks from GNX have been dominating the Billboard Hot 100, with songs like “Not Like Us”, “Luther” (feat. SZA), “TV Off”, and “Squabble Up” consistently landing within the top five. This remarkable feat showcases the album’s cultural impact and mass appeal.

Industry analysts and fans alike have praised Lamar’s ability to combine lyrical brilliance with mainstream appeal. His ability to craft socially conscious music while maintaining his commercial success has set him apart as one of hip-hop’s greatest artists of all time.

Kendrick vs. Drake: The Ongoing Rivalry

Despite besting Drake in their highly publicized lyrical battle, the Toronto rapper recently reclaimed his position as Spotify’s No. 1 artist, with Kendrick holding strong at No. 2. With both artists at the pinnacle of the rap game, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this ongoing rivalry. The dynamic between these two hip-hop titans continues to fuel debate and discussion within the music industry.

In a recent interview with Billboard, industry insiders suggested that Kendrick’s lyrical depth gives him an artistic edge, while Drake’s massive global fanbase ensures his continued commercial dominance. The question remains: Who truly rules hip-hop?

Kendrick Lamar’s Dominance in 2025

Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is more than just a commercial success—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The album’s impact has been felt far and wide, dominating streaming platforms and climbing the charts at an unprecedented pace.

Here are some of the most impressive feats Kendrick has achieved in 2025 so far:

• Five Grammy Wins – Lamar kicked off the year by winning five Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Song for his chart-topping diss track, “Not Like Us.”

• Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Performance – Kendrick took the stage at Super Bowl LIX, delivering an electrifying performance that showcased his biggest hits to a global audience.

• Billboard Hot 100 Domination – Multiple songs from GNX continue to dominate the top spots on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing his presence in mainstream music.

• The Drake Rivalry Continues – While Lamar emerged victorious in their widely publicized rap beef, his rival Drake has recently reclaimed his position as Spotify’s No. 1 artist, keeping their competition alive.

Breaking Streaming Records: How ‘GNX’ Surpassed Expectations

When Travis Scott’s UTOPIA set the previous record for the fastest rap album to reach 2 billion streams, many thought it would stand for years. However, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX shattered expectations, reaching the milestone in just 96 days.

So, what made GNX such a historic success? Here are some key factors:

1. Viral Hit Singles

Several tracks from GNX became instant anthems, fueling the album’s rapid ascent on streaming platforms. The most notable include:

• “Not Like Us” – Widely regarded as the ultimate diss track, this song took direct aim at Drake, sparking debates across social media and hip-hop forums.

• “Luther” (feat. SZA) – A soulful collaboration that resonated with both rap and R&B fans, boosting streams significantly.

• “TV Off” & “Squabble Up” – These tracks also found a home in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, proving the album’s widespread appeal.

2. The Impact of the Super Bowl Halftime Show

Kendrick’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show further catapulted GNX into the mainstream spotlight. The performance, which featured a mix of old and new hits, was widely praised, drawing comparisons to some of the best Super Bowl performances of all time.

3. A Loyal and Expanding Fanbase

Over the years, Kendrick has built an incredibly loyal fanbase that eagerly awaits each release. His ability to connect with listeners through storytelling, lyrical depth, and authenticity has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected artists in the game.

Kendrick vs. Drake: The Battle for Hip-Hop Supremacy

One of the biggest talking points of 2025 has been the ongoing rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Their lyrical feud reached its peak last year, culminating in a series of diss tracks that sent shockwaves throughout the industry. While Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” cemented his victory in the battle, Drake has continued to hold his ground.

Most recently, Drake reclaimed his position as Spotify’s No. 1 artist, with Kendrick close behind at No. 2. This back-and-forth competition has fueled discussion among fans, keeping both artists in the cultural spotlight. With both rappers at the top of their game, the hip-hop world eagerly awaits their next moves.

What’s Next for Kendrick Lamar?

With GNX continuing to break records, fans are already speculating about what’s next for Kendrick Lamar. Here are some possibilities:

• A Worldwide Tour – Given the massive success of GNX, a global tour seems inevitable. Fans across the world are eager to see Kendrick perform his latest hits live.

• More Collaborations – Lamar has a history of collaborating with some of the biggest names in music. Could we see a surprise feature with artists like J. Cole, Beyoncé, or even a reunion with Drake?

• A New Album in the Works? – While GNX is still fresh, Kendrick is known for his meticulous approach to music-making. Could he already be working on his next masterpiece?

Conclusion

Kendrick Lamar’s GNX has not only become the fastest rap album to hit 2 billion streams, but it has also solidified his status as one of the most influential artists of his era. From record-breaking streaming numbers to dominating the Billboard charts, Kendrick’s 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular.

With ongoing rivalries, massive performances, and potential new music on the horizon, one thing is certain: Kendrick Lamar is not slowing down anytime soon.

Stay tuned for more updates on the hip-hop legend’s journey and the ever-evolving rap game.