Just Like Us: Kendrick Lamar Breaks Streaming Records

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Fans enjoyed the spectacle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake so much that the Billboard Hot 100 chart underwent a historical update. Kendrick Lamar broke streaming records with his diss “Not Like Us” aimed at the Canadian rapper. “Not Like Us” dethroned Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP,” which held the record since 2020.

In addition, “Not Like Us” surpassed “Fortnite” by Taylor Swift and Post Malone, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In just five days, “Not Like Us” had 70.9 million official streams, 5 million radio airplay audience impressions, and sold 15,000 in the U.S. With over 96 million streams, it’s the most streamed song in a seven-day period.

Lamar’s “Not Like Us” also broke a Spotify streaming record, with a daily high of 10.99 million streams. It became the most streamed American hip-hop song in a single day, passing Drake and Lil Baby’s “Girls Want Girls” with 6.59 million.

While Lamar and Drake collaborated in 2011, things haven’t been quite right since 2013.

The feud was reignited in October 2023 when Drake and J. Cole released the collaboration “First Person Shooter.” J. Cole claimed that the big three in rap were himself, Drake, and Lamar. In March 2024, Lamar responded, “It’s just big me” in his verse on Metro Boomin and Future’s song “Like That.” Lamar and Drake have continued to take digs at each other since.

Lamar’s “Euphoria” has also done well on the charts, peaking at No. 3 before sliding to No. 11. The song amassed 49 million streams, up from 28.9 million. Drake is an executive producer of the HBO teen drama series of the same name. The song cover uses Merriam-Webster’s definition of euphoria, “a feeling of well-being or elation,” followed by two examples of the usage of the word:

“Apparently, it is the change in mood—the feeling of euphoria and reduced anxiety—that prompts people to start using this dangerous drug.” — Rita L. Atkinson et al.

“They had almost a week to recover from the euphoria of Tuesday’s series-winning victory.” — Clifton Brown

The beef has also incurred interest in the rest of the Oakland artists’ catalog. “From May 3 to May 6, Lamar’s discography earned 50.62 million streams — up 49% from the previous Friday-to-Monday tracking period (33.98 million from April 26 to April 29),” Billboard shared.

The album “DAMN,” regarded as a masterpiece, has climbed up the charts steadily and now sits at No. 14 on the Top Streaming Albums chart, per Forbes. “Good Kid, M.A.A.d City” also reached a new peak ascending to No. 19. “DAMN,” released in April 2017, received the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for music, “a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.” Lamar is the only MC to receive the prestigious award.

As Kendrick Lamar breaks streaming records, fans look on with anticipation. On the Billboard Top 100, the Compton lyricist has earned four No. 1 Hits and 15 Top Ten Hits. He’s worked with various A-listers and emerging artists, including Rihanna to SZA, Beyonce, Maroon 5, A$AP Rocky, Sia, and his cousin Baby Keem. The sky’s the limit for the impact of Lamar’s future projects.