Kendrick Lamar Named One of Billboard’s 10 Greatest Pop Stars of 2025
Kendrick Lamar has secured another major accolade, earning a spot on Billboard’s year-end list of the 10 Greatest Pop Stars of 2025. The Compton rapper came in at No. 4, ahead of artists like Sabrina Carpenter, the cast of KPop Demon Hunters, and Tate McRae. This recognition follows an incredible year for Kendrick, who previously held the No. 1 spot on the same list in 2024.
2025 was a landmark year for Lamar. He toured globally with SZA, performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February, and won five Grammy awards. His Super Bowl set included a medley of his biggest hits, most notably “Not Like Us,” the diss track that led Drake to file a lawsuit against Universal Music Group. Lamar’s live performances and consistent chart-topping output cemented his influence across the music industry this year.
In addition to Billboard recognition, Kendrick is a major contender at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. He received five nominations, including Artist of the Year and Hip-Hop Artist of the Year. His collaboration with SZA on the track “luther” is also nominated for Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Hip-Hop Song of the Year, putting him alongside artists like Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and Playboi Carti.
Kendrick’s album GNX dominated streaming platforms, topping Spotify as the most-streamed rap album of 2025. It amassed an impressive 2.98 billion streams, surpassing albums from Playboi Carti, Tyler The Creator, Kanye West, Doechii, and Travis Scott. The album’s performance underscores Lamar’s continued ability to combine critical acclaim with commercial success.
From high-profile tours to chart-topping albums and award nominations, Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 demonstrates both his longevity and influence in the music world. His recognition on Billboard’s list and streaming achievements reflect a year defined by artistry, impact, and dominance in hip-hop and beyond.
