Kendrick Lamar Seizes Four Out of Five Spots on Billboard’s Ultimate Year-End Rap Chart

As the year 2025 closes, the Hip-Hop landscape belongs unequivocally to Kendrick Lamar. Ahead of the full reveal on December 9th, Billboard has announced its year-end Hot Rap Songs chart. The number one song is the smash hit “Luther” featuring SZA, but the biggest takeaway is Lamar’s record-breaking command of the ranking, placing an astounding four songs within the Top 5.

The chart-topping song, “Luther,” is an undeniable juggernaut. It debuted in late 2024 and maintained an iron grip on the chart for the entire eligibility period (Oct. 26, 2024, through Oct. 18, 2025). The collaboration, lauded for its tender R&B melody and lyrical depth, never once dropped below the No. 3 position, cementing its status as the year’s definitive rap crossover hit.

Unprecedented Year-End Dominance

Beyond the No. 1 spot, Kendrick Lamar has achieved a feat rarely, if ever, seen on a year-end list. His other massive tracks from 2025 saturate the top ranks, showcasing the sustained impact of his music this year:

No. 2: “TV Off” (ft. Lefty Gunplay)
No. 3: “Not Like Us”
No. 4: “Squabble Up”
No. 9: “Peekaboo” (ft. AzChike)

This overwhelming presence demonstrates a year where Lamar managed to dominate both commercial airplay and the cultural conversation, with four singles from the same era holding prime positions simultaneously.

Notable Chart Movers

While Lamar leads the charge, the rest of the Top 10 highlights a diverse year in the genre. Drake secures the No. 5 spot with “Nokia,” while BigXthaPlug’s genre-bending “All The Way” (ft. Bailey Zimmerman) lands at No. 6. Additionally, the list acknowledges the power of female rap, featuring GloRilla and Sexyy Red twice, once with Tyler, The Creatorand Lil Wayne on “Sticky” (No. 7) and again with their massive club collaboration “Whatchu Kno About Me” (No. 8). Rounding out the chart is Doechii at No. 10 with her distinct track, “Denial Is a River.”

Fans can watch the full reveal of hundreds of year-end charts during the Billboard 2025 No. 1s Livestream, hosted by Druski, on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 starting at 12 p.m. ET.