June 22, 2024
BLACKPINK’s LISA has just announced her new solo single, “Rockstar,” set to arrive on June 27 at 8 p.m. ET. This highly anticipated track marks her first release since signing with RCA Records...
Read moreJune 22, 2024
The 2024 Libera Awards, held on June 11 at Gotham Hall, marked a significant celebration of the vibrant and diverse achievements in independent music. Presented by the American Association of...
Read moreJune 22, 2024
Khalid Donnel Robinson, known simply as Khalid, has become a defining voice of his generation with his soulful voice, relatable lyrics, and genre-blending sound. Since his breakthrough with the hit...
Read moreJune 21, 2024
Two years after her split from Gerard Piqué, Shakira has achieved significant milestones, including four major hits and a VMAs Vanguard Award, while preparing to release her next album, Las Mujeres...
Read moreJune 21, 2024
Taylor Swift's songwriting prowess has garnered admiration from numerous celebrities, who each hold special attachments to different tracks from her extensive catalog. Ryan Gosling, for instance...
Read moreJune 21, 2024
Celine Dion, one of the most iconic voices in the music industry, has faced a series of health challenges in recent years that have significantly impacted her singing career. Known for her powerful...
Read moreJune 21, 2024
Don Toliver, the Houston-born maestro of atmospheric melodies and genre-blending soundscapes, is once again redefining the boundaries of music and immersive experiences with his latest album...
Read moreJune 21, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, Sabrina Carpenter is a name that’s resonating louder with each passing day. This week, Billboard's Trending Up newsletter highlights Carpenter's...
Read moreJune 21, 2024
Selena Gomez has again raised the possibility of stepping away from the music industry, less than three years after contemplating retirement. During an appearance on the SmartLess podcast with...
Read moreJune 21, 2024
Throughout 2024, The Beatles have been consistently appearing and reappearing on the Billboard charts, with their presence often varying by week and by album. While the legendary band often charts...
Read moreJune 21, 2024
Badshah, born Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia on November 19, 1985, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the Indian music industry. Known for his unique style that blends hip-hop with...
Read moreJune 21, 2024
David Bowie's self-titled debut album, an essential piece of music history, is set to captivate old and new fans alike with its upcoming groundbreaking reissue. This fresh take on Bowie’s early...
Read morePhoto: Joseph Okpako, Getty Images (2022)
Kendrick Lamar's recent success on the charts marks a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his influence and dominance in the music industry. His diss track "Not Like Us" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, signaling not just a victory in his ongoing feud with Drake, but also a broader cultural impact. This achievement underscores Lamar's ability to capture the public's attention and translate controversy into commercial success.
The surge in Lamar's streaming numbers is remarkable. Billboard reported a 50% increase in his entire music catalog's streams compared to the previous week. This surge propelled him to the second most-streamed artist globally on Spotify for the week of May 9, just behind Taylor Swift. Such impressive statistics reflect the widespread appeal of his music and his strategic use of high-profile feuds to maintain and grow his fanbase.
Lamar's diss tracks, particularly "Not Like Us," "Euphoria," and "Meet the Grahams," collectively garnered 208 million streams on Spotify. This massive streaming success demonstrates his mastery in crafting tracks that resonate with listeners and keep them engaged. His presence at the top of both Apple Music and Spotify daily charts further cements his position as a leading figure in the music world.
The commercial success of "Not Like Us" extends beyond traditional music charts. The track debuted at number nine on the TikTok Billboard Top 50, making it Lamar's highest-ranking song on the platform. This entry is significant as it highlights Lamar's ability to adapt to new digital landscapes and reach younger audiences through social media. The success on TikTok, a platform known for its viral trends and younger user base, indicates that Lamar's music transcends generational boundaries and continues to be relevant in various contexts.
Kendrick Lamar's rise to the top charts during this period of intense public and media scrutiny exemplifies his resilience and strategic acumen. It shows how an artist can leverage personal and professional conflicts to enhance their public profile and achieve new heights in their career. For Lamar, this moment is not just about winning a feud; it's about solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential artists of his generation. His ability to turn controversy into chart-topping success is a testament to his artistry and the powerful connection he has with his audience.