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How to Be a Successful Songwriter When You Can’t Play an Instrument

August 26, 2024

If you’re a songwriter who can sing but can’t play an instrument, you may feel like you’ve hit a roadblock in your creative journey. You have the ideas in your head, but you’re unsure how to turn...

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What Is the Point of Mastering If the Mix Is Good? A Guide to Understanding Mastering's Role

August 26, 2024

For many newer producers, it can be confusing to understand the importance of mastering, especially when your mix feels polished and balanced. However, mastering is an essential step in the...

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Write a Vocal Melody That Stands Out: Tips for Phrasing and Dynamics

August 25, 2024

If you’ve been writing music for a decade but are just starting to dive into vocal melodies, you’re not alone in facing challenges with phrasing and creating vocal dynamics that don’t feel repetitive.

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Add FX and Ear Candy to Your Tracks: Tips for Taking Your Sketch to the Next Level

August 23, 2024

Adding FX and ear candy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you start to overthink the process. However, these little details are often what bring a track to life, adding depth, excitement.

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Recreate a Vocal Stutter Effect Like Skrillex: A Step-by-Step Guide

August 21, 2024

If you’ve just stepped into the world of music production, vocal stutters can be a fun and impactful technique to add excitement and energy to your tracks. You’ve heard that fast vocal stutter at...

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Get a Great Sounding Synth: The Deadmau5 Approach

August 21, 2024

If you’ve been experimenting with synthesizers, you know the quest for a perfect synth sound can be a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you’re looking for something clean yet huge, or...

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Make Music Again: Overcoming Creative Burnout Like Pharrell Williams

August 21, 2024

Hey there, fellow music creators! Whether you’re balancing a day job, DJ gigs, and music production, or just feeling creatively stuck, you’re not alone. Many of us hit a wall at some point, where...

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Master Your Craft as a Beatmaker: The J Dilla Way

August 21, 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.

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Bumbershoot Festival 2024: A Creative Celebration in Seattle

August 8, 2024

This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...

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Ohana Festival 2024: A Must-Attend Event for Music Creators

August 8, 2024

As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...

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Desert Daze 2024: A Creative Oasis for Music Enthusiasts

August 8, 2024

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...

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How to Create a Joyful Song Like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

July 24, 2024

Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...

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Kendrick Lamar’s Rise to the Top: Chart-Topping Success Amidst Rap Feud

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Photo: 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.