stayc main image

When Priests Rock the Stage: How a Houston Concert Broke the Internet

August 20, 2025

Imagine six Catholic priests performing at a sold-out Houston show instead of a well-known pop star. Their band's performance combined messages of prayer, celibacy, and faith with elements of rock...

Read more
stayc main image

Nostalgia, Lightness, and Authenticity: A Conversation with Mother Mother’s Ryan Guldemond

August 20, 2025

Nostalgia, Mother Mother’s latest album, is one of those rare creations. It invites us into a world where lightness isn’t escapism—it’s a form of resistance, a beacon of hope, and a path forward....

Read more
stayc main image

“Lovers” by Anna of the North: The Song That Defined a Generation’s Love Letters

August 19, 2025

When Anna of the North released “Lovers” in 2017, it was already a dreamy synth-pop gem, filled with wistful vocals and lush production that captured the ache of young romance. But it wasn’t until...

Read more
stayc main image

“Let Me Know” ft. Future: The Meme Anthem We Didn’t Know We Needed

August 19, 2025

“Let Me Know” ft. Future started out as a moody, late-night playlist type of track, the kind you blast in your car pretending you’re in a music video while stuck in traffic. But now? It’s become...

Read more
stayc main image

“Your Idol” in Kpop Demon Hunters: Beyond the Spotlight

August 19, 2025

“Your Idol” stands out in Kpop Demon Hunters not just as a catchy track, but as one of the most self-aware songs in the whole project. At first listen, it has all the hallmarks of a classic K-pop...

Read more
stayc main image

Saja Boys Are Bubbling Over With “Soda Pop”

August 19, 2025

If you’ve scrolled TikTok, Insta, or literally any corner of the internet in the past few weeks, you’ve probably heard it: the fizzy, feel-good bop known as “Soda Pop” by the Saja Boys. Straight...

Read more
stayc main image

Skai Is Yourgod and the Viral Stacks: From Vinyl to TikTok Glory

August 19, 2025

Skai Is Yourgod didn’t just drop a song, he dropped a cultural grenade. His track “Stacks From All Sides” has taken TikTok by storm, and the secret sauce? A cheeky little sample from Beetle on...

Read more
stayc main image

Sombr’s “Undressed” Ends Hozier’s Historic Run on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs Chart

August 19, 2025

After 70 weeks at No. 1 with “Too Sweet,” Hozier’s reign on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart comes to an end as newcomer Sombr takes over with...

Read more
stayc main image

Charli XCX Closes 'Brat' Era With Emotional Final Show, Teases New Film Project:

August 19, 2025

Charli XCX brought her groundbreaking Brat era to a poignant close Friday night during an electrifying performance at South Korea's One Universe Festival. The pop innovator marked the final...

Read more
stayc main image

Taylor Swift Breaks YouTube Records With ‘New Heights’ Podcast Debut

August 19, 2025

Taylor Swift’s appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s New Heights podcast drew 1.3M live viewers, breaking YouTube records and sparking buzz with details about her new album The Life of a...

Read more
stayc main image

Chance the Rapper Returns: Star Line Album + “And We Back Tour” Breaks His Silence

August 19, 2025

After a six-year silence, Chance the Rapper is officially back. On August 15, 2025, he will drop his sophomore album, Star Line, marking a new chapter filled with growth, travel, and creative...

Read more
stayc main image

Lana Del Rey Calls Out Ethel Cain in New Song, Says She Was ‘Disturbed’ by Personal Involvement’

August 19, 2025

Lana Del Rey’s new song takes aim at Ethel Cain, referencing an alleged personal rift involving Instagram posts, a mutual ex, and behind-the-scenes remarks...

Read more

Kendrick Lamar’s Rise to the Top: Chart-Topping Success Amidst Rap Feud

stayc main image

Photo: Joseph Okpako, Getty Images (2022)

Kendrick Lamar's recent success on the charts marks a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his influence and dominance in the music industry. His diss track "Not Like Us" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, signaling not just a victory in his ongoing feud with Drake, but also a broader cultural impact. This achievement underscores Lamar's ability to capture the public's attention and translate controversy into commercial success.

The surge in Lamar's streaming numbers is remarkable. Billboard reported a 50% increase in his entire music catalog's streams compared to the previous week. This surge propelled him to the second most-streamed artist globally on Spotify for the week of May 9, just behind Taylor Swift. Such impressive statistics reflect the widespread appeal of his music and his strategic use of high-profile feuds to maintain and grow his fanbase.

Lamar's diss tracks, particularly "Not Like Us," "Euphoria," and "Meet the Grahams," collectively garnered 208 million streams on Spotify. This massive streaming success demonstrates his mastery in crafting tracks that resonate with listeners and keep them engaged. His presence at the top of both Apple Music and Spotify daily charts further cements his position as a leading figure in the music world.

The commercial success of "Not Like Us" extends beyond traditional music charts. The track debuted at number nine on the TikTok Billboard Top 50, making it Lamar's highest-ranking song on the platform. This entry is significant as it highlights Lamar's ability to adapt to new digital landscapes and reach younger audiences through social media. The success on TikTok, a platform known for its viral trends and younger user base, indicates that Lamar's music transcends generational boundaries and continues to be relevant in various contexts.

Kendrick Lamar's rise to the top charts during this period of intense public and media scrutiny exemplifies his resilience and strategic acumen. It shows how an artist can leverage personal and professional conflicts to enhance their public profile and achieve new heights in their career. For Lamar, this moment is not just about winning a feud; it's about solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential artists of his generation. His ability to turn controversy into chart-topping success is a testament to his artistry and the powerful connection he has with his audience.

Kendrick Lamar’s Rise to the Top: Chart-Topping Success Amidst Rap Feudkendrick-lamars-rise-to-the-top-chart-topping-success-amidst-rap-feudHla EidMay 25, 2024Kendrick Lamar's recent success on the charts marks a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his influence and dominance in the music industry. His diss track "Not Like Us" debuted...