In the global hip-hop scene, a few heavyweights stand out from the crowd—Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole, also known as the “BIG 3.” These people aren’t just musicians; they are cultural icons that have had a lasting impact on the genre.
Let’s dive into their statistics and career achievements to see how they compare to each other.
Who is Drake?
First up, we have Drake, the Canadian artist whose music is everywhere you go. With a staggering 97 billion streams on Spotify, Drake’s music has reached every corner of the world. He racked up an impressive 55 Grammy nominations and took home five wins, proving he’s not only a hitmaker but also a critical favorite.
Drake’s albums consistently chart and amass billions of streams, with an average of approximately 5.0 billion streams per album. And let’s not forget his impressive collection of platinum-certified songs – a whopping 80! When it comes to album sales, Drake is no slouch either, with his records consistently achieving huge numbers, including a record first-week number of 1.04 million.
Drake’s monthly Spotify listeners reached a staggering 82.7 million, cementing his status as a global superstar.
Who is Kendrick Lamar?
Next, we have Kendrick Lamar, the West Coast wordsmith known for his thought-provoking lyrics and innovative style. While his total Spotify streams of 35 billion may be slightly lower than Drake’s, Kendrick’s impact on the genre is undeniable.
With an impressive 50 Grammy nominations and 17 wins, Kendrick is considered one of the greatest artists of his generation. His albums consistently attract billions of streams, averaging around 3.8 billion streams per album. Kendrick’s socially charged lyrics have earned him 13 platinum-certified songs, demonstrating his ability to connect deeply with his audience.
And while his first-week album sales may not always be on par with Drake’s, with an average of 294,000 copies sold, Kendrick’s influence on hip-hop is undeniable . Currently, Kendrick Lamar boasts a monthly listener count of 58.3 million on Spotify, proving he is still one of the biggest names in the field.
Who is J. Cole?
Last but not least, we have J. Cole, a North Carolina native known for his introspective rhymes and raw authenticity. With 25 billion total streams on Spotify, J. Cole has built a loyal fan base drawn to his heartfelt storytelling.
While he may have fewer Grammy nominations and wins than Drake and Kendrick, with 17 nominations and two wins, J. Cole’s impact on the genre is undeniable. His albums continuously resonate with listeners, averaging about 2.6 billion streams per album.
J. Cole’s album debuted with impressive first-week sales figures, with an average of 342,000 copies sold and a peak first-week sales of 492,000. J. Cole reaches a monthly listener count of 41.8 million on Spotify, proving he remains one of the most respected voices in hip-hop.
Compare statistics
Total Streams (Spotify):
- Drake: 97 billion
- Kendrick Lamar: 35 billion
- J. Cole: 25 billion
GRAMMY Nominations (& Wins):
- Kendrick Lamar: 50 (17)
- Drake: 55 (5)
- J. Cole: 17 (2)
RIAA certified units sold:
- Drake: 294 million
- J. Cole: 95 million
- Kendrick Lamar: 57 million
Average Stream (Album):
- Drake: 5.0 billion
- Kendrick Lamar: 3.8 billion
- J. Cole: 2.6 billion
Average Stream (Songs):
- Drake: 230 million
- Kendrick Lamar: 204 million
- J. Cole: 156 million
Songs certified platinum:
- Drake: 80
- J. Cole: 33
- Kendrick Lamar: 13
Average revenue in the first week:
- Drake: 645,000
- J. Cole: 342,000
- Kendrick Lamar: 294,000
Biggest first week sales:
- Drake: 1.04 million
- Kendrick Lamar: 603,000
- J. Cole: 492,000
Longest charting album:
- Kendrick Lamar: 596 weeks
- Drake: 578 weeks
- J. Cole: 486 weeks
Album + Number One Song:
- Drake: 27
- Kendrick Lamar: 7
- J. Cole: 7
Current monthly listeners (Spotify):
- Drake: 82.7 million
- Kendrick Lamar: 58.3 million
- J. Cole: 41.8 million
With these incredible numbers, it’s clear that each member of the “BIG 3” has carved out an important place in hip-hop history. Drake’s commercial dominance, Kendrick Lamar’s critical acclaim, and J. Cole’s lyrical prowess have cemented their place as icons in the genre.
But the question remains: Who is currently the best of the three for YOU? Is it Drake with his unrivaled streams and chart-topping hits? Is it Kendrick Lamar, with his great storytelling and artistic integrity? Or is it J. Cole with his unparalleled lyricism and relatability?
Ultimately, the answer may vary depending on personal preferences and personal criteria for greatness. Each artist brings something unique to the table, and their collective impact on hip-hop cannot be underestimated.
