Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album GNX, released on November 22, 2024, has taken the streaming world by storm, earning a staggering 242.3 million official on-demand streams in its first four days.
The album’s success is not just benefiting Lamar’s new tracks but is also breathing new life into the older songs sampled in the album, sending them soaring in streams.
One notable track, “Squabble Up,” is predicted to debut on the Hot 100 next week, thanks to its prominent use of Debbie Deb’s 1984 electro single “When I Hear Music,” which saw a massive 76% increase in streams, from 127,000 to 225,000.
Additionally, Luther Vandross’ “If This World Were Mine,” sampled on Lamar’s collaboration with SZA, “Luther,” more than doubled its streams from the previous week, jumping from 79,000 to 164,000. SWV’s 1996 hit “Use Your Heart,” featured in “Heart Pt. 6,” also saw a 25% increase in streams during the same period.
Lamar’s GNX is not only a big hit for him, but it’s also helping to introduce classic music to a new generation of listeners.