Ken Carson has officially leveled up. The rising star from Playboi Carti’s Opium label has landed his first ever No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with his latest project More Chaos.
The album debuted atop the chart after moving 59,500 equivalent album units in its first week — a personal best for the Atlanta rapper and his first entry to ever break into the Billboard 200’s top 10. The majority of the album’s sales came from streaming, signaling Carson’s strong connection with digital audiences and his growing cultural impact.
More Chaos also represents another huge win for Playboi Carti’s Opium imprint. The album dethroned Carti’s own project, MUSIC, which held the No. 1 spot for three nonconsecutive weeks before slipping to No. 7. With both artists occupying top spots, Opium continues to build its reputation as one of the most dominant and exciting forces in modern hip hop.
Elsewhere on the chart, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX is enjoying renewed momentum, climbing back to No. 2 as the Compton icon kicks off his Grand National tour alongside SZA. Meanwhile, SZA’s SOS also moves up to No. 3, solidifying her as one of R&B’s reigning chart queens.
Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s surprise collaborative album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U remains in the top five, sliding slightly from No. 3 but continuing to pull strong streaming numbers.
Ken Carson’s moment at the top of the chart is the latest chapter in a rapid rise fueled by fan loyalty, edgy soundscapes, and influential co-signs. Back in 2023, JAY-Z gave Carson a major boost by including his track “Jennifer’s Body” on a year-end playlist featuring heavy hitters like Drake, Cardi B, and Nicki Minaj.
Carson has also shown he’s more than just another rapper. In a rare 2024 interview with PopKillerTV, he opened up about his creative process and dedication to authenticity. “I think it plays a lot with being true to yourself,” he said. “People gravitate to things they can relate to. There’s a million rappers, but you have to care about everything you do — from your clothes to your music to your lifestyle.”
With More Chaos now sitting atop the charts and his name buzzing louder than ever, Ken Carson is proving that he’s not just part of the new generation — he’s helping lead it.
