Los Angeles, CA – July 2, 2025
Kendrick Lamar, a titan of contemporary music, has once again etched his name into the annals of chart history, according to the latest Billboard listings dated July 5, 2025. The acclaimed artist has simultaneously broken two significant records on the prominent music tracking charts, underscoring the enduring impact and commercial success of his recent work.
Chart Dominance: “GNX” Sets Album Benchmark
Lamar’s latest studio album, “GNX,” released to widespread critical acclaim on November 22, 2024, has achieved an unprecedented milestone. As of the July 5, 2025 charts, the album has now spent its 22nd non-consecutive week at the No. 1 position on the Billboard Top Rap Albums chart. This remarkable run establishes “GNX” as the longest-running chart-topper in the history of the Top Rap Albums ranking.
The previous record holders for the most weeks at No. 1 on this chart were the posthumously released album “Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon” by Pop Smoke, which concluded its run with 21 weeks at the peak in April 2021, and Eminem’s seminal album “Recovery,” which held the top spot for 19 weeks.
“GNX” first debuted at No. 1 on the Top Rap Albums chart dated December 7, 2024, immediately signaling its commercial strength. This debut marked Kendrick Lamar’s sixth album to reach the summit of this specific chart, further solidifying his consistent presence and influence in the rap genre.
“Luther” with SZA Breaks Hot Rap Songs Record
Adding to his historic week, Kendrick Lamar has also set a new benchmark on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. His collaborative track with R&B superstar SZA, titled “Luther,” has now spent an astounding 27th week at the No. 1 position.
This achievement surpasses the chart’s previous longevity record, which was held by Lamar himself with his viral hit “Not Like Us.” “Not Like Us” had maintained the top spot for 26 weeks during its dominant run in 2024-25.
The sustained success of “Luther” highlights the powerful synergy between Lamar and SZA and the track’s deep connection with audiences. Billboard’s methodology for the Hot Rap Songs chart incorporates a blend of streaming data, radio airplay audience, and digital song sales.
During the tracking week that led to this record-breaking 27th week at No. 1, “Luther” demonstrated robust performance metrics. According to Luminate, the song garnered 12.8 million official U.S. streams, reached a substantial airplay audience of 53.1 million impressions, and registered sales from 1,000 downloads. These figures collectively underpinned the song’s continued dominance on the competitive chart.
The Significance of the Records
Breaking two such significant, distinct records simultaneously underscores Kendrick Lamar’s unparalleled status in the current music landscape. The longevity of “GNX” on the Top Rap Albums chart speaks to the album’s lasting appeal and critical reception, maintaining audience interest over an extended period in an era often characterized by rapid consumption cycles.
The Top Rap Albums chart specifically ranks the best-selling and most-streamed rap albums of the week, making sustained success on this list a direct indicator of an album’s popularity and cultural footprint within the genre.
Similarly, the Hot Rap Songs chart ranks the most popular rap tracks based on the integrated metrics. A record-breaking run here signifies not just initial buzz, but consistent listener engagement across multiple platforms – a testament to a song’s widespread appeal and cultural penetration.
Surpassing his own previous record with “Not Like Us” on the Hot Rap Songs chart with “Luther” further illustrates Lamar’s continued ability to produce commercially impactful music, whether through solo efforts or high-profile collaborations.
Lamar’s Enduring Legacy
Kendrick Lamar’s career has been marked by both critical adulation and commercial triumphs. Known for his intricate lyricism, conceptual albums, and impactful social commentary, he has consistently pushed artistic boundaries while maintaining mainstream relevance.
These new Billboard records, recorded as of the July 5, 2025 listings, serve as tangible proof of his enduring influence and the significant market presence of his work. The achievements place him ahead of respected peers like Pop Smoke and Eminem in terms of chart longevity on specific metrics, highlighting his unique trajectory and impact on the evolution of hip-hop.
As the music industry continues to evolve, driven by streaming and digital consumption, chart records like these offer a quantifiable measure of an artist’s connection with their audience and their footprint in cultural conversations. Lamar’s dual record-breaking performance solidifies his position not just as a leading voice in rap, but as one of the most significant recording artists of his generation.
