Kendrick’s GNX Becomes Longest-Running No. 1 Rap Album Ever

Kendrick Lamar has made history, again. His 2024 album GNX has held the No.1 spot on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart for a record-breaking 22 consecutive weeks, surpassing Pop Smoke’s posthumous album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, which previously held the record at 21 weeks.

First released in November 2024, GNX has been lauded by fans and critics for its powerful exploration of West Coast Hip Hop roots and personal reflection. Featuring collaborations with SZA, Roddy Ricch and AZChike, it was the first rap album in 2025 to sell one million units in the U.S.

However, the album’s chart dominance extends beyond the album itself. Its hit single, “Luther,” featuring SZA, also made waves and became the longest-running No. 1 song on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart, spending 27 weeks in that spot.

This achievement comes on the heels of Lamar’s monumental year. Earlier, GNX won Album of the Year at the 2025 BET Awards. Kendrick also headlined the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, making history as the first solo rapper to ever do so. He received multiple Grammy awards for his diss track aimed at fellow rapper, Drake, “Not Like Us,” as well. Beyond awards and performances, Kendrick just wrapped his record-breaking Grand National Tour with SZA, which grossed more than $256 million.

Kendrick Lamar continues to prove that he’s not just an artist but a force redefining the rap genre and the momentum might not stop at this year. There’s already buzz building that Kendrick could be gearing up to perform on another one of the world’s biggest stages: the next Olympic Games.