Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up” Debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, GNX Takes Over the Charts
Kendrick Lamar has once again proven his unparalleled artistry and cultural relevance with the release of his new song “Squabble Up,” which has debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The track, along with several others from his latest album GNX, has taken the charts by storm. Right behind “Squabble Up,” you’ll find tracks like “TV Off,” “Luther,” “Wacced Out Murals,” and “Hey Now” filling out the top five positions on the Hot 100.
In addition to dominating the Hot 100, GNX has also claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, moving over 300,000 album equivalent units in its first week. The impressive debut comes despite the album being released as a surprise, with no prior major promotional campaign. Instead, Kendrick allowed the virality of his ongoing feud with Drake to fuel the hype, with references to the drama scattered throughout the project. This unconventional strategy has clearly paid off, as fans flocked to streaming platforms to listen to the album.
Among the tracks making waves, “Reincarnated” and “Man at the Garden” also cracked the top ten, further cementing GNX as a dominant force in the current music landscape. Lamar’s ability to captivate audiences without the usual buildup of promotional tactics speaks volumes about his enduring influence in hip-hop and the music industry as a whole.
A Surprise Release with a Purpose
Rather than embarking on a lengthy press run or marketing blitz, Kendrick allowed the tension surrounding his feud with Drake to naturally generate interest in the album. The back-and-forth between the two has been a topic of much discussion, and Kendrick addresses their beef in multiple tracks across GNX. This strategy, which contrasts with the typical industry playbook, has generated massive streams and sales, with the album benefiting from the viral buzz surrounding the two rappers.
DJ Akademiks Weighs In
Even prominent figures in the media world, like DJ Akademiks, have weighed in on the success of GNX. On a recent livestream, Akademiks praised Kendrick for the album’s performance, calling the numbers “decent” and recognizing the success as “stellar” for the rapper. Akademiks also pointed out the ongoing rivalry between Kendrick and Drake fans, emphasizing that while the comparison between the two artists is inevitable, Kendrick’s impact remains undeniable. “Kendrick could die 15 deaths, he doesn’t compete with Drake overall for streaming,” Akademiks remarked, acknowledging that despite differences in streaming numbers, Kendrick’s artistry holds its own.
Kendrick Lamar’s Resilient Legacy
With GNX, Kendrick Lamar has once again proven that his talent transcends trends and industry formulas. His strategic surprise release, combined with raw emotional and artistic expression, has earned him both commercial success and critical acclaim. The album’s chart-topping success, fueled by standout tracks like “Squabble Up” and “TV Off,” demonstrates that Lamar continues to be one of the most influential and innovative artists in the game today.
As the album continues to dominate the charts and Kendrick’s rivalry with Drake remains a hot topic, it’s clear that GNX is not just a successful album—it’s a cultural moment.
