From the underground to the top of the world, hip hop transformed billions of plays into cultural power — and dominated the platform like no other genre
THE Spotify has established itself as the main streaming service in the world. According to data from the platform itself, there are more than half a billion active users, who every day create new stars, redefine trends and the way we consume music.
Within this universe, hip hop reigns. The genre has become a worldwide phenomenon, mixing poetry, criticism, rhythm and narrative in a format that spans generations. The soundtrack that dominates the streets, today reigns digitally.
With that in mind, the Rolling Stone Brazil consulted the Spotify for a survey of the 12 most listened to hip hop albums in the platform’s history. The ranking brings together projects that shaped the sound of modern rap and proved the strength of artists who transformed numbers into cultural impact. See below:
12. Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon (2020), by Pop Smoke: 7.4 billion streams
Released posthumously in 2020, the album immortalized the name of Pop Smoke and consolidated New York drill into the global mainstream. Mixing aggression and melody, the project is an early and powerful farewell.
- Most listened to song: “What You Know About Love”with 1.3 billion reproductions.
11. The Eminem Show (2002), by Eminem: 8.7 billion streams
An absolute classic from 2002, the album represents the culmination of the most provocative phase of Eminemwith sharp social criticism and choruses that spanned decades.
- Most listened to song: “Without Me” totals 2.8 billion plays.
10. DAMN. (2017), by Kendrick Lamar: 9.4 billion streams
Awarded with the Music Pulitzer, DAMN. consolidated Kendrick Lamar as one of the greatest composers of his generation. Between introspection and fury, the album translates the spirit of modern rap with surgical precision.
- Most listened to song: “HUMBLE.”with 2.7 billion reproductions.
9. Stoney (2016), by Post Malone: 9.7 billion streams
The debut album by Post Malonereleased in 2016, introduced the world to the fusion of trap, pop and melody that would make it a streaming giant.
- Most listened to song: “Congratulations”with 2.2 billion plays.
8. 17 (2017), by XXXTentacion: 9.9 billion streams
Minimalist and confessional, 17 is the most intimate work of XXXTentacionin which the artist talks openly about pain, loneliness and mental health.
- Most listened to song: “Jocelyn Flores” exceeds 2.4 billion plays.
7. Goodbye & Good Riddance (2018), by Juice WRLD: 9.9 billion streams
The debut album by Juice WRLD defined “emo rap” as one of the most influential aspects of current hip hop. With vulnerable lyrics and ethereal beats, the album won over fans from various scenes.
- Most listened to song: “Lucid Dreams”with 2.9 billion streams.
6. Scorpion (2018), by Drake: 10.1 billion streams
Divided into two acts, Scorpion balances the introspective lyricism and pop appeal of Drakewhich achieves one of its greatest commercial successes here.
- Most listened to song: “God’s Plan”with 2.8 billion executions.
5. ASTROWORLD (2018), by Travis Scott: 10.7 billion streams
One of the most striking albums of contemporary trap, ASTROWORLD mixes luxury and psychedelia in a grandiose production, establishing Travis Scott as a global reference for the genre.
- Most listened to song: “SICKO MODE” accumulates 2.4 billion reproductions.
4. Views (2016), by Drake: 11.2 billion streams
With Views, Drake expanded the reach of Canadian rap and introduced dancehall and afrobeat to the mainstream.
- Most listened to song: “One Dance”with 3.8 billion reproductions.
3. beerbongs & bentleys (2018), by Post Malone: 11.3 billion streams
Mixing melody, melancholy and excess, the album consolidated Post Malone like a born hitmaker.
- Most listened to song: “rockstar (feat. 21 Savage)”with 3.2 billion plays.
2. ? (2018), by XXXTentacion: 11.4 billion streams
The second album by XXXTentacion sums up his emotional and controversial aesthetic. Released three months before his death, the album mixes raw energy and melancholy.
- Most listened to song: “SAD!”with 2.4 billion executions.
1. Hollywood’s Bleeding (2019), by Post Malone: 15.6 billion streams
Released in 2019, the most listened to album in the history of hip hop on Spotify represents the artistic peak of Post Malone. Between guitars, electronic beats and confessional lyrics, the album crossed borders and defined a generation.
- Most listened to song: “Sunflower (feat. Swae Lee)”with 3.9 billion reproductions.
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Drake
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Eminem
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juice wrld
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Kendrick Lamar
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pop smoke
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Post Malone
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travis scott
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XXXTentacion
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
