Nine months after its initial release, Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us has finally ascended to the top of the UK singles chart, marking the rapper’s first-ever number one hit in the country.
This achievement solidifies Lamar’s global impact, showcasing his ability to dominate charts long after a song’s debut.
The track, originally released amid Lamar’s much-publicized feud with Drake, has continued to gain traction, resonating with fans on both sides of the Atlantic.
A major factor in the song’s renewed popularity was Lamar’s standout performance at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, which broke records as the most-watched in history.
With 133.5 million viewers tuning in, his setlist captivated audiences worldwide, and Not Like Us became one of the most talked-about moments of the event.
The exposure from the performance propelled the track to new heights, cementing its status as one of the defining rap songs of the moment.
In the past week alone, Not Like Us racked up an impressive 6.4 million streams in the UK, an indication of its lasting appeal.
The song’s aggressive lyrical content and its role in the high-profile rap feud between Lamar and Drake made it an instant cultural phenomenon.
Additionally, two of Lamar’s earlier collaborations with SZA, Luther and All The Stars, have re-entered the UK top five, proving the staying power of his discography.
Meanwhile, Drake has also secured multiple entries in the UK charts this week, though under different circumstances.
His latest collaborative album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, released on Valentine’s Day, has produced three songs that have made their way into the UK top 40.
While none have reached the same level of dominance as Not Like Us, they demonstrate that Drake’s influence remains strong despite the ongoing rivalry.
On the album charts, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U debuted at number three in the UK, a solid performance but not quite enough to dethrone the reigning chart leaders.
Despite the heated competition between the two rap giants, Lamar appears to have maintained the upper hand, particularly in the US, where Not Like Us and Luther currently occupy the number one and number two spots on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively.
Beyond singles dominance, Lamar has also made history with a remarkable feat on the Billboard 200 album chart. Earlier this week, he became the first rapper ever to have three albums simultaneously in the top 10, further cementing his legendary status in hip-hop.
This achievement underscores the depth of his catalog and the unwavering support from his fanbase.
His latest album, GNX, climbed to the number one position, continuing its strong chart run.
Additionally, his Pulitzer Prize-winning 2017 album DAMN. re-entered the top 10 at number nine, while his critically acclaimed 2012 project good kid, m.A.A.d city made a surprising resurgence, landing at number 10.
The enduring success of these albums speaks volumes about Lamar’s lasting influence on the genre.
Lamar’s recent accomplishments come fresh off his stunning Grammy Awards sweep earlier this month. At the prestigious ceremony, he took home five Grammy wins, including the highly coveted Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Not Like Us.
The victories reinforced his dominance in the industry and highlighted his ability to craft music that resonates both critically and commercially.
However, the ongoing feud between Lamar and Drake has now escalated beyond diss tracks and public jabs.
Drake has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group—the label that represents both rappers—citing defamation and harassment claims related to the release and marketing of Not Like Us.
The legal battle adds another chapter to the already contentious rivalry, ensuring that the drama between the two icons is far from over.
Meanwhile, other artists have made notable moves on the UK charts. Lola Young’s Messy, which previously held the number one spot, has been pushed down to second place.
In a surprising climb, Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club has secured the number three position, signaling growing momentum for the rising star.
Over on the UK albums chart, Sabrina Carpenter has reclaimed the number one position with her album Short N’ Sweet, thanks to the release of a deluxe edition featuring a special collaboration with music legend Dolly Parton.
The expanded edition has reignited interest in the album, bringing it back to the top.
Elsewhere, The Manic Street Preachers’ new release Critical Thinking has made a strong debut at number two, marking the band’s 15th entry into the UK’s top 10 albums.
London-based singer-songwriter Louis Dunford has also found success, as his debut album Be Lucky has charted at number eight.
Dunford, whose song The Angel (North London Forever) has become an anthem for Arsenal Football Club, expressed his excitement, stating, “I never dreamed of getting into the top 10. Thank you so much for all the support.”
