Kendrick Lamar has scored another victory over Drake by denying his archrival the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
On this week’s chart, Kendrick’s “Luther” collaboration with SZA reigns supreme at number one for a remarkable eighth week in a row.
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The news comes as a blow to Drake who was gunning for the top spot with his $ome $exy $ongs 4 U standout “Nokia,” which has risen to a new high of number two but it was not enough to dethrone his fierce rival.
Had it reached the summit, “Nokia” would have handed the 6 God his 15th number one single and first in almost two years following “First Person Shooter,” which featured J. Cole.
Though it was originally released in November as part of Kendrick’s GNX album and has ruled the Hot 100 since February, “Luther” continues to put up huge numbers.
In the last tracking week, the song totaled 63.1 million radio airplay audience impressions, according to Billboard, a figure that is actually on the rise.
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It also scored 22.7 million official on-demand streams and 2,000 sales.
The Cheryl Lynn and Luther Vandross-sampling duet is expected to stay at number one next week with even bigger numbers thanks to the recent release of its eagerly anticipated music video.
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“Nokia,” meanwhile, could slide to number three as the boost from its own well-received video begins to wear off.
Despite failing to supplant “Luther” atop the Hot 100, “Nokia” has helped Drake break a few more records.
Earlier this month, the Canadian superstar became the artist with the most cumulative weeks charting on the Billboard 200, surpassing The Beatles.
Drizzy’s albums have collectively spent over 3,348 weeks on the chart, a streak that dates back over a decade and a half to 2009’s So Far Gone.
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It was also reported that the 6 God had become the first artist to surpass 500 million RIAA-certified units across albums, singles and features.
It meant he extended his lead as the highest-certified artist in RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) history, a title he has held since 2022 when he eclipsed fellow commercial juggernaut and “Forever” collaborator Eminem.
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Drake’s historic RIAA haul includes six diamond singles (“God’s Plan,” “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” “Work” with Rihanna, “Sicko Mode” with Travis Scott, “Life Is Good” with Future), the most among all rappers (excluding Post Malone).
