In the wake of his electrifying Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick Lamar has achieved a remarkable milestone on the Billboard 200 albums chart. His latest release, GNX, reclaimed the top spot for a second consecutive week, following its physical release and streaming availability. Additionally, two more of his albums surged back into the top 10, making Lamar the first rap artist to have three albums simultaneously in this prestigious chart position. This achievement highlights Lamar’s enduring influence and popularity in the music industry.
Following his mesmerizing performance at the Super Bowl on February 9th, Kendrick Lamar's musical impact became evident on the Billboard 200 chart. In the week ending February 13th, his album GNX soared from No. 4 to No. 1, marking its second week atop the list. The album garnered an impressive 236,000 equivalent album units, with a significant boost from streaming and vinyl sales. Notably, GNX sold 116,000 physical copies, including 87,000 on vinyl, which is Lamar’s best week for vinyl sales to date.
Simultaneously, two other Lamar albums made their way back into the top 10. His critically acclaimed 2017 release, DAMN., climbed from No. 29 to No. 9, while his 2012 masterpiece, good kid, m.A.A.d city, leaped from No. 27 to No. 10. This triple presence in the top 10 makes Lamar the first living male artist to achieve such a feat since Herb Alpert in 1966. Lamar's accomplishment also places him alongside Taylor Swift as one of the few artists to have three or more albums in the top 10 concurrently.
The success of GNX extends beyond just chart positions. It has been in the top five for 12 consecutive weeks, showcasing its sustained popularity. Moreover, the reissue of SZA's SOS, featuring additional tracks, also benefited from Lamar’s halftime show, climbing from No. 3 to No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
From a broader perspective, this surge in Lamar's chart performance underscores the powerful influence of live performances and the resurgence of physical formats like vinyl. It also reflects the enduring appeal of his earlier works, which continue to resonate with both old and new fans.
As a journalist covering the music industry, it is clear that Kendrick Lamar’s dominance on the Billboard 200 signifies more than just chart numbers. It symbolizes the profound impact of an artist who consistently pushes boundaries and captivates audiences across generations. Lamar’s ability to bring his older works back into the spotlight, along with the success of his newer releases, demonstrates the lasting power of his music and the deep connection he has forged with listeners. This achievement sets a new benchmark for what is possible in the ever-evolving landscape of music charts.