The Shocking Numbers Behind Spotify’s Most Streamed Rappers—Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar Can’t Keep Up

Spotify has just released its monthly streaming data, and the numbers are in: Drake is firmly at the top of the chart as September’s most streamed rapper. The Canadian superstar continues to prove why he remains one of the most influential figures in hip hop and global music, attracting massive plays across his catalog.

Drake Pulls in a Staggering 1.45 Billion Streams

For September, Drake amassed an astonishing 1.45 billion streams on Spotify, nearly doubling the numbers of the second-place artist. This phenomenal figure underscores his unmatched popularity and consistency in the digital streaming era.

Drake’s dominance is not only a reflection of his current releases but also his timeless catalog, spanning hits from “Take Care” to “Scorpion” and beyond. His ability to maintain relevance in an ever-changing industry cements his position as a global hip hop icon.

With nearly 1.5 billion streams, Drake continues to show that no one comes close to his streaming power.

The Close Competitors: Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar

Trailing behind Drake are Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar, two of the most influential rappers of the past decade.

Travis Scott pulled in 746 million streams, showcasing the continued impact of his high-energy tracks and collaborative projects. Known for his genre-blending sound and ability to create cultural moments, Scott’s consistency keeps him at the forefront of modern hip hop.

Kendrick Lamar, the critically acclaimed lyricist, garnered 660 million streams, reflecting his sustained appeal both commercially and artistically. Lamar’s deep storytelling, layered production, and conscious messaging continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

These numbers highlight how streaming platforms like Spotify have become central to measuring an artist’s reach and relevance in the digital age.

Legendary Artists Holding Their Ground

Despite the emergence of new talents, veteran rappers remain strong contenders in the streaming game. Icons like Kanye West, Future, Eminem, and Lil Wayne continue to rack up hundreds of millions of streams, showing that their influence is far from fading.

Kanye West maintains a devoted fan base that streams his extensive catalog, from “The College Dropout” to “Donda.”

Future, the trap innovator, continues to dominate with hits that resonate on streaming playlists globally.

Eminem, a pioneer of lyrical mastery, still attracts massive attention, proving the staying power of his brand.

Lil Wayne, one of the most prolific rappers in history, keeps his legacy alive through continuous streaming engagement.

This mix of established heavyweights ensures that Spotify charts reflect a balance of nostalgia and contemporary relevance.

Rising Stars Making Waves: Gunna and Don Toliver

Hip hop’s landscape is not just defined by veterans; rising stars are reshaping the genre and drawing millions of listeners. September’s data shows that Gunna and Don Toliver are solidifying their places in the upper echelon of streaming stars.

Gunna, known for his melodic flow and trap-infused sound, continues to grow his fan base with consistent releases and collaborations.

Don Toliver, recognized for his signature autotune-laden hooks, has become a streaming favorite, capturing both mainstream listeners and niche hip hop fans.

These artists demonstrate how Spotify’s global reach allows newer talents to thrive alongside seasoned performers, creating a dynamic and evolving hip hop ecosystem.

Women in Hip Hop: Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj Shine

The top streams are not exclusive to male artists. Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj stand out as leading female rappers, proving that women remain a dominant force in hip hop.

Doja Cat, with her versatile sound that blends rap, pop, and R&B, has cultivated a massive online presence and streaming success.

Nicki Minaj, a trailblazer in the genre, continues to command attention with her lyricism, charisma, and cultural influence.

Their success highlights the ongoing importance of female representation in hip hop, and how women continue to shape the streaming landscape alongside their male counterparts.

Legacy Artists Still Impacting the Charts

Even artists who have passed away maintain strong streaming numbers. Legends like Juice WRLD and XXXTENTACION continue to captivate listeners, proving that music has the power to transcend life itself.

Juice WRLD, known for his emotive lyrics and melodic approach, remains a streaming powerhouse, influencing a new generation of artists.

XXXTENTACION, despite controversies, holds a significant place in hip hop culture, and his music continues to resonate with millions of fans globally.

The persistence of posthumous streams reflects how digital platforms preserve musical legacies, allowing artists to impact listeners even after their passing.

Rounding Out the Top: ASAP Rocky and Other Heavyweights

Rounding out September’s most streamed rappers is ASAP Rocky, who garnered 226 million streams, showing his continued relevance in the genre. Known for his fashion-forward persona and innovative sound, Rocky remains an essential voice in hip hop’s evolving scene.

Other notable mentions include Future, Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Travis Scott, whose sustained streaming numbers confirm their dominance across multiple generations of listeners.

What This Means for the Hip Hop Industry

The Spotify streaming data from September provides insights beyond just numbers. It shows the continued dominance of superstars like Drake while also highlighting the growth of emerging talents and the staying power of iconic legends.

Digital platforms are king: Spotify remains a primary metric for gauging artist influence in the modern music industry.

Legacy and innovation coexist: The mix of veteran artists and rising stars ensures hip hop remains dynamic and culturally relevant.

Global reach: Streaming numbers reflect worldwide engagement, demonstrating hip hop’s universal appeal.

Female representation matters: Artists like Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj show that women are integral to the genre’s evolution.

This combination of data and cultural influence underscores how hip hop continues to shape music trends and dominate global listening habits.

Drake: Streaming King of September

Ultimately, Drake’s near 1.45 billion streams in September are a testament to his unmatched influence. His ability to continuously attract massive listenership, both through new releases and his extensive catalog, solidifies his status as Spotify’s streaming king for hip hop.

Fans, analysts, and fellow artists alike recognize that Drake’s dominance is not a fleeting moment but a sustained era of cultural and musical impact. His engagement on streaming platforms is unmatched, setting a benchmark for what it means to be a successful modern artist.

Hip Hop’s Streaming Landscape in September 2025

September 2025 on Spotify proves that hip hop remains the dominant genre, driven by a mix of veteran legends and innovative newcomers.

Drake continues to lead with over 1.45 billion streams, asserting his place at the top.

Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar show that both high-energy and lyrically profound music still captivate listeners.

Rising stars like Gunna and Don Toliver highlight the genre’s evolving future.

Women in hip hop, led by Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj, prove that female artists are integral to the genre’s success.

Posthumous streaming of Juice WRLD and XXXTENTACION demonstrates the lasting power of music beyond life.

These numbers paint a clear picture: hip hop is thriving, and Spotify remains a vital platform for measuring cultural impact. From seasoned icons to next-generation stars, the genre continues to define the musical landscape, one billion streams at a time.