Kendrick Lamar’s surprise release, GNX, has soared to the top of the Billboard 200, marking the biggest first-week sales for any new rap album in 2024.
The Compton rapper’s sixth consecutive number-one album debuted with an impressive 319,000 equivalent units, according to Billboard, solidifying Kendrick’s dominance in the music industry this year.
Out of the total figure, streaming made up the lion’s share, contributing 285,000 units with a staggering 379.72 million on-demand plays. Digital album sales accounted for another 32,000 units, while track equivalent albums (TEA) added 2,000 units.
GNX surpassed notable competitors to claim the 2024’s top-selling Hip Hop album debut title. It outperformed Tyler, The Creator’s Chromakopia (299,500 units), Eminem’s The Death of Slim Shady (281,000 units), and Future and Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You (251,000 units).
Only Travis Scott’s reissued mixtape, Days Before Rodeo, had a stronger week, drawing 361,000 units upon its first-ever streaming release.
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Within Kendrick’s catalog, GNX stands as his third-highest first-week performer, trailing behind DAMN. (603,000 units) and To Pimp a Butterfly (324,000 units). His previous release, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, opened with 295,000 units in 2022, while his breakthrough album good kid, m.A.A.d city debuted with 242,000 in 2012.
Initial projections for GNX estimated around 291,000 units, but the final tally exceeded expectations, reaching between 310,000 and 325,000 units by the end of its opening week. This milestone underscores Kendrick’s enduring popularity and influence in the music scene.
