Kendrick Lamar’s unstoppable rise: Breaking another incredible record with SZA once again
Kendrick Lamar has always been a dominant force in hip-hop, but his latest achievements have elevated him to an entirely new level. From smashing Spotify records to launching a sold-out global tour with SZA, the Compton-born rapper continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in music.
As of March 2025, Lamar has set multiple industry records, proving once again that he’s not just one of the greatest rappers of his generation—he’s one of the greatest artists, period. With his latest album, GNX, soaring past streaming milestones and a record-breaking Super Bowl Halftime Show under his belt, Kendrick Lamar is showing no signs of slowing down.
Kendrick Lamar Becomes the First Rapper to Hit 110 Million Monthly Spotify Listeners
In the digital age, streaming numbers often dictate an artist’s impact, and Kendrick Lamar just made history on Spotify. In early 2025, he became the first rapper ever to surpass 110 million monthly listeners on the platform. This makes him the fourth most-streamed artist in the world, putting him in the ranks of global superstars like The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, and Bad Bunny.
This milestone is particularly significant because Kendrick isn’t known for flooding the market with music. Unlike many artists who drop frequent singles and collaborations, Lamar has maintained a selective approach, carefully curating his projects for maximum impact. That’s what makes his streaming success even more remarkable—his numbers aren’t just driven by volume but by the undeniable quality and staying power of his music.
The Success of GNX: Fastest Album to Hit 2 Billion Streams in the 2020s
Much of Kendrick’s streaming growth can be attributed to the success of his latest album, GNX, released in late 2024. The album made history by becoming the fastest album to reach 2 billion streams in the 2020s, surpassing the previous record set by Travis Scott’s UTOPIA.
This achievement highlights not only Kendrick’s ability to dominate the streaming world but also his unmatched artistry. GNX features a mix of introspective lyricism, hard-hitting beats, and genre-defying experimentation, further solidifying Kendrick as a boundary-pushing artist. The album’s success was amplified by his highly anticipated Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, which led to a massive surge in streaming numbers.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show: The Most-Watched in History
Speaking of the Super Bowl, Kendrick Lamar’s performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February 2025 shattered records. An astounding 133.5 million viewers tuned in, making it the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show in history—surpassing the previous record held by Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 performance (133.4 million viewers).
Lamar’s performance wasn’t just a display of musical excellence—it was a cultural moment. He delivered an electrifying setlist that featured tracks from GNX, classic hits like “HUMBLE.” and “Alright,” and a surprise guest appearance by SZA. The show’s cinematic visuals, politically charged messages, and flawless execution captivated audiences worldwide, cementing its place in history.
The Grand National Tour: Kendrick Lamar & SZA Take Over the World
Fresh off his record-breaking Super Bowl performance and album success, Kendrick Lamar is gearing up for one of the biggest tours of his career. The “Grand National Tour,” a joint tour with SZA, is set to be one of the most significant hip-hop events of 2025.
North American Leg of the Tour
The North American leg of the tour kicks off on April 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and will hit major stadiums across the U.S. and Canada before wrapping up on June 15, 2025, in Toronto, Canada.
Some major stops include:
April 19, 2025: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
April 23, 2025: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
April 26, 2025: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
April 29, 2025: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
May 9, 2025: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
May 21, 2025: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
The demand for tickets has been astronomical, with many venues reporting sold-out status within hours of ticket sales opening.
European Leg of the Tour
Following their U.S. run, Kendrick and SZA will take their show overseas, starting with Berlin, Germany, and covering major cities like Paris, London, and Milan.
July 1, 2025: Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany
July 4, 2025: Stade de France, Paris, France
July 10, 2025: Wembley Stadium, London, UK
July 16, 2025: Hampden Park, Glasgow, UK
Within 24 hours of tickets going on sale, 90% of the European tour dates were already sold out, proving the immense global demand for Kendrick and SZA.
Addressing Rumors About Ticket Sales
Despite overwhelming demand, some online rumors have suggested that Kendrick and SZA have struggled to sell tickets for certain shows. Social media personality DJ Akademiks even speculated that some fans couldn’t afford to attend, fueling discussions about ticket prices and accessibility.
However, official reports confirm that ticket sales have been strong across the board, and any claims of a “struggle” are largely exaggerated. In fact, many of the venues are on track for full-capacity crowds.
Kendrick & SZA: A Powerful Collaboration
This tour isn’t just about two artists sharing a stage—it’s about the unique chemistry between Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
Their collaborations, including the Grammy-nominated hit “All the Stars” from the Black Panther soundtrack, have proven that they create magic together. Kendrick’s intricate lyricism combined with SZA’s ethereal vocals creates a dynamic contrast that resonates with fans across multiple genres.
Fans can expect a mix of solo performances and collaborative moments, as well as special guests who have yet to be revealed.
Why Kendrick Lamar’s Legacy Is Stronger Than Ever
Kendrick Lamar’s impact on hip-hop and music culture is undeniable.
He’s a Pulitzer Prize-winning lyricist.
He’s the first rapper to hit 110 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
He holds the record for the fastest album to hit 2 billion streams in the 2020s.
He just delivered the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show in history.
He’s about to embark on one of the biggest hip-hop tours of the decade.
Unlike many artists who peak and fade away, Kendrick continues to evolve, challenge conventions, and set new standards. Whether he’s breaking streaming records, headlining historic events, or pushing the boundaries of storytelling in hip-hop, one thing is clear—Kendrick Lamar isn’t just part of the rap game. He is the game.
Final Thoughts
As 2025 unfolds, Kendrick Lamar’s dominance in music shows no signs of slowing down. With his record-breaking numbers, critically acclaimed projects, and global tour, he continues to redefine what it means to be a hip-hop artist.
For fans, this is more than just an exciting time—it’s history in the making. If the past few months have proven anything, it’s that Kendrick Lamar is operating on an entirely different level, and the world is here for it.
If you haven’t already, grab your tickets for the Grand National Tour—because this is one event you won’t want to miss.
