Los Angeles, CA – Kendrick Lamar, the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist widely regarded as one of hip-hop’s most influential voices, has achieved unprecedented success on the latest Billboard charts, dated July 5, 2025. Lamar has broken two significant records on the definitive rap music listings, further solidifying his enduring impact and commercial power within the genre.
His critically acclaimed album, ‘GNX’, released on November 22, 2024, has ascended to a historic milestone on the Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart. For the week of July 5, 2025, ‘GNX’ secured its 22nd non-consecutive week at the No. 1 position. This remarkable longevity surpasses the previous record holders for the longest run atop the chart: Pop Smoke’s ‘Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon’, which held the peak for 21 weeks, and Eminem’s ‘Recovery’, which spent 19 weeks at No. 1.
Unprecedented Album Longevity
The enduring popularity and sustained consumer engagement with ‘GNX’ underscore a significant moment in the history of the Top Rap Albums chart. The album initially debuted at No. 1 on the chart dated December 7, 2024, following its release less than a month prior. Its ability to return to or maintain the top spot for 22 cumulative weeks demonstrates a rare level of cultural resonance and consistent demand in a rapidly shifting music landscape. Achieving such a prolonged period at the summit speaks volumes about the album’s critical reception, its connection with audiences, and the strategic efforts behind its continued presence in the market.
Industry analysts note that breaking a record previously held by artists like Pop Smoke and Eminem, both titans in their respective eras, positions ‘GNX’ as a benchmark for success on the Top Rap Albums chart. The album’s themes, production, and Lamar’s intricate lyrical delivery have resonated deeply, maintaining listener interest far beyond a typical release cycle. This achievement is particularly notable in an era where album chart longevity can be fleeting due to the constant influx of new music.
Single Dominance on Hot Rap Songs
In addition to his album’s historic run, Lamar has also set a new standard on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. His collaborative single with fellow TDE artist SZA, titled “Luther,” reached its record-breaking 27th week at the No. 1 position on the chart dated July 5, 2025. This feat surpasses the previous record of 26 weeks at No. 1, which was notably held by Kendrick Lamar himself with his acclaimed track “Not Like Us.”
The sustained success of “Luther” highlights the powerful synergy between Lamar and SZA and the track’s widespread appeal. The single’s performance in the latest charting week provides insight into its continued dominance across various consumption metrics. According to Billboard’s data for the week ending July 5, 2025, “Luther” garnered a substantial 12.8 million official U.S. streams, reached an impressive 53.1 million in airplay audience, and registered 1,000 downloads. These figures demonstrate a robust multi-platform performance, driven significantly by radio play and streaming engagement, which are crucial components of the Hot Rap Songs chart methodology.
Context of Kendrick Lamar’s Career
These dual record-breaking achievements arrive amidst a career already marked by critical acclaim, commercial success, and cultural impact. Kendrick Lamar has consistently pushed artistic boundaries, earning accolades including multiple Grammy Awards and the aforementioned Pulitzer Prize for Music for his 2017 album ‘DAMN.’ His discography is often lauded for its conceptual depth, narrative complexity, and social commentary.
The success of ‘GNX’ and “Luther” on the July 5, 2025 charts serves as a testament to Lamar’s ability to remain at the forefront of popular music while maintaining artistic integrity. His sustained chart presence, breaking records previously held by formidable contemporaries and even himself, underscores his unique position in the modern music industry.
Implications for the Industry
The performance of ‘GNX’ and “Luther” offers valuable data points for the music industry regarding consumption patterns and artist longevity. The extended chart life of both the album and the single suggests that quality releases from established, respected artists can still command attention and maintain commercial viability over prolonged periods, even in the age of rapid content cycles.
The significant airplay numbers for “Luther,” alongside strong streaming figures, illustrate the continued importance of traditional radio in driving single success, complementing the dominant role of streaming platforms. The modest download numbers reflect the current market trend where streaming accounts for the vast majority of single consumption.
Kendrick Lamar’s double record-breaking week on the Billboard rap charts on July 5, 2025, marks a significant moment in his career and in the history of rap music charting. It underscores his continued relevance, the power of his latest work, and his undeniable status as a defining artist of his generation.
