Kendrick Lamar Matches Drake’s Most Impressive Run At No. 1 — And He’s Not Done Yet

Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” isn’t just a hit — it’s one of the biggest successes of the year. The collaboration is currently leading more than half a dozen Billboard tallies, and it will likely continue to dominate for some time to come as it rules important rankings like the Hot 100 and Radio Songs tally.

The two superstars are in complete control of some of the company’s genre-specific lists. With just one more frame spent at No. 1, Lamar manages to match the longest reign enjoyed by his competitor — and rap battle opponent — Drake on multiple lists.

“Luther” Reigns on Multiple Billboard Genre Charts

“Luther” is once again steady atop both the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts. The tallies rank the most consumed tunes by blending sales, airplay, and streaming activity in those styles, with one being slightly more specific than the other.

In both cases, “Luther” ties Drake’s longest run at No. 1. Interestingly, the Canadian hip-hop star has reached one impressive position with different cuts on each tally.

Kendrick Lamar Matches Drake’s Historic Runs

“Luther” has now led both of these rosters for 18 nonconsecutive frames — a sum that is sure to continue to grow in the coming weeks, and perhaps even months.

On the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, “Luther” matches the historic reign enjoyed by “One Dance,” the 2016 collaboration between Drake, Wizkid, and Kyla, which also led for 18 weeks.

Over on the Hot Rap Songs tally, “Luther” ties another Drake smash. Between 2015 and 2016, “Hotline Bling” controlled the roster for 18 frames. That solo cut remains the longest run atop the list for any of his hits.

Kendrick Lamar Already Owns the All-Time Record

Lamar already claims the longest-running leader ever on both tallies. On the Hot Rap Songs chart, “Not Like Us,” his diss track aimed at Drake, dominated for 26 weeks — exactly half a year. That same track held on at No. 1 for 22 weeks on the more competitive Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs roster.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA Will Likely Keep Making History

A handful of tracks, with reigns between 18 and 21 weeks, are also part of this elite club. These include SZA’s “Kill Bill,” Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’s “Old Town Road,” and Nas X’s “Industry Baby” with Jack Harlow, among others. All of them rank among the most successful chart-toppers of all time, and they all may soon lose to “Luther.”