Drake Surpasses Kendrick Lamar: A New Chapter in Hip-Hop’s Biggest Rivalry
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The hip-hop world is witnessing another thrilling chapter in the long-standing rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, as the Toronto superstar has surpassed his Compton counterpart in multiple key metrics in early 2025. From streaming dominance to chart-topping releases and record-breaking tour revenues, Drake has once again proven why he remains one of the most influential figures in modern rap.
Streaming Milestones
Drake’s latest album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, a collaborative project with PARTYNEXTDOOR, was released on February 14, 2025 and immediately shattered records. The project recorded 92.4 million streams on its first day, breaking Kendrick Lamar’s previous record of 92.3 million for a rapper’s biggest streaming day.
Furthermore, Drake became the first artist in 2025 to reach one billion streams on Spotify, achieving this milestone in just 27 days. Kendrick Lamar followed closely behind, reaching the same mark two days later at 29 days.
Dominating the Charts
The impact of $ome $exy $ongs 4 U extended beyond streaming numbers. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, dethroning Kendrick Lamar’s GNX from the top spot. However, the competition remained intense, as Lamar’s single “Luther” from GNX soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing his continued influence in the rap game.
Touring Success
Drake’s success isn’t limited to digital streaming and album sales. His “It’s All A Blur Tour” became the highest-grossing rap tour of all time, earning $129.7 million in late 2023. This milestone surpassed Kendrick Lamar’s “Big Steppers Tour”, which previously held the record.
With both artists gearing up for new live performances in 2025, fans are eager to see whether Kendrick will reclaim the top spot or if Drake will continue his reign as the king of rap tours.
A Rivalry That Never Rests
Despite Drake’s recent victories, Kendrick Lamar continues to push boundaries in the industry. In January 2025, Lamar broke a new record by achieving 88.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, surpassing Drake to become the rapper with the most monthly listeners ever.
Adding fuel to their rivalry, Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX performance was widely praised, and his Grammy win for “Not Like Us”—a diss track aimed at Drake—only intensified the competition between the two rap icons.
What’s Next?
With both artists at the peak of their careers, the competition between Drake and Kendrick Lamar shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s through chart dominance, streaming milestones, or sold-out stadium tours, the battle for hip-hop supremacy continues to captivate fans worldwide.
As they push each other to new heights, one thing is certain—this rivalry is far from over, and the biggest winner in this ongoing feud is the culture itself.