Rap music is a dynamic and diverse genre in the music industry. Artists are always creating and trying new sounds and styles. But who is the current king of the rap game? Who has the most influence, impact, and appeal in the rap scene of 2024?
The answer is not so simple, as popularity can be measured in various ways, and preferences differ across regions and demographics. We can use metrics to measure how popular rap artists are. These metrics include streaming numbers, social media following, chart performance, concert ticket sales, and critical acclaim.
Streaming numbers
Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music display an artist’s streaming statistics. When artists have consistently high streaming numbers, they are popular and have millions of listeners worldwide.
Drake is one of the top leaders in streaming. He has over 60 billion career streams on Spotify. This makes him the most streamed artist of all time on the platform. His latest album, “Certified Lover Boy”, broke several records, including the most streamed album in a single day and the most streamed album in a week.
Another streaming giant is Eminem, who has over 40 billion career streams on Spotify, and is the most streamed rapper of the 2010s decade. He is also recognized for his 15 Grammy Awards. According to the RIAA, Em has already sold 227.5 million certified albums and also singles in the United States alone. In his country of origin, Eminem has achieved 50 platinum albums as well as 10 number-one albums.
Social media following
Large followings on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok can signify significant engagement and fan base. Social media provides artists with a great platform to interact with their fans, showcase their music and lifestyle, and promote their brand.
Travis Scott is a prevalent rap artist on social media. He has more than 50 million followers on Instagram, 10 million followers on Twitter, and 20 million followers on TikTok.He is celebrated for his live shows and genre-bending music, and has collaborated with brands like Nike, McDonald’s, and Fortnite.
DaBaby is a rap star who has a big following on social media. He has over 20 million followers on Instagram, 5 million followers on Twitter, and 15 million followers on TikTok. He rose to fame with hits like “Suge” and “Bop”, and has been nominated for 12 Grammy Awards.
Chart performance
Topping music charts like Billboard Hot 100 or UK Singles Chart indicate mainstream success and commercial appeal. Chart performance reflects how well an artist’s music sells, streams, and receives radio airplay.
Kanye West is a chart-topping artist. He has had 10 albums debut at number one on the Billboard 200. He has also had 19 songs reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. His recent album, “Donda 2”, topped the charts in several countries, despite controversies and delays.
Another rap legend who has dominated the charts is Kendrick Lamar, who has had five albums reach number one on the Billboard 200, and 13 songs reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. He is known for his lyrical prowess and critical acclaim, and has won 13 Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize.
Concert ticket sales
Selling out shows and arena tours demonstrates a dedicated fanbase willing to pay to see the artist live. Concert ticket sales reflect the demand and excitement an artist generates with their music and performance.
J. Cole is a very successful rap artist. He has sold over 2 million tickets in his career. He has headlined festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Rolling Loud. He solidified his place in the rap scene with the success of his album “Off-Season”, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
Another rap phenomenon who has impressed with his concert ticket sales is Rod Wave, who has sold over 1 million tickets in his career, and has performed at venues like Madison Square Garden, Staples Center, and O2 Arena. He is known for his melodic and emotional rap style, and has topped the Billboard 200 with his album “SoulFly”.
Critical acclaim
Receiving acclaim from music critics and industry publications can enhance an artist’s status and influence. Critical acclaim reflects how much respect and recognition an artist earns for their artistic vision and quality.
Kendrick Lamar is a highly praised rap artist. The albums “To Pimp a Butterfly” as well as “DAMN.” are widely regarded as classic works of rap music. He has received awards from the Pulitzer, Grammy, and American Music Awards.
Flo Milli is a rap artist who has received critical acclaim. She is known for her debut mixtape called “Ho, why is you here?“. The mixtape has received rave reviews because it showcases Flo Milli’s witty and confident rap style. She has also been named as one of the best new artists by publications like Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and The New York Times.
Other factors
Besides these metrics, there are other factors that influence popularity, such as regional preferences and genre specialization within rap. For example, certain artists might dominate specific regions, such as Drake in Canada, Stormzy in the UK, or Bad Bunny in Latin America. Similarly, certain subgenres within rap might appeal to different audiences, such as trap, drill, grime, or lo-fi.
In addition, new artists are changing the rap scene. Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar’s protégé and collaborator, Lil Nas X, known for his viral hits and boundary-pushing music videos, and Megan Thee Stallion, celebrated for her empowering and catchy rap anthems, are making a big impact.
Conclusion
There isn’t a clear answer to who is the most famous rapper right now. Popularity can be measured differently, and people in different regions and demographics have other preferences. But you can form your own opinion on who is the most famous rapper by using some metrics and information. The rap kingdom of 2024 is constantly changing.
