Kendrick Lamar is once again making waves in the music industry, cementing his place in history as a true hip-hop legend. The rap superstar has achieved an unprecedented feat, becoming the first artist in the history of the Billboard 200 to have three albums simultaneously in the top 10. This remarkable achievement further solidifies Lamar’s status as one of the most influential and groundbreaking artists of his generation.
Kendrick Lamar’s Historic Billboard Feat
According to Billboard, Lamar’s GNX album has soared back to number one on the chart for a second non-consecutive week, following its debut at the top in December. But the success doesn’t stop there—his critically acclaimed DAMN., released in 2017, is holding strong at number nine, while his iconic 2012 release good kid, m.A.A.d city continues to shine at number 10.
In the nearly 69-year history of the Billboard 200, this marks the first time that a hip-hop artist has placed three albums simultaneously in the top 10. The Billboard 200, which began publishing in March 1956, has long been the industry benchmark for music sales and chart performance. Lamar’s achievement is a testament to his enduring appeal and the timeless quality of his work.
This groundbreaking accomplishment places Lamar in an elite class of music superstars. Prior to his success, only Taylor Swift had charted five albums on December 9, 2023, but Lamar’s feat as the first hip-hop artist to achieve this level of success is truly a game-changer for the genre. Even Prince, who posthumously charted five albums in the top 10 following his death in April 2016, has not been able to match Lamar’s feat of placing three rap albums in the upper echelon of the Billboard chart at the same time.
The Billboard 200: A Look at the Chart’s Milestones
The Billboard 200 has long been a symbol of musical achievement, serving as a weekly guide to the top albums in the U.S. Lamar’s achievement marks a significant moment in chart history. While the chart has seen numerous iconic artists rise to prominence, the inclusion of three hip-hop albums in the top 10 at once signals a shift in the dominance of rap music in the broader cultural landscape. Lamar’s success on the Billboard 200 is a testament to the genre’s growth and influence in modern music.
For context, the Billboard 200 chart began publishing in 1956, and since then, countless artists from various genres have achieved remarkable feats. However, it was Lamar who became the first hip-hop artist to achieve the extraordinary milestone of having three albums at the same time in the top 10, which speaks volumes about his enduring legacy and ability to connect with listeners across generations.
“Not Like Us” Tops the Hot 100 Again
As if making history on the Billboard 200 wasn’t enough, Lamar’s dominance continues with his hit single “Not Like Us,” which has just clinched its third non-consecutive week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The track, which made a massive debut at number one in May, returned to the top spot in July after an electric performance at the “Pop Out” concert, and now, following his Super Bowl LIX headlining performance, the song has reignited its chart-topping run.
“Not Like Us” has now etched its name in chart history as the only non-holiday song to land at the top of the Hot 100 three separate times with breaks of two or more months between each appearance. The chart has seen few songs achieve this level of sustained success, and Lamar’s diss track is proving to be a timeless hit. The song’s reign at the top reflects not only Lamar’s prowess as a lyricist and performer but also the cultural impact he continues to have on the music industry.
A Historic Song: “Not Like Us” Makes Chart History
The longevity of “Not Like Us” is a remarkable feat on its own. In fact, the break between its most recent appearance at number one and its prior stay in July—spanning 29 chart weeks—is the third-longest gap between chart-topping appearances in history. Only Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” have had longer spans between weeks at number one.
The fact that “Not Like Us” has managed to top the chart not once, but three times, is a testament to its staying power and Kendrick Lamar’s ability to create songs that resonate with fans long after their initial release. Whether it’s the song’s cutting lyrics, its cultural relevance, or Lamar’s status as one of the greatest rappers of all time, “Not Like Us” is firmly establishing itself as one of the defining tracks of this era.
Kendrick Lamar’s Unstoppable Influence on Music
Kendrick Lamar’s history-making achievements on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 serve as further evidence of his place at the top of the music world. As one of the most celebrated and influential figures in hip-hop, Lamar continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in music. His continued success is not just a reflection of his talent but also his ability to connect with fans on a deep, emotional level.
From his groundbreaking albums to his chart-topping singles, Kendrick Lamar is not only setting records but also shaping the future of hip-hop and popular music. His influence extends far beyond the charts, inspiring both artists and fans alike to elevate the culture and create something lasting.
As Lamar continues to break barriers and set new standards in the music industry, there’s no telling just how far his impact will reach. But for now, it’s clear that Kendrick Lamar’s reign is far from over, and his legacy is only growing stronger with each new achievement.
Looking Ahead: Kendrick’s Next Moves
With such a remarkable trajectory, it’s safe to say that Kendrick Lamar is just getting started. Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly awaiting his next musical moves, as Lamar continues to redefine what it means to be a true artist in the 21st century. Whether he’s dropping groundbreaking albums or delivering show-stopping performances, Kendrick Lamar’s influence on the music industry is undeniable, and his place in music history is secure.
