Kendrick Lamar’s massive year continues with his song “Not Like Us” becoming the best-selling track of 2024 in the U.S.
The track has reached astounding sales and streaming numbers, dominating charts and breaking records.
Chart-Topping Success
Kendrick Lamar’s phenomenal track “Not Like Us” has topped the charts as the best-selling song of 2024. Its total sales figures are still being tallied, but it’s clear the song has solidified Lamar’s dominance in the music industry.
According to Chart Data, the song has sold more units than any other release this year, highlighting its immense popularity.
Spotify and YouTube Milestones
Despite no official certification from the RIAA, “Not Like Us” reached one million equivalent units within two weeks of its May release, then surged past two million the next month.
Through platforms like Spotify and YouTube, the song and its music video have garnered over 800 million plays. This overwhelming response reflects Lamar’s widespread appeal and the track’s significant impact.
Billboard Hot 100 Achievements
Produced by Mustard, “Not Like Us” topped the Billboard Hot 100 twice, initially right after its release and again two months later.
The release of its highly anticipated video provided a boost, helping the song reclaim the top spot.
Feud with Drake
The song dropped during the peak of Kendrick and Drake’s public feud in early May.
It smashed records, including the biggest single-day streams for a rap song in U.S. Spotify history with 10.986 million streams, far surpassing the previous record of 6.593 million streams held by Drake and Lil Baby’s “Girls Like Girls.”
Quickly becoming the fastest rap song to hit 500 million streams on Spotify, it dethroned Drake’s “God’s Plan.”
Impact on Tam’s Burgers
The success of “Not Like Us” helped Compton-based Tam’s Burgers, prominently featured in the music video.
Business increased 30-40% post-release. The owners, close to Kendrick since his teen years, worked out a deal for free advertising and now offer him a lifetime of free meals.
Potential Grammy Success
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. praised “Not Like Us,” suggesting it could achieve success at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
“Obviously, it’s a hot record, it’s amazing artistry, great writing,” Mason remarked.
The CEO emphasized the song’s creativity and talent would likely resonate with Academy voters.
Historical Significance
If “Not Like Us” wins a Grammy, it would be the first rap diss track to do so.
Drake’s “Back to Back” was nominated in 2016 but lost to Lamar’s “Alright.”
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” not only topped charts but also influenced business and set streaming records.
Its success marks another milestone in Lamar’s career, positioning him strongly for future accolades.
