“DAMN.” continues one of rap’s most impressive chart runs.

Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. has now spent 9 straight years on the Billboard 200 since its release.

Let me be blunt: I don’t think DAMN. is Kendrick’s best album. I’d give that crown to To Pimp A Butterfly. I also don’t think it’s his most impactful project, because Good Kid, M.A.A.D City still carries that weight. But DAMN. might be his most commercial weapon.

This album was loaded with songs that crossed over without losing identity. “HUMBLE.” became a cultural earthquake. “LOVE.” with Zacari became one of his smoothest hits. “DNA.” punched through speakers everywhere. Even “PRIDE.” quietly turned into a streaming monster. Then you still had “LOYALTY.” with Rihanna adding even more fuel.

What makes it crazier is Kendrick didn’t need a parade of features to pull this off. The guest list was lean: U2, Rihanna, Zacari. That’s it. Mostly, this was Kendrick carrying Kendrick.

Now that DAMN. is sitting at nine years strong, there’s only one giant shadow ahead in his catalog: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. That album has been camping on the charts like it pays rent there for several years after its release.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.