The ongoing rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has once again ignited heated debates among hip-hop fans, industry experts, and social media commentators. Over the past year, both artists have made bold moves, dropping records that have not only fueled their competition but also shaped the rap landscape in profound ways.
In February, Kendrick extended his victory lap over Drake by winning five Grammy Awards for “Not Like Us” and making history as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Meanwhile, Drake responded strategically by dropping his collaborative album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U with PARTYNEXTDOOR, a move that allowed him to stay active without directly challenging Kendrick’s momentum. Kendrick Lamar and Drake‘s fierce rivalry has been reignited in recent weeks — at least it feels that way based on the fervent fan debates that are raging on social media. In the space of one week in February, Kendrick extended his victory lap over the 6 God by winning five Grammys for “Not Like Us” and becoming the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, where he, of course, performed his hit diss song — a defamation lawsuit be damned.
This high-profile feud has divided hip-hop fans. Supporters of Kendrick argue that he has exposed the flaws in Drake’s dominance, while Drake’s loyal followers claim that his consistency and commercial appeal remain unmatched. But beyond personal opinions and fan loyalty, what do the numbers say? Who is truly winning this battle?
Drake’s Commercial Reign Before the Feud
Before this rivalry escalated, Drake was the undisputed commercial juggernaut of his era. His dominance on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 was nearly unparalleled. He held records for the most No. 1 singles, most Top 10 hits, and most career entries on the Billboard Hot 100 for a rapper. Tracks like “God’s Plan,” “Nice For What,” and “In My Feelings” all contributed to his overwhelming presence at the top of the charts. Additionally, his collaboration with Travis Scott on “Sicko Mode” solidified his ability to craft chart-topping records even outside of his solo projects.
On the streaming front, Drake’s dominance was equally impressive. With over 100 billion streams on Spotify, he became the most streamed artist in history, a testament to his global reach and relentless output. His albums consistently opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with his 2016 album Views earning a staggering 852,000 first-week units, a number very few hip-hop artists have ever approached.
Kendrick Lamar’s Standing Before the Feud
Kendrick Lamar, on the other hand, was always considered a more critically acclaimed artist than a commercial titan. He had chart success but was never in Drake’s league in terms of sheer volume. Before 2024, Kendrick had just two No. 1 singles, “HUMBLE.” and his “Bad Blood” remix with Taylor Swift. His music was deeply introspective, socially conscious, and often experimental, making it less radio-friendly than Drake’s.
However, Kendrick’s impact extended beyond mere chart numbers. His albums were regarded as some of the most important bodies of work in modern hip-hop. To Pimp a Butterfly was hailed as a masterpiece, earning a Pulitzer Prize, while DAMN. won a Grammy for Best Rap Album and was one of his best-selling projects.
Despite his perceived disadvantage in commercial metrics, Kendrick’s influence and cultural relevance remained undeniable, allowing him to challenge even the biggest names in the industry when the moment was right.
How the Feud Shifted the Balance
Everything changed in March 2024 when Kendrick Lamar delivered his blistering verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That”. This diss ignited one of the most talked-about battles in hip-hop history. Since then, Kendrick has experienced a meteoric rise in commercial success, outpacing Drake in key areas where the Toronto superstar previously reigned supreme.
Since “Like That,” Kendrick has achieved four No. 1 singles, including “Not Like Us,” “Squabble Up,” and “Luther”. These tracks have not only dominated the Billboard Hot 100 but also cemented Kendrick’s ability to craft records that resonate with both hip-hop purists and mainstream audiences.
According to Chart Data, Kendrick’s recent run of No. 1 hits is the fastest accumulation of four chart-toppers by a male solo artist since Michael Jackson’s Bad era in the late 1980s. This milestone underscores just how dramatically the dynamics have shifted between the two rap titans.
Album Sales Show a New Trend
Kendrick’s resurgence is also evident in album sales. His latest album GNX, released in November 2024, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 319,000 first-week units. Comparatively, Drake’s recent release, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, debuted at 246,000 units, making it one of the weakest openings of his career.
This marked the first time Kendrick Lamar outsold Drake in a head-to-head album release battle. Historically, Drake’s previous collaborative albums, such as What a Time to Be Alive with Future and Her Loss with 21 Savage, performed significantly better, each earning over 375,000 first-week units.
Further cementing his momentum, Kendrick saw GNX return to No. 1 after his Super Bowl Halftime Show, selling an additional 236,000 units. This performance not only boosted GNX, but also his past projects. DAMN. and good kid, m.A.A.d city re-entered the Top 10 on the Billboard 200, further reinforcing his dominance.
The Future of the Rivalry
As the battle between these two giants continues, the numbers suggest that Kendrick Lamar is currently winning. While Drake remains a force in streaming and chart performance, Kendrick’s ability to shift the landscape of hip-hop with just a few tracks has given him an undeniable edge.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining how long Kendrick can maintain this momentum. Both GNX and $ome $exy $ongs 4 U are projected to battle for the No. 2 spot on next week’s Billboard 200, with estimated sales of 109,000 and 108,000, respectively. However, history suggests that Kendrick’s album has stronger staying power, while Drake’s latest project may experience a steeper decline in rankings.
Ultimately, while Drake remains one of the most consistent hitmakers, Kendrick Lamar has proven that he can beat him at his own game when it matters most. The rivalry has pushed both artists to new heights, but as things stand, Kendrick Lamar is wearing the crown.
Winner: Kendrick Lamar
