Kendrick Lamar Sets Spotify First-Day Streaming Record
Kendrick Lamar is making history. The Compton rapper’s third album To Pimp a Butterfly has set a first-day streaming record on Spotify.
According to Billboard, the 12 tracks were listened to 9.6 million times on the streaming service during the first day of release, and set a new global record for first-day streams. Michael Bublé’s Christmas was the previous same-day global record holder.
To Pimp a Butterfly was streamed 9.6m times on the 1st day. new global record 4 the most streams in a single day worldwide by a new release
— dangeroo kipawaa TDE (@dangerookipawaa) March 17, 2015
The album, which was released a week ahead of schedule, earned about $44,160 in a single day globally.
In addition to setting a Spotify record, To Pimp a Butterfly currently holds the No. 1 spot on iTunes and is receiving rave reviews from critics and fans alike.
“Lamar wants nothing less than greatness, and To Pimp a Butterfly is yet another step forward on that path,” wrote TIME, while USA Today awarded it a perfect 4 out of 4.
Kendrick’s peers including Mac Miller, Justin Timberlake, and Kanye West all praised his work.
KENDRICK IS AN INSPIRATION. THANK YOU FOR THE VIBRATIONS AND THE SPIRIT. YOUR MEANING, MESSAGE AND EXECUTION ARE GIFTS TO THE WORLD.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) March 17, 2015
Just getting into it but WOW. That boy @kendricklamar!!!!
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) March 16, 2015
Kendrick album a masterpiece
— Mac (@MacMiller) March 17, 2015
U put together a helluva movie my maaaan… @Kendricklamar #Congrats #ToPimpAButterfly
— PUSHA T (@PUSHA_T) March 16, 2015