Kendrick Lamar & Jay Rock’s “Money Trees” Surpasses 2 Billion Spotify Streams
Few songs in modern hip-hop have stood the test of time like Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock’s “Money Trees.” More than a decade after its release on the groundbreaking album good kid, m.A.A.d city in 2012, the track has officially crossed the 2 billion stream milestone on Spotify. This achievement not only cements the record’s legacy as a timeless anthem but also solidifies its place as the most-streamed track from Kendrick’s iconic sophomore album.
With its soulful production, introspective storytelling, and unforgettable guest verse by Jay Rock, “Money Trees” has become more than just a fan favorite—it’s a cultural landmark. Let’s dive deep into why this track continues to dominate streaming platforms, what it means for Kendrick Lamar’s career, and how it compares to other hip-hop classics in the digital era.
The Origins of “Money Trees”
Released on October 22, 2012, as part of Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city, “Money Trees” quickly emerged as one of the standout songs on an already stacked album. Produced by DJ Dahi, the track features a laid-back instrumental driven by a hypnotic guitar loop, crisp percussion, and atmospheric layering that perfectly matches Kendrick’s reflective verses.
The song captures the essence of the album’s themes: growing up in Compton, navigating temptation, and dreaming of a better life while confronting the harsh realities of the environment. The hook—“Ya bish”—became an instant catchphrase, while Jay Rock’s gritty guest verse provided balance to Kendrick’s introspection.
Unlike many radio singles from the era, “Money Trees” was never officially released as a single. Yet, it organically grew into one of the album’s biggest successes, proving that great music doesn’t always need a marketing push to find its audience.
Crossing 2 Billion Spotify Streams
As of September 2025, “Money Trees” has surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify, making it the most-played track from good kid, m.A.A.d city. This is a historic achievement for both Kendrick and Jay Rock, as the song continues to resonate with multiple generations of listeners.
For perspective:
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“M.A.A.d City,” another standout from the album, currently sits around 865 million streams.
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“Swimming Pools (Drank),” the album’s lead single, has approximately 980 million streams.
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“Money Trees” outpaces them all by a wide margin, a testament to its longevity and cultural impact.
This accomplishment also makes “Money Trees” Kendrick Lamar’s fourth song to cross the billion-stream threshold, joining other heavy-hitters in his discography. The track’s enduring popularity demonstrates not only the power of nostalgia but also its timeless relevance in today’s hip-hop landscape.
Why “Money Trees” Stands Out
Several factors explain why “Money Trees” continues to thrive more than a decade after its release:
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Storytelling and Relatability
Kendrick’s verses are a perfect blend of aspiration and realism. He raps about chasing wealth and success but also acknowledges the moral dilemmas and consequences of that pursuit. These themes remain relevant for listeners from all walks of life. -
Production Quality
DJ Dahi’s beat is atmospheric yet grounded, combining a soulful sample with West Coast bounce. The production allows Kendrick and Jay Rock’s verses to shine without being overshadowed. -
Jay Rock’s Guest Verse
Jay Rock’s contribution is widely considered one of the best guest verses of the 2010s. His gritty delivery and vivid imagery perfectly complement Kendrick’s reflective tone, making the track feel complete. -
Cultural Catchphrases
Lyrics like “Ya bish” and “It go Halle Berry or hallelujah” became staples in hip-hop conversations and internet culture, giving the song viral appeal long before TikTok trends existed. -
Streaming Era Boost
As streaming platforms became the dominant way to consume music, songs like “Money Trees” found new life. Younger fans discovered it for the first time, while older fans revisited it frequently.
Kendrick Lamar’s Legacy in the Streaming Era
For Kendrick Lamar, the 2 billion milestone is yet another achievement in a career filled with accolades. Beyond streaming numbers, Kendrick’s influence extends to critical acclaim, cultural commentary, and artistic innovation.
Some of his most significant accomplishments include:
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Multiple Grammy Awards across categories like Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance.
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A Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018 for DAMN., making him the first rapper to receive the honor.
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Headlining the world’s biggest festivals, from Coachella to Glastonbury.
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Consistently ranking among the most critically acclaimed artists of the century.
“Money Trees” adds to this legacy by showcasing Kendrick’s ability to create music that endures far beyond its release date. Unlike many hits that fade after a few months, this track has grown in popularity over time, proving the depth of Kendrick’s artistry.
Jay Rock’s Career Boost From “Money Trees”
While Kendrick Lamar was already on the rise in 2012, “Money Trees” also played a crucial role in elevating Jay Rock’s career. As a longtime member of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Jay Rock had been grinding in the underground for years. His verse on “Money Trees” introduced him to a much wider audience, many of whom became lifelong fans.
Following the song’s success, Jay Rock went on to release acclaimed projects like 90059 (2015) and Redemption (2018), the latter earning him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for “King’s Dead.” His growth as an artist can be traced back, in part, to the momentum he gained from this collaboration.
How “Money Trees” Compares to Other Hip-Hop Streaming Giants
Crossing 2 billion streams puts “Money Trees” in rare company. While mega-hits like Drake’s “One Dance” and Travis Scott’s “SICKO MODE” dominate Spotify charts, it’s unusual for a non-single album cut to achieve such massive numbers.
What makes this even more remarkable is that “Money Trees” wasn’t crafted for commercial radio. Instead, it thrived on authenticity, lyrical depth, and fan loyalty. This contrasts with many of today’s chart-toppers, which often rely on viral marketing or TikTok challenges.
In essence, “Money Trees” proves that substance and storytelling can outperform trends when given enough time.
The Cultural Impact of “Money Trees”
Beyond the numbers, “Money Trees” has left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture.
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Concert Staples: Kendrick regularly performs the song at live shows, and fans often rap along word for word.
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Internet Memes: Lyrics from the track have inspired countless memes, tweets, and viral posts over the years.
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Academic Analysis: Scholars and critics frequently cite “Money Trees” when discussing Kendrick’s lyrical genius and ability to capture the Black experience in America.
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Inspiration for Artists: Many younger rappers credit Kendrick and songs like “Money Trees” as influences on their own music and storytelling approach.
This combination of cultural and academic recognition ensures that the track will continue to be studied and celebrated for years to come.
Looking Ahead: Kendrick’s Next Moves
With good kid, m.A.A.d city still streaming at astronomical levels, fans are eagerly awaiting Kendrick Lamar’s next chapter. His most recent project, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (2022), further solidified his reputation as one of the most thoughtful and innovative artists in hip-hop.
If history is any indication, Kendrick’s future releases will only add to his impressive streaming catalog. But “Money Trees” will always stand as a reminder of his ability to create timeless music that transcends generations.
Conclusion: A Timeless Hip-Hop Classic
The news that Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock’s “Money Trees” has surpassed 2 billion Spotify streams is more than just a number—it’s a testament to the song’s lasting cultural and musical significance. From its origins on good kid, m.A.A.d city to its dominance in the streaming era, the track embodies everything that makes hip-hop a powerful art form: storytelling, authenticity, collaboration, and cultural resonance.
For Kendrick Lamar, the milestone adds another chapter to his unparalleled career, while for Jay Rock, it remains a career-defining moment. Most importantly, for fans, “Money Trees” continues to serve as an anthem of ambition, reflection, and resilience.
As hip-hop evolves and streaming numbers climb higher, few songs will achieve the balance of critical acclaim and popular love that “Money Trees” enjoys. It is, simply put, a timeless classic that proves great music never fades—it only grows stronger with time.
