Drake Blocked From No. 1 On Multiple Charts By Kendrick Lamar

Drake just can’t seem to catch a break when Kendrick Lamar is in the picture. The two rappers made headlines throughout 2024 thanks to a string of increasingly vicious diss tracks, culminating in Lamar’s now-iconic “Not Like Us.” The battle may have ended months ago, but the rivalry continues to play out on the Billboard charts. And once again, it’s Lamar who comes out on top.

The rapper’s latest album Some Sexy Songs 4 U is filled with streaming-friendly cuts that have been climbing across several rankings since its release. The biggest hit of the bunch is “Nokia,” which this week nearly lands at No. 1 on several tallies — but there’s just one man getting in his way.

“Nokia” Hits No. 2 on Four Charts

Drake’s “Nokia” is on a forward march, and it has been for weeks – but even with its momentum, it still falls just short of the summit. This frame, the tune rises to No. 2 on four Billboard charts simultaneously: the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs, Hot Rap Songs, and Rap Streaming Songs rankings. In each and every instance, “Nokia” is blocked by the same track.

Kendrick Lamar’s “Luther” Holds at No. 1

Holding Drake back from the top this week is Kendrick Lamar’s “Luther.” The collaboration with SZA has been running the show for weeks, and it refuses to let up. “Luther” remains at No. 1 on all four of the charts where “Nokia” is now second-best, as well as several others – including the Hot 100, where Lamar’s hit is still dominating the general public’s listening habits.

“Luther” has already spent at least 13 frames at No. 1 on each of those tallies. It’s the standout tune from Lamar’s latest album GNX, and it shows no sign of disappearing soon.

Drake Has Already Reached No. 1 Many Times

While Drake was surely hoping “Nokia” might have taken the top spot this week, he’s no stranger to the No. 1 position. He’s conquered all of these charts many times before.

The Canadian rapper has now collected 20 leaders on the Rap Streaming Songs tally. Over on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs list, he’s now up to 24 chart-toppers. His career total is up to 30 when it comes to both the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs rankings.

“Nokia” Could Overtake “Luther”

While it is stuck behind “Luther” at the moment, “Nokia” is gaining ground. The single also surges into the top 10 on the Hot 100 this frame, leaping from No. 11 to No. 7, signaling its strongest week yet across a number of tallies. If it continues to perform well, it may soon become another No. 1 for Drake on at least some lists…if “Luther” will ever relent.