Canadian rapper Drake is 2024's best-selling rapper. Picture:X/@ComplexMusic
In the world of hip-hop, where beats hit harder and bars cut deeper, there’s always room for a little drama. There was and still is an ongoing saga of Drake and Kendrick Lamar - a rivalry that has fans across the world talking about it.
While the debate rages on about who truly wears the crown, Drake’s fans aren’t shy about declaring their king the undisputed G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time). And they’ve got the stats to back it up.
Despite Lamar’s fiery return, Drake’s fanbase remains fiercely loyal, pointing to the Toronto rapper’s monumental impact on the game. After all, it’s hard to argue with numbers.
Drake ended 2024 as the best-selling rapper, a title he’s held for a decade. Chart Data X confirmed that the 38-year-old sold over eight million album units in the US alone. And here’s the tea, he didn’t even drop a new album last year.
He’s been subtly settling scores and making it clear where he stands with those who’ve crossed him. On Friday, he dropped his track “Fighting Irish Freestyle”, produced by Conductor Williams.
While Drake didn’t name names, it was clear who he was talking about. Several lines seemed to be aimed at Lamar, along with some jabs at DeMar DeRozan and LeBron James.
“The world fell in love with gimmicks, even brother got tickets,” Drake spits, calling out those who’ve taken shots at him.
He continues, “Analysing behavioural patterns, somewhat suspicious / N*****s was never happy for me when I run up with digits.”
Drake also goes on to address those who were all smiles to his face but shady behind his back.
Then there’s LeBron James. Remember when James hyped Lamar’s “Not Like Us” during the 2024 Olympics? Steph Curry wasn’t feeling it but James was clearly here for it.
Fast forward to Drake’s congrats post for the US men’s basketball team, James was notably absent from the photos. Coincidence? Unlikely.
Drake’s lyrics also touch on these moments, rapping, “Or when I’m breaking world records still, as I guzzle a Guinness / Or when I get my fifth Maybach 'cause the colour is different.”
He’s clearly not here for the fake love and he’s making sure everyone knows it.
Where does this leave us? Drake’s still on top, dominating the charts and the culture. Lamar might have the lyrical edge but Drake’s got the numbers — and the fans — to back up his claim to the throne.
.@Drake was the best selling rapper by total album units in the US in 2024 with over 8 million sold. pic.twitter.com/5V6soQS10e
— chart data (@chartdata) January 5, 2025