Drake Named Best-Selling Rapper for 11th Consecutive Year by IFPI
Drake continues to dominate the global music scene, earning the title of best-selling rapper of the year for the eleventh consecutive year, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. The Toronto artist ranked third on the IFPI’s 2025 list of best-selling global artists, following only Taylor Swift and Stray Kids. Drake remains the highest-ranked rapper on the list, surpassing notable peers like Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, and Eminem. His consistent performance across more than a decade solidifies his position as one of the most commercially successful and influential hip-hop artists of his generation.
This latest recognition comes alongside other major streaming milestones. Drake recently became the first rapper to surpass two billion streams on Spotify in 2026, highlighting his enduring popularity and wide-reaching appeal. He also became the first artist in history to have 300 songs with over 100 million streams each on the platform, a feat unmatched by any other rapper, with the next closest artist holding less than half that number of tracks. These milestones demonstrate his ability to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving music industry while continuing to break records.
Fans eagerly await the release of Drake’s highly anticipated ninth studio album, ICEMAN. While an official release date has not been confirmed, rumors suggest the album will drop soon. Drake recently teased the project on his Instagram Story, posting a video of himself outdoors with the caption, “Oooo it’s freezing. About to be,” hinting at the arrival of ICEMAN. The post fueled speculation and anticipation among fans, who are closely following any hints about the album’s content and release timeline.
In addition to Drake’s teaser, DJ Akademiks shared a snippet of a song claimed to be on ICEMAN. The clip was posted on the same night J. Cole released his album The Fall-Off, sparking discussion among fans about timing and strategy. Akademiks later defended the decision during a livestream, emphasizing that he shares content when he feels the moment is right, regardless of competing releases. His explanation highlighted the dynamics of music leaks and how anticipation builds ahead of major album launches.
Drake’s continued dominance in streaming, sales, and cultural impact positions him as a defining figure in modern hip-hop. As ICEMAN approaches, fans expect the rapper to continue breaking records and setting new benchmarks for global influence. His achievements with IFPI and Spotify underscore a career defined by both commercial success and consistent engagement with a worldwide audience.
