Kendrick Lamar’s GNX continues to thrive despite persistent botting accusations, proving that controversy and commercial success often go hand in hand. The project has now surpassed 1 million album-equivalent units in the U.S., making it the first hip-hop release of the year to reach this milestone. While GNX benefited from a massive Super Bowl boost in February, its staying power suggests that something deeper is at play—whether that’s unwavering fan support, industry momentum, or a mix of both.
But let’s be real—this achievement comes under a cloud of skepticism. The botting accusations surrounding Lamar have only intensified, fueled by the ongoing defamation lawsuit against UMG on behalf of his rival, Drake. The lawsuit alleges that UMG illegally manipulated the sales of “Not Like Us,” Lamar’s scathing diss track, to spread defamatory content about the Toronto superstar. With the case still unfolding, OVO diehards are quick to cast doubt on K.Dot’s numbers, assuming the worst about his streaming and sales performance. And yet, the numbers remain undefeated.
Kendrick vs. Kanye: More Smoke, More Fire
Beyond legal battles, Kendrick also faces heat from his former collaborators. None other than Kanye West took to social media to accuse Lamar of “ruining” Playboi Carti’s album MUSIC, while dismissing his claim as hip-hop’s reigning figure. Ye even went as far as labeling K.Dot a “pawn” of Lucian Grainge and UMG, a claim that, while rooted in his own industry grievances, adds another layer to the swirling discourse. Fans, however, were more focused on the hypocrisy of Lamar collaborating with Carti after blasting Drake as a “f***ing deadbeat that should never say More Life.”
The love gets faker, and the hate gets realer. But Kendrick seems to be embracing the pressure, positioning himself as an untouchable force in the game.
One Year After The Drake vs. Kendrick War—Does It Even Matter Anymore?
It’s been a full year since the biggest rap beef of the decade, and yet, both Kendrick Lamar and Drake remain at the top. Despite diss tracks, lawsuits, and relentless fan debates, their dominance hasn’t wavered. But at this point, is the beef still worth the energy?
The battle lines have blurred, and the echoes of victory and defeat are fading. Both artists have expanded their legacies, but has anything truly changed beyond commercial bragging rights? The charts are still theirs, the fandoms are still at war, and the culture still thrives on their every move. Whether this saga ever reaches real closure remains to be seen—but for now, the numbers don’t lie. GNX continues to break records. Drake continues to push boundaries. And the hip-hop world? It’s just along for the ride.
