Kendrick Lamar continues to make history as his Grammy-winning anthem “Not Like Us” has officially surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify, becoming the fastest rap song in the platform’s history to reach the milestone.
Some records dominate the charts, while others dominate the conversation. Then there are records that manage to do both. With that being said, Kendrick Lamar and his standout single “Not Like Us” has officially entered the 2 billion-stream club on Spotify, adding another major accomplishment to a record that became one of the biggest defining cultural moments of 2024.
Produced by DJ Mustard, the West Coast anthem arrived in May 2024 during Kendrick’s highly publicized lyrical feud with Drake. The track quickly moved the battle that helped introduce it to the mainstream, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining soundtrack for a pivotal moment in modern day Hip-Hop.
Now, “Not Like Us” has reached another historic benchmark. In doing so, it is reportedly the fastest rap song in Spotify history to surpass 2 billion streams, breaking the previous record held by Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow’s “INDUSTRY BABY”.
From Rap Battle to Cultural Phenomenon
What began as a decisive moment in one of Hip-Hop’s most talked-about lyrical confrontations developed into something much bigger. “Not Like Us” became a West Coast celebration, a stadium-ready anthem and a record that continued to resonate long after the initial back-and-forth settled down. Its infectious production, memorable hook and pointed lyrics helped propel it beyond traditional rap audiences.
Kendrick’s performance of the record during his 2025 Super Bowl LIX halftime show further cemented its place in popular culture, introducing the song to an even wider audience while reinforcing its significance within his catalog. The track’s commercial success also translated into major industry recognition. Its momentum carried into the Grammy Awards, where it won multiple honors, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 2025.
Yet streaming milestones offer another angle on the song’s staying power. Reaching 2 billion plays requires more than an explosive debut or a few weeks of viral attention. It reflects a record that listeners continue to revisit, whether for its production, its cultural associations or its place in Hip-Hop history.
Kendrick Lamar’s 2 Billion-Stream Club
“Not Like Us” is not Kendrick Lamar’s first record to reach the 2 billion-stream milestone on Spotify. In fact, alongside this latest achievement, it joins four other Kendrick records that have already crossed the threshold:
- “HUMBLE.” — The chart-topping single from DAMN. remains one of Kendrick’s most recognizable solo records and a defining release of his career.
- “All the Stars” featuring SZA — The celebrated collaboration from the Black Panther soundtrack connected two of contemporary music’s most influential voices.
- “goosebumps” with Travis Scott — A fan-favorite collaboration that has maintained an impressive streaming presence over the years.
- “Money Trees” featuring Jay Rock — A standout from good kid, m.A.A.d city whose longevity demonstrates the lasting appeal of Kendrick’s early catalog.
Together, these records reflect the range of Kendrick’s artistry. From introspective storytelling and sharp social commentary to chart-dominating singles and collaborations that continue to find new audiences.
His catalog has consistently connected across different listening eras, with older releases maintaining relevance while newer records introduce his music to another generation.
A Major Milestone for West Coast Hip-Hop
There is also something significant about the record behind this achievement. “Not Like Us” arrived with unmistakable West Coast energy, built around DJ Mustard’s production and Kendrick’s commanding delivery. Its success placed regional identity, lyrical competition and the power of a well-executed rap record at the center of a global conversation. The release became a reminder that Hip-Hop’s competitive spirit can still create moments that reach far beyond the genre itself.
Nonetheless, more than two years after its release, “Not Like Us” continues to generate conversation and accumulate streams, proving that its impact was not limited to the headlines surrounding its arrival. Although the battle may have provided the backdrop, the music has maintained the momentum.
The Numbers Keep Telling the Story
Overall, KDot’s latest Spotify milestone reinforces what his catalog has showcased throughout the years… his influence extends beyond individual releases.
From good kid, m.A.A.d city and To Pimp a Butterfly to DAMN. and the cultural force of “Not Like Us,” Kendrick has built a body of work that continues to command attention across generations. Surpassing 2 billion streams is a remarkable accomplishment on its own. Becoming the fastest rap song to reach that mark makes the achievement even more notable.
And with multiple records already occupying the same streaming tier, Kendrick’s success reflects something bigger than a single viral moment. “Not Like Us” made history in the heat of the moment, but its latest streaming milestone proves the record’s story is still being written. Press play on the trendiest track in hip-Hop here at DiamondKutMedia! Lastly, let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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