Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is Apple Music’s most-streamed rap song for second straight year

Kendrick Lamar’s has Apple Music’s most streamed rap song again

Kendrick Lamar’s winning streak continues. More than a year after the release of his explosive Drake diss track “Not Like Us,” the record is still reshaping rap history. According to Hip Hop All Day on X, the song has become the most-streamed rap track on Apple Music worldwide in 2025. It also held the same title in 2024, making it the first rap song ever to claim the top spot two years in a row.

This kind of back-to-back success is rare. Even in a genre driven by constant change, surprise releases, and viral moments, Kendrick’s staying power hits differently. His ability to keep listeners returning to a diss track more than a year after its debut highlights his impact, his timing, and the cultural weight he still carries.

But the success of “Not Like Us” is only part of a much bigger story—one that includes the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, massive viewership numbers, and a legal battle surrounding Drake that keeps evolving.

Kendrick Lamar’s Two-Year Streaming Reign

“Not Like Us” already had momentum when it dropped. It arrived at the height of the 2024 Kendrick–Drake feud, a clash that dominated social media, hip-hop discourse, reaction videos, and online debates for weeks. The song became an instant cultural event, with fans dissecting lyrics, watching live crowd reactions, and replaying the track long after the beef cooled.

The fact that the song was the most-streamed rap song on Apple Music worldwide two years in a row is an achievement that extends beyond the feud. It means listeners returned to it long after the drama faded. That speaks to replay value, but also to Kendrick’s ability to turn a diss track into something people treat like a cultural anthem.

For everyday listeners, replaying the song is more than keeping up with a feud. It’s about energy. It’s about production. It’s about a song that still feels larger than the moment that created it.

This level of momentum reflects:

• Strong global appeal
• Continued social relevance
• Soundtrack-level replay value
• Crossover interest from casual listeners

It’s also a rare example of a track rooted in conflict becoming an evergreen hip-hop staple.

Super Bowl LIX Gave Kendrick Even More Visibility

Kendrick’s performance at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome added another layer to his streaming dominance. The halftime show attracted 133.5 million viewers worldwide, putting Kendrick in front of one of the largest audiences on the planet.

Super Bowl halftime shows often boost the performing artist’s catalog for weeks or months. Kendrick’s performance, which highlighted his artistry and stage presence, pushed both new fans and longtime listeners to revisit his music. That spotlight naturally fed into the continuing success of “Not Like Us.”

For user experience, the key takeaway is simple:
When millions of viewers watch an artist deliver a career-defining show, their streaming numbers usually jump. Kendrick was no exception.

And because this happened in early 2025—just before “Not Like Us” was crowned the most-streamed rap song yet again—it’s clear the Super Bowl played a meaningful role in its sustained popularity.

How the Super Bowl Ties Into Drake’s Ongoing Lawsuit

The Super Bowl performance didn’t just boost Kendrick’s streaming footprint. It also became part of an unexpected legal chapter involving Drake.

Drake filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) in January 2025. In the suit, he accuses the company of contributing to what he describes as a “false and malicious” narrative that labels him an alleged sexual predator. According to reporting, he later amended the lawsuit after Kendrick’s Super Bowl appearance, alleging that threats directed at him and his loved ones increased following the performance.

This addition to the lawsuit reflects how public events—especially high-visibility cultural moments—can influence legal strategies, public perception, and online discourse. When millions of people engage with a performance connected to a feud of this scale, ripple effects are almost guaranteed.

Latest Update: Drake’s Legal Team Seeks Deadline Extensions

The most recent development surfaced over the weekend. Because of the holiday season, Drake’s legal team requested that the court push back several major deadlines. They originally had until December 22 to submit their initial brief. Now both Drake’s team and UMG want the date moved to January 21 of next year.

If the court approves the revised schedule, Kendrick’s side will have until March 27 to file their response.

Drake’s lawyers note that the delay would allow them to properly prepare their filings while also handling other cases. One of those cases involves Blake Lively, who is currently in a legal dispute with Justin Baldoni. Drake’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, is representing Lively in that matter, which adds even more workload to his schedule.

What makes the filing stand out is its positioning. The document emphasizes that this lawsuit involves issues of artistic expression and public-figure defamation—topics that often shape major media conversations.

Why Kendrick’s Moment Matters for Hip-Hop

Kendrick Lamar has always represented craftsmanship. His approach remains steady even when the industry shifts. His longevity stands out in a time where viral moments come and go at lightning speed.

Here’s why this moment feels important beyond fan culture:

1. It Reinforces the Power of Lyricism

In an era of short-form content and algorithm-driven hits, a lyrically dense diss track becoming a top global streamer two years in a row says something about what listeners still value.

2. It Highlights Cultural Memory

Some songs fade quickly. Others become shorthand for entire moments in history. “Not Like Us” is now tied to a broader cultural movement within hip-hop.

3. It Shows the Influence of Major Live Events

Super Bowl performances can shift listening habits. Kendrick’s set proved that a halftime show can create long-term momentum instead of just a temporary spike.

4. It Demonstrates the Intersections of Art, Media, and Law

The connection between Kendrick’s performance and Drake’s lawsuit reflects how entertainment moments often spill into legal and public-relations territory.

Why Certain Songs Keep Winning Over Time

Some songs thrive long after their release. Here’s why tracks like “Not Like Us” stay relevant:

• Clear narrative: Songs rooted in storytelling or conflict tend to maintain cultural presence.
• Community engagement: Debates, reactions, and shared experiences create ongoing discussion.
• Replay-friendly production: High-energy production keeps listeners coming back.
• Cultural milestones: When a song becomes part of a larger event—like a rivalry or a Super Bowl—it gains longevity.

Understanding these patterns helps explain why Kendrick’s song continues performing so well even after the feud has quieted down.

It also provides insight for artists, marketers, and fans about what keeps music in rotation long-term.

What Comes Next?

As the lawsuit progresses and schedules shift, the legal landscape around Drake and UMG will continue to develop. Meanwhile, Kendrick’s cultural momentum isn’t slowing down. His standing in hip-hop remains strong, his fan engagement remains high, and his influence only appears to grow.

Whether new music is on the horizon or not, Kendrick’s ability to dominate the conversation without a traditional album rollout is impressive. “Not Like Us” is no longer just the biggest diss track of its era. It has evolved into one of the most dominant rap records of the decade so far.

And with a two-year streaming crown under its belt, it’s clear that the world is still listening.

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