by Kendrick Lamar has officially cemented his status as one of the most dominant forces in hip-hop history. Fresh off his electrifying Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, the Compton lyricist has dethroned his nemesis Drake to become the rapper with the most monthly listeners on Spotify. Lamar now boasts a staggering 88.8 million monthly listeners, topping Drake’s milestone of 86.6 million.
This shift signifies a changing of the guard in hip-hop. While Drake has long dominated streaming platforms with a more radio-friendly and melodic sound, Lamar’s artistry has always been about depth, storytelling, and pushing boundaries. His ability to reach this level, without relying on formulaic hit-making, speaks volumes about the evolution of hip-hop and the audience’s hunger for substance over style.
This enormous achievement follows his much-talked-about Super Bowl performance, which many are calling one of the top halftime performances of all time. Taking center stage at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025, Lamar delivered a performance so compelling that it became the most-watched halftime show ever, drawing a jaw-dropping 133.5 million viewers, eclipsing the record previously held by the late, great Michael Jackson in 1993.
The performance was an ode to the culture, blending Lamar’s intricate lyricism with a stunning visual spectacle. Fans were treated to a medley of some of his biggest tracks, including cuts from his latest album, GNX, and his now-infamous diss track, “Not Like Us,” a direct shot at his longtime rival, Drake.
While most halftime shows aim to play it safe for a global audience, Lamar did the opposite. He addressed social and political issues through his music and threw in some unexpected high-profile guest appearances that sent the internet into a frenzy. Samuel L. Jackson made an unforgettable cameo, portraying a modern version of “Uncle Sam,” a character Lamar has referenced throughout his career as a symbol of America’s duality. Serena Williams, arguably the greatest tennis player of all time, joined Lamar on stage for “Not Like Us,” delivering a dance sequence that was nothing short of legendary.
The stage design was equally mesmerizing, featuring a sea of 80+ dancers whose movements illustrated themes of oppression, triumph, and cultural pride. Each element of Lamar’s performance was calculated, each moment intentional, a far cry from the commercial, brand-friendly halftime shows of previous years.
For years, Kendrick Lamar has been regarded as one of the greatest lyricists of his generation. Now, with this new Spotify record and an iconic Super Bowl performance under his belt, he has proven that he’s a global superstar.
