Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” breaks solo rap song Spotify record
Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to historic milestones, but his latest achievement has firmly placed him in the pantheon of modern music icons. His chart-topping diss track, Not Like Us, has officially become the most streamed solo rap song of the decade on Spotify, surpassing Lil Mosey’s viral hit Blueberry Faygo. This record-breaking feat cements the track’s impact—not just as a diss record—but as a cultural moment that captured the attention of millions worldwide.
In addition to this new streaming milestone, Kendrick is gearing up for his Grand National Tour with SZA, set to kick off on April 19 in Minneapolis before heading overseas for a string of shows across Europe and the UK. To top it all off, Kendrick and SZA’s latest collaboration, Luther, from his GNX album, just notched its seventh week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
But how did a track originally released as part of a rap feud evolve into a generational anthem? And what does it say about Kendrick Lamar’s dominance, both as a lyricist and cultural figure?
The Song That Sparked a Movement
Not Like Us dropped in early May 2024 as part of a string of diss records in Kendrick’s highly publicized lyrical battle with Drake. While diss tracks have always been part of hip-hop’s DNA, this one hit different.
Produced by Mustard, the track was rooted in a West Coast bounce, infused with hyphy influences, and layered with blistering bars that cut deep. Kendrick called out Drake’s alleged exploitation of Black culture, challenged his credibility, and even brought Atlanta into the conversation.
The result? A sonic explosion that quickly transcended rap beef and entered the mainstream as a symbol of authenticity, resistance, and raw energy.
Streaming Milestones: Breaking Records Daily
Just days after release, Not Like Us exploded on streaming platforms.
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It shattered Spotify’s record for most single-day streams for a rap song, clocking in at 12.8 million.
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It became the fastest rap song to reach 100 million streams, then 200 million, and continued climbing in record time.
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As of April 2025, it has officially passed 1 billion streams, becoming the most streamed solo rap song released this decade on Spotify.
To put that into perspective: Blueberry Faygo by Lil Mosey, a song that ruled TikTok and summer playlists for years, held that title for over half the decade. For Kendrick to leapfrog that with a diss track? That’s nearly unheard of.
And yet, it feels inevitable when you consider Lamar’s track record.
Billboard Domination and Beyond
When Not Like Us debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 2024, it was Kendrick’s fourth chart-topping single, but his first solo debut at number one. What followed was a masterclass in cultural staying power.
The song returned to number one several times in the months that followed—boosted by the music video drop and a show-stopping moment during Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance. By the end of 2024, it was the second most streamed song in the U.S., trailing only behind Miley Cyrus’s Flowers.
With radio play, digital sales, and streaming all contributing to its chart dominance, Not Like Us became more than a diss—it was a mainstream juggernaut.
Cultural Commentary Wrapped in a Club Banger
At its core, Not Like Us is a protest song disguised as a party anthem.
Yes, the beat knocks and the hook is wildly catchy. But the lyrics? They’re razor-sharp critiques of cultural appropriation, industry gatekeeping, and the exploitation of Black creativity. Kendrick’s shots at Drake weren’t just personal—they were systemic.
This dual-layer approach is part of what’s made Not Like Us resonate so deeply. Fans could dance to it, but they could also dissect it. It became a talking point in classrooms, think pieces, barbershops, and podcasts alike.
It also sparked conversation about the role of diss tracks in modern rap. In a streaming era often dominated by pop crossovers and algorithm-chasing singles, Kendrick reminded the world that rap’s sharpest tool is still the mic.
Kendrick’s Business Moves: The Grand National Tour
Following the momentum of Not Like Us, Kendrick announced the Grand National Tour, co-headlined with SZA. The tour launches on April 19 in Minneapolis and includes a massive European leg this summer.
Given the commercial success of their collab Luther—currently enjoying its seventh week at number one—the timing couldn’t be better. Fans are eager to see how Kendrick translates his lyrical intensity into a live experience.
The tour isn’t just a victory lap. It’s a celebration of two of the most influential Black artists of this generation, both of whom are redefining genre boundaries and industry expectations.
Streaming Wars and Legal Drama
The impact of Not Like Us hasn’t been without controversy. In early 2025, Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, filed a complaint accusing Universal Music Group of artificially boosting the track’s visibility through streaming manipulation and payola tactics.
UMG fired back, denying any wrongdoing and standing by the song’s organic success. No official verdict has been reached, but the legal drama underscores just how disruptive Not Like Us has been—not just on the charts, but in the boardroom.
Whether or not these claims hold weight, one thing’s clear: Kendrick’s presence is impossible to ignore.
Why This Matters for Hip-Hop
Kendrick Lamar’s run in the past year—anchored by Not Like Us—is a case study in how hip-hop can evolve without compromising its roots.
In an industry that often values flash over substance, Kendrick proved that lyricism, cultural critique, and regional authenticity still have a place at the top. He didn’t rely on gimmicks or massive marketing budgets. He relied on penmanship, perspective, and timing.
This matters not just for fans of Kendrick, but for the future of hip-hop. Artists watching this run now know that it’s still possible to make an impact by staying true to the craft.
The Legacy of “Not Like Us”
As the most streamed solo rap song of the 2020s so far, Not Like Us isn’t just a chart-topping single. It’s a timestamp.
It represents a turning point in modern rap—a moment when beef, bars, and beats aligned in perfect unison. It reintroduced diss tracks to a generation raised on vibes and hooks, reminding them of the genre’s gritty, confrontational roots.
Kendrick Lamar didn’t just respond to his critics. He turned their shade into fuel, and he did it on his own terms.
Kendrick’s historic run isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With Not Like Us shattering streaming records, Luther dominating the charts, and the Grand National Tour poised to be one of 2025’s biggest live events, Lamar has once again shifted the culture.
