Kendrick Lamar Makes History Again with Three Albums in Billboard’s Top 10
Kendrick Lamar continues to prove why he’s one of the most dominant forces in hip-hop. Following his Super Bowl halftime performance, he’s made history as the first rapper ever to have three albums in the Billboard 200’s top 10 at the same time.
According to Billboard’s February 22 chart, Kendrick’s latest album, GNX, has returned to No. 1, while his 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. sits at No. 9, and his 2012 breakthrough good kid, m.A.A.d city holds No. 10.
This achievement places Kendrick in an elite class of musicians. He’s the first living male artist to achieve this milestone since Herb Alpert in 1966. The only other recent artist to pull off a similar feat is Taylor Swift, who had five albums in the top 10 in 2023. Even Prince only managed to chart three albums posthumously in 2016.
In this latest charting week, Kendrick’s GNX moved 236,000 equivalent album units, DAMN. did 39,000, and good kid, m.A.A.d city added 37,000—proving that his music remains as relevant as ever, even years after release.
SNL Takes on "Not Like Us"
Kendrick’s success isn’t just showing up on the charts—it’s also making waves in pop culture. His viral Drake diss track, "Not Like Us," got a comedic twist on Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary Special, courtesy of Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer.
The two comedians revived their famous Marty & Bobbi Culp sketch, where they perform awkward, choir-style covers of pop hits. Before launching into their unexpected rendition of "Not Like Us," Ferrell jokingly addressed the Kendrick-Drake feud:
"Are Kenny Lamar and Drake Graham in the house? Maybe you two can hug it out tonight in the name of love and fellowship. No? Not in hell. Message received."
Ferrell and Gasteyer hilariously reworked Kendrick’s lyrics, even extending his infamous "A minor" taunt into a dramatic, opera-style vocal performance. Ferrell also didn’t shy away from the track’s most controversial line, boldly delivering, "Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophile."
The SNL moment was just another example of how deeply Kendrick’s music is embedded in pop culture. Though he wasn’t present at the show, his Super Bowl halftime performance, which featured SZA, Mustard, Serena Williams, and Samuel L. Jackson, pulled in an astonishing 133.5 million viewers—making it one of the most-watched halftime shows in history.
Kendrick Lamar’s Legacy Grows
From chart dominance to unforgettable diss tracks and viral cultural moments, Kendrick Lamar’s impact is undeniable. His ability to blend storytelling, lyricism, and social commentary has made him one of the most influential artists of his generation. With more music on the way and an ever-growing legacy, it’s clear that K.Dot is far from done making history.