Kendrick Lamar Shatters Billboard Records with “GNX” and “Luther”

Los Angeles, CA – Kendrick Lamar, one of contemporary music’s most critically lauded figures, has solidified his place in chart history by breaking two significant long-standing records on the Billboard charts for the week dated July 5, 2025.

Lamar’s latest studio album, “GNX,” and his acclaimed collaboration with R&B sensation SZA, the track titled “Luther,” have achieved unprecedented milestones. “GNX” now stands as the longest-running No. 1 album in the history of the Billboard Top Rap Albums chart, while “Luther” concurrently sets a new benchmark for the longest reign atop the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart.

An Unprecedented Album Run

The album “GNX” has demonstrated remarkable staying power, rebounding to the top position on the Top Rap Albums chart to secure its astonishing 22nd non-consecutive week at No. 1. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Pop Smoke’s posthumous release, “Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon,” which maintained the peak position for 21 weeks, concluding its historic run in April 2021. Before Pop Smoke’s record, Eminem’s seminal album “Recovery” held the distinction for the longest No. 1 run on the chart with 19 weeks.

“GNX” initially debuted at No. 1 on the Top Rap Albums chart dated December 7, 2024, marking Lamar’s sixth career album to reach the summit of the chart. The album, which takes its name from the high-performance Buick Regal Grand National Experimental car, was released on November 22, 2024.

Critical Acclaim Fuels Longevity

Released to widespread critical acclaim, “GNX” was quickly hailed by many critics as a groundbreaking work. Reviewers particularly lauded its ambitious scope and production, with some praising it as a “successful reimagination of West Coast hip-hop.” The album’s intricate lyricism and thematic depth also led some to describe it as potentially Lamar’s “greatest work” to date.

This strong critical reception appears to have translated into sustained commercial and streaming performance, contributing significantly to its unprecedented chart longevity. The enduring interest in the album underscores Lamar’s ability to create bodies of work that resonate deeply with both critics and the listening public over extended periods.

“Luther” Dominates the Singles Chart

Adding to Lamar’s historic week, the collaboration with SZA on the track “Luther” has similarly carved out its own place in the record books. The song has now logged the most weeks at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, surpassing all previous chart-topping singles in the chart’s history.

The success of “Luther” highlights the powerful synergy between Lamar and SZA, two artists known for their distinct and influential styles. Its sustained performance at the pinnacle of the Hot Rap Songs chart is a testament to the track’s popularity and impact within the genre.

Broader Implications

The simultaneous breaking of these two major Billboard records on the charts dated July 5, 2025, marks a significant moment in hip-hop history and for Kendrick Lamar’s already legendary career. It signifies not only the popularity of his recent releases but also their profound cultural impact and staying power in a rapidly evolving music landscape.

These achievements underscore Lamar’s status as a dominant force capable of producing both chart-topping albums with enduring appeal and hit singles that redefine longevity benchmarks. The records set by “GNX” and “Luther” on the Billboard charts are likely to stand as significant milestones for years to come, further cementing Lamar’s legacy as one of the most important artists of his generation.