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How to Find Your Genre: Narrowing Down Your Sound and Streamlining Your Music Creation Process

September 16, 2024

When you're creating music on your own, it can be tough to define your style, especially with so many genres and influences out there. You might feel like you’re trying to piece together a puzzle...

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Unlocking the Art of Cryptic Lyricism: Strategies to Transform Your Writing

September 16, 2024

Writing lyrics that are metaphorical and cryptic can feel like a daunting task, especially when you hear others do it effortlessly. It’s easy to feel that your lyrics come across as literal or...

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Efficiently Providing Music Lessons for Younger Children: Tips for Teaching Piano, Drums, and Guitar

September 9, 2024

Teaching music to young children is a rewarding but challenging experience, especially if you're used to playing instruments yourself rather than instructing others. Whether it’s drums, piano...

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Finding Your Unique Voice in Music: Lessons from the Greats

September 9, 2024

Every great musician has a distinct voice that defines their sound. Think of Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day, Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses, or Dave Mustaine from Megadeth. Imagine Green Day...

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The Impact of Technology on Modern Music Creation: How to Maximize Tools like DAWs, Sampling, and AI

September 9, 2024

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven music world, having musical talent is just the beginning. Technology has transformed the way music is produced, offering musicians unprecedented access to...

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The Art of Creating a "Luxurious" Sound in Instrumental Music: Lessons from Legends

September 9, 2024

Many aspiring music creators are captivated by the lavish, grandiose quality of certain beats. Tracks like Kanye West's "Devil in a New Dress" or many of Westside Gunn's productions embody this...

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Should You Start with an EP? A Guide for New Music Creators

September 9, 2024

When it comes to launching your music career, one common question arises: "Should I start with an EP or a single?" This is a crucial decision for any new artist, especially for those who are trying...

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Why Connor Price and Forrest Frank’s ‘Up’ is the Ultimate Feel-Good Anthem

September 9, 2024

Connor Price and Forrest Frank’s track ‘Up’. This song has been everywhere, and for good reason—it’s got everything you need to vibe, feel inspired...

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Apply Reverb to Your Drum Recordings: A Guide to Perfecting Your Drum Mix

September 8, 2024

Reverb can be a powerful tool in drum recordings, adding depth, space, and character to your drum mix. However, using it correctly is essential to ensure your drums don’t sound too muddy or distant...

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Have Fun Playing Your Instrument Again: Tips for Reigniting Your Passion

September 8, 2024

Playing an instrument can be one of the most fulfilling experiences, but it’s natural to feel like you’ve hit a plateau, especially after playing for years. If you’re finding it hard to enjoy...

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Achieving the JPEGMAFIA Unique Sound: A Breakdown of His Mixing Techniques

September 8, 2024

Whether you're a fan of his chaotic beats, distorted vocals, or gritty textures, it's clear that his mixing approach is a key element in creating the signature JPEGMAFIA sound. But how does he do it?

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SXSW 2024: Why Music Creators Shouldn’t Miss This Year’s Festival

February 5, 2024

For an aspiring music creator, attending SXSW in 2024 could be a game-changer for your career. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should make it a priority to attend:

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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.