This new achievement further cements the project’s place in Hip-Hop history
Kendrick Lamar’s 2017 work of art DAMN. has crossed a streaming milestone few hip-hop albums ever reach — 10 billion plays on Spotify. The Pulitzer Prize-winning project now sits in rare company alongside just six other rap and rap-adjacent records to hit the mark, joining Juice WRLD’s Goodbye & Good Riddance, Travis Scott’s ASTROWORLD, XXXTENTACION’s ?, Drake’s Views and Scorpion, and Post Malone’s beerbongs & bentleys and Hollywood’s Bleeding.
While DAMN. often sparks debate among fans about its place in Kendrick’s discography, its commercial performance is unmatched in his catalog. Led by undeniable standouts like “HUMBLE.,” “DNA.,” “LOVE.,” and “PRIDE.,” the album blends accessibility with thematic ambition, capturing a cultural moment while rewarding deep listening.
A Record That Redefined Success
When DAMN. earned Kendrick Lamar the first-ever Pulitzer Prize for Music awarded to a hip-hop album, it signaled more than critical acclaim. In fact, it was a reshaping of the genre’s place in American art. Now, eight years later, its streaming numbers confirm what history already suggested: DAMN. isn’t just an album, it’s a modern classic with staying power.
Part of that longevity stems from Lamar’s relentless dominance in the years since, both as a performer and a curator of moments. His recent “Grand National” tour has kept his music in constant rotation, while his pgLang imprint has expanded his cultural footprint without oversaturating the market. Even with a pause in new releases, the streams keep coming.
The Road Ahead For Kendrick’s Catalog
With over 79 million monthly Spotify listeners, it’s only a matter of time before another Kendrick project approaches the 10-billion benchmark. Whether that’s the sprawling To Pimp a Butterfly or his most recent Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, K.Dot’s impact isn’t slowing down.
For now, DAMN. stands as proof that high art and high numbers can coexist and thrive in the streaming era. It’s an achievement rooted in craft, cultural resonance, and an artist who continues to push hip-hop’s boundaries, one monumental milestone at a time.
