Drake is most streamed rapper globally on Spotify for 2024
Drake becomes most streamed global rapper on Spotify for 2024
2024 has been a whirlwind year for Drake. After wrapping up his highly successful It’s All A Blur tour in April, he found himself thrust into the spotlight again—not for his music, but for a fiery feud with Kendrick Lamar. The drama intensified after Kendrick threw a major diss on his track Like That with Future and Metro Boomin, sparking what many are calling the rap battle of the year.
But the real story? It’s only getting started. Drake, always known for his ability to stay relevant, made waves when he filed legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify over Kendrick Lamar’s viral hit Not Like Us.
The Start of the Battle: Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake
It’s no secret that Kendrick Lamar and Drake have a history of tension, but Like That took things to a whole new level. The track, which dropped as a collaboration between Kendrick, Future, and Metro Boomin, contained direct shots at Drake, leaving no doubt about who Kendrick was addressing.
In Like That, Kendrick Lamar questioned Drake’s authenticity, calling out his persona and even poking fun at his relationships with other rap icons. The track quickly went viral, thanks to both its boldness and the growing rivalry between the two. Fans and critics alike had a field day analyzing the lyrics and dissecting every line, making it one of the most talked-about rap songs of the year.
What followed was a battle of words, with social media playing a significant role. Kendrick, with his sharp lyrics and unrelenting delivery, seemed to come out on top in the initial wave of responses. Drake’s fans, on the other hand, were not content to let their idol be overshadowed and quickly rallied to defend him. For a while, it was anyone’s game—until Drake took things to a more serious level.
The Legal Action: Drake Takes on Universal and Spotify
In a move that surprised many, Drake filed legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify over Kendrick’s Not Like Us. The lawsuit accused UMG and Spotify of artificially boosting the song, claiming that the track’s release and its viral success could have been prevented.
At the heart of Drake’s complaint is the claim that Spotify’s algorithms, along with the marketing power of UMG, gave Not Like Us an unfair advantage. Drake alleges that the track’s success wasn’t solely based on its merit but was manipulated by these platforms to ensure it gained significant streaming numbers. He argues that this made it impossible for him to compete on a level playing field.
This legal filing didn’t just come out of nowhere. Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us was a massive hit, dominating streaming platforms and racking up millions of plays within days of its release. The song’s success only further fueled the tension between the two rappers, especially since Kendrick’s fans believed this was the track that solidified his lyrical superiority over Drake.
Factors In Drake-Kendrick Lamar Feud
With the lawsuit, many on social media have begun to speculate about Drake’s motivations. Some are calling it a clear sign of jealousy, arguing that Drake can’t handle the fact that Kendrick Lamar’s track has been so well-received. After all, despite Drake’s decades of dominance in the rap world, Kendrick’s surprise release of Not Like Us seemed to overshadow his It’s All A Blur tour and recent releases.
On the other hand, Drake’s team maintains that this lawsuit is about fairness in the music industry. In their view, Spotify’s algorithm should reflect the merit of the music, not be artificially manipulated to favor certain tracks. Whether the public buys this argument or not is yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Drake is fighting for his place at the top.
Drake Continues To Dominate Streaming
Despite the legal drama, Drake’s position in the rap game remains unshaken. According to Spotify Wrapped 2024, he was the most-streamed rap artist globally. This is a significant accomplishment, considering the fierce competition from other major names like Travis Scott, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar.
Therefore, the 2024 streaming data proves that, while Kendrick may have won the lyrical battle with Like That, Drake is still winning the game when it comes to reach and commercial success. His ability to capture the ears of millions around the world shows that his fan base is as loyal as ever, and his dominance in the streaming world is undeniable.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that while the legal battles might cause some public distraction, Drake’s music continues to resonate with a wide audience. His Spotify Wrapped performance shows that his influence isn’t just about controversy—it’s about consistent, widespread appeal. Whether he’s collaborating with artists like 21 Savage or dropping chart-topping solo hits, Drake’s musical output still holds tremendous power.
The Bigger Picture: Drake’s Longevity vs. Kendrick’s Bold Moves
This situation highlights a fascinating dynamic in the rap world. On one hand, you have Drake, who has built a career on versatility, hit singles, and crossover appeal. He’s the artist who made hip-hop mainstream, tapping into various genres and influencing the pop culture landscape.
On the other hand, Kendrick Lamar is known for his deep, introspective lyricism and fearless commentary on societal issues. Kendrick’s artistic integrity and his refusal to compromise for commercial success have made him a beloved figure in the rap community. His boldness, especially on tracks like Not Like Us, has earned him critical acclaim, but it also draws ire from some of his peers, including Drake.
At the heart of their rivalry is more than just competition for top spot in the rap world. It’s a battle between two different approaches to success: Drake’s formula of widespread commercial appeal versus Kendrick’s unwavering commitment to artistic authenticity.
Will the Drama Impact Drake’s Future?
So, what does all this mean for Drake’s future? The legal drama and the ongoing rivalry with Kendrick Lamar may add a level of intrigue to his brand, but it also raises questions about the long-term impact of such feuds. Will fans grow tired of the back-and-forth and shift their loyalty to other artists? Or will Drake continue to reign as the dominant figure in rap?
Given his streaming numbers and consistent hit-making abilities, it’s hard to see Drake’s relevance fading anytime soon. However, if his legal actions and public disputes with Kendrick escalate, it could shift how people perceive him. Some may see it as a desperate attempt to regain control over his narrative, while others may applaud him for taking a stand against unfair practices in the music industry.
One thing is certain: the rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake isn’t going anywhere. Whether through music, legal battles, or social media, these two artists will continue to shape the conversation in hip-hop for the foreseeable future.
Drake’s Legacy in 2024
As the dust settles on the drama surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us and Drake’s legal action, one thing remains clear: Drake’s legacy is far from over. Despite the controversy, he continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the rap industry, both in terms of his streaming numbers and his cultural impact.
While Kendrick’s bold moves and lyrical disses may have stolen some of the spotlight in 2024, Drake’s dominance on platforms like Spotify shows that his appeal is global and undeniable. The year is far from over, and with new music on the horizon, the battle between these two rap giants is bound to keep fans and critics talking.
In the end, both Kendrick Lamar and Drake have solidified their places as two of the greatest rappers of their generation. The drama and rivalry? Just another chapter in their ongoing story.
Drake To Tour in Australia and New Zealand
Furthermore, Drake also has an international tour coming in 2025. These will be held in Australia and New Zealand, as it is the Anita Max Win Tour. The opening date will kick off on February 9, in Melbourne, Australia.