In a surprising turn of events, Drake faces a significant setback on the charts as Kendrick Lamar continues to dominate with his album “GNX.” This rivalry between two of hip-hop’s biggest names has intensified, particularly following Drake’s recent album release, “Some Sexy Sleepy Songs for You.” Despite the anticipation surrounding Drake’s project, Kendrick’s “GNX,” now in its twelfth week, has outperformed the Canadian rapper’s latest work.
Drake’s album, which launched with great expectations, managed to accumulate 246,000 streams in its first week—a figure that marks one of the lowest openings of his career. In stark contrast, Kendrick’s “GNX” has already surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify in just three months, highlighting a growing trend where Kendrick’s music is resonating more powerfully with audiences. The competition has never been closer, with both artists now tied at 2.25 billion streams in 2025.
Interestingly, Kendrick’s recent success extends beyond streaming numbers. His single “Luther” recently replaced “Not Like Us” at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making Kendrick the first male solo artist to achieve such a feat since Michael Jackson. This marks a historic moment in their rivalry, as Kendrick continues to break records and establish himself as a dominant force in the industry.
Amidst this competitive atmosphere, Drake has also been embroiled in legal issues, doubling down on a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG). The lawsuit stems from allegations made in Kendrick’s track “Not Like Us,” which Drake claims are false and potentially damaging to his reputation. The legal battle is heating up, with Drake’s legal team pushing for a swift resolution to clear his name, while UMG seeks to delay the proceedings, arguing that the case lacks merit.
The lawsuit highlights deeper issues within the music industry, including the balance between corporate interests and artist safety. Drake’s attorneys assert that UMG’s actions reflect “corporate greed over safety,” especially in light of the controversies stirred by Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance of “Not Like Us.” As the legal wrangling continues, Drake’s team insists that the discovery phase is crucial for revealing UMG’s involvement in promoting the allegedly defamatory content.
As both artists navigate this landscape of chart performance and legal challenges, the question remains: will Kendrick’s current momentum lead him to claim the title of the highest-selling rapper, or can Drake reclaim his dominance? The stakes are high, and the outcome of both the charts and the courtroom could redefine their legacies in hip-hop. As the year progresses, fans and industry observers alike are keenly watching this unfolding narrative, eager to see which artist will emerge victorious in this high-profile battle.