Kendrick Lamar Makes History with Longest-Running No. 1 Rap Album on Billboard Chart
Kendrick Lamar has once again etched his name into hip-hop history. His latest album, GNX, has officially become the longest-running number one album of all time on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart. Released in November 2024, the project has now spent an incredible 22 consecutive weeks at the top, surpassing the previous record held by Pop Smoke’s Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon, which dominated the chart for 21 weeks.
The milestone highlights not only the commercial success of GNX but also its cultural staying power. Fans and critics alike have praised the album for its lyrical depth and experimental production, making it one of Kendrick’s most celebrated releases to date. With no signs of slowing down, Lamar looks set to continue extending this historic run as the album maintains strong sales and streaming numbers week after week.
Beyond his chart success, Kendrick Lamar is also breaking records on the live music scene. Teaming up with fellow TDE alum SZA for the Grand National Tour, the duo is currently riding high on one of the most successful tours in music history. With just 23 shows across North America, Kendrick and SZA have already grossed over $256 million, making it the highest-grossing co-headlining tour of all time.
The tour has seen an average gross of $11.1 million per show, drawing an impressive total attendance of 1.1 million fans. Each concert has averaged around 48,000 attendees, showing the massive demand for both artists as they perform in packed arenas and stadiums across the U.S. and Canada.
During a recent tour stop in Maryland, SZA took a moment to publicly thank Kendrick for his role in her career and the success of the tour. Speaking to the crowd, she became emotional, saying: “He put me onto the biggest moment of my life. This is also the biggest moment of my life… I’m so thankful, and I’m so thankful to y’all.” The two artists then embraced on stage before continuing their joint performance.
The Grand National Tour hasn’t been without its challenges for SZA. In a recent interview with Chappell Roan for Interview Magazine, she opened up about battling anxiety leading up to the tour. She admitted to having frequent panic attacks and doubting her place on a co-headlining bill with Kendrick Lamar. “Every time I had to go on stage, every time I had to get on a carpet, I’d have full-on panic attacks,” she said. “Same thing with the Kendrick tour. Everybody’s going to see Kendrick. I don’t even know if I have anything to show these people that’s exciting and new.”
Despite her fears, the tour has been a triumph for both artists, further fueled by the continued success of their hit single “Luther,” which recently crossed one billion streams in record time.
With the North American leg of the Grand National Tour wrapping up soon, Kendrick Lamar shows no signs of slowing down. Whether breaking chart records or redefining what’s possible in live hip-hop performances, 2025 continues to be a career-defining year for the Compton rapper.
