Despite a high-profile feud with Kendrick Lamar, Drake continues to dominate the music streaming world. The Canadian rapper has been crowned Spotify’s most-streamed rapper for the eighth consecutive year, securing his place as the top rap artist globally and in the U.S. for 2024.
On December 4, as Spotify unveiled its much-anticipated 2024 Wrapped, Drake’s impressive streaming numbers came to light. With 73.3 million monthly listeners, he is far ahead of his competitors, including rival Kendrick Lamar, whom he has been feuding with over multiple diss tracks. The ongoing rivalry started earlier in the year, with Kendrick Lamar taking shots on Metro Boomin and Future’s “Like That” and continuing with tracks such as “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA.” In response, Drake fired back with diss tracks like “Push Ups,” “Taylor Made Freestyle,” and “Family Matters.”
Despite the public back-and-forth, which fans have closely followed, Drake’s position on Spotify Wrapped 2024 is undeniable. He was not only the top rap act but also the fourth most-streamed artist on the platform overall, following pop sensation Taylor Swift, who topped the global charts. Travis Scott took second place, while Ye, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar rounded out the top five.
The ongoing feud between the two stars has even spilled into legal territory. Drake recently filed a legal petition against Universal Music Group (UMG), claiming the corporation artificially inflated streaming numbers for Kendrick’s track “Not Like Us.” Drake alleges that UMG made arrangements with Spotify and iHeartRadio to boost streams for Kendrick’s song and accuses the company of defamation over the distribution of the track. However, UMG has denied these allegations, defending their ethical practices in music promotion.
In response, UMG released a statement asserting that the claims of manipulated streaming numbers are false, calling the lawsuit “offensive and untrue.” The company emphasized that their marketing and promotional campaigns follow high ethical standards, and any legal actions are merely an attempt to deflect from the reality that listeners are choosing the music they enjoy.
Drake’s Continued Dominance Despite Legal Tensions and Feud
Drake’s dominance in streaming reflects his continued global appeal, even amidst personal and professional challenges. His success on Spotify shows his far-reaching influence, with 2024’s Wrapped demonstrating that fans continue to gravitate towards his music despite the ongoing back-and-forth with Lamar.
The numbers speak volumes: Drake is a force to be reckoned with in the rap game, with little sign of slowing down. As the rap world watches the feud unfold, fans will undoubtedly continue to stream their favourite tracks, whether in support of the Canadian artist or his competition.
Ranking of Spotify’s Most-Streamed Rappers for 2024
- Drake
- Travis Scott
- Ye
- Eminem
- Kendrick Lamar
- Future
- Metro Boomin
- 21 Savage
- Playboi Carti
- XXXTENTACION (Posthumously)
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