Kendrick Lamar's Enduring Success: A Hip-Hop Phenomenon
Kendrick Lamar's impact continues to reverberate, even without new releases in 2025. The artist's influence is a testament to his powerful presence in the music industry.
Last year's release, GNX, is still making waves, especially after Kendrick's Super Bowl halftime performance. Despite 2025 seeing some major rap projects, Kendrick's album remains a fan favorite, with over 2 million album-equivalent units sold, making it the top-selling hip-hop record of the year and the fifth highest-selling album overall. Interestingly, Kendrick Lamar was featured on three tracks of Playboi Carti's MUSIC, which is also high on the sales charts.
But here's where it gets controversial: the success of GNX might be linked to the ongoing Drake battle. With the smash hits 'luther' and 'tv off', GNX has kept the momentum going. And this success coincides with a significant milestone in the Drake vs. Kendrick saga—the dismissal of Drake's UMG lawsuit. The 'K.Bots' are thrilled, but what does this mean for Kendrick's future?
Kendrick Lamar's GNX is poised for even more accolades, as it's part of his Grammy Award submissions for 2026. With the ceremony and nominations on the horizon, the Compton lyricist could make history as the most awarded hip-hop artist in Recording Academy history.
Kendrick's recent South American tour, 'Grand National', was a massive success, and his upcoming Australian shows promise more excitement. The artist's journey has been extraordinary, and fans eagerly await his next move.
About the author: Gabriel Bras Nevares, a passionate journalist, brings a unique perspective to HotNewHipHop. His love for reggaetón and hip-hop shines through in his writing, from concert reviews to thought-provoking think-pieces. Gabriel's exploration of hip-hop's complexities, including the Kendrick vs. Drake battle and the YSL RICO case, offers readers a deeper understanding of the genre's dynamics.
