Kendrick Lamar Catches Up with Drake for Billboard’s No. 1 Spot With “Peekaboo”

This week, Kendrick Lamar’s “Peekaboo” featuring AZChike soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay chart, taking on Drake’s “Nokia,” which held the spot just one week prior. The move marks Kendrick Lamar’s eleventh No. 1 on the chart and solidifies his recent momentum as more than just a lyrical victory — it’s now a certified commercial one too.

The chart triumph is only the latest in a string of high-profile wins for Kendrick Lamar. His blistering diss track “Not Like Us” didn’t just dominate headlines during his public feud with Drake — it dominated charts, becoming one of the biggest hip-hop singles of the year. The song’s viral popularity put a punctuation mark on the short-lived but explosive beef, with fans and critics widely declaring Kendrick the victor. However, it is now the subject of a lawsuit.

Since then, Kendrick Lamar’s latest album GNX has proven to be a powerhouse, churning out hit after hit. “Peekaboo,” one of several breakout tracks from the project, climbed steadily over 14 weeks before clinching the top spot. Previous GNX tracks like “Squabble Up,” “Luther” (with SZA), and “TV Off” (featuring Lefty Gunplay) also topped Rhythmic Airplay, proving that Kendrick’s winning streak isn’t a fluke — it’s a full-blown run.

Drake Makes History With 10 RIAA Diamond Singles — Most of Any Artist Ever

Drake’s Legacy Still Looms Large

To be clear, Drake’s reign is far from over. His recent single “Nokia” made history by becoming his record-breaking 40th No. 1 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart — a feat no other artist has come close to. By comparison, Kendrick has 11 No. 1s and 35 total appearances. But while Drake’s quantity of chart-toppers is unrivalled.

Kendrick Lamar Appears to Subtly Diss Drake in New Gatorade Commercial

The Ongoing Rivalry: Numbers vs. Narrative

Kendrick Lamar’s ascent to the top, especially after a headline-making feud, adds narrative fuel to an already iconic rivalry. It’s a battle of styles, philosophies, and now, airplay dominance. While Drake may hold the overall chart record, Kendrick Lamar is carving out a new space: a rapper who doesn’t need to flood the market to own the conversation.