Los Angeles, CA – Kendrick Lamar, one of contemporary music’s most critically acclaimed and commercially successful artists, has achieved a significant milestone on the latest Billboard charts, further cementing his place in hip-hop history. The listings dated July 5, 2025, reveal that the Grammy Award-winning rapper has broken two prominent records on key rap charts, underscoring the enduring impact and widespread appeal of his recent work.
“GNX” Reigns Supreme on Top Rap Albums
Lamar’s latest studio album, titled “GNX”, has made history by becoming the longest-running No. 1 album on the Billboard Top Rap Albums chart. As of the July 5, 2025 chart week, “GNX” has spent an unprecedented 22 non-consecutive weeks at the top position. This achievement surpasses the previous record holders, marking a significant shift in the chart’s history.
Prior to “GNX”‘s run, the record for the most weeks at No. 1 on the Top Rap Albums chart was held by Pop Smoke’s posthumous album, “Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon”, which logged 21 weeks at the summit. Eminem’s acclaimed album “Recovery” also held the record previously, spending 19 weeks at No. 1.
“GNX” first debuted at the No. 1 position on the chart dated December 7, 2024, immediately upon its release on November 22, 2024. Its debut marked Lamar’s sixth time reaching the pinnacle of the Top Rap Albums chart, a testament to his consistent chart dominance throughout his career. The album’s remarkable longevity at the top reflects its sustained popularity among listeners in a competitive streaming and sales landscape.
“Luther” Sets New Standard on Hot Rap Songs
In addition to the album success, Kendrick Lamar has also set a new record on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. His collaborative track with R&B star SZA, titled “Luther”, has become the longest-running No. 1 song in the history of that chart. While the specific number of weeks is not detailed in the initial report, the achievement signifies an extraordinary period of dominance for the single, highlighting the potency of the collaboration and the track’s connection with the audience.
The Hot Rap Songs chart, a blend of streaming, airplay, and sales data, is a key indicator of the most popular rap tracks in the United States. Holding the No. 1 spot for an extended period on this chart is a rare feat, typically reserved for songs that resonate deeply and broadly across various platforms.
Context and Significance
These two record-breaking achievements underscore Kendrick Lamar’s unique standing in the music industry in 2025. Breaking longevity records on two distinct, but equally important, rap charts simultaneously is a rare occurrence.
The success of “GNX” on the Top Rap Albums chart, particularly its ability to outpace previous chart-toppers like Pop Smoke and Eminem, highlights the album’s critical reception, its strategic release timing, and its ability to maintain listener engagement over an extended period. In an era where chart positions can fluctuate rapidly due to the dynamics of music consumption, spending 22 weeks at No. 1 is a significant indicator of an album becoming a cultural touchstone.
Similarly, the performance of “Luther” on the Hot Rap Songs chart, achieving the longest No. 1 run, demonstrates the power of collaboration and the single’s ability to break through the crowded field of popular rap tracks. SZA’s involvement undoubtedly contributed to the track’s widespread appeal, crossing genre lines and attracting a diverse audience.
Looking Ahead
These records on the July 5, 2025 charts solidify Kendrick Lamar’s position not just as a premier recording artist but also as a significant commercial force with lasting appeal. The sustained success of both his album and a lead single indicates a deep connection with his fanbase and a broad reach across the music market. As the industry continues to evolve, the metrics of chart performance remain a key measure of an artist’s impact, and Lamar’s recent achievements set new benchmarks for success in the rap genre. His ability to consistently deliver chart-topping work that also garners critical acclaim places him among the most influential artists of his generation, continuing to shape the sound and direction of hip-hop globally.
