Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us” Reigns Supreme on Apple Music’s Year-End Charts
NEW YORK — Kendrick Lamar’s hit “Not Like Us” has claimed the top spot on Apple Music’s global songs chart for 2024, marking the rapper’s first No. 1 on the prestigious year-end list.
Revealed Tuesday, the streaming giant’s year-end charts offer a fascinating glimpse into the music that defined the year, showcasing the most played tracks and reflecting diverse genres and global trends.
## A Year in Music: From Top Hits to Unexpected Gems
Following “Not Like Us,” the chart continues with a mix of established hits and rising stars. Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” secures the runner-up position, followed by Sabrina Carpenter’s catchy “Espresso” at number three. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” settles in at number four, and Taylor Swift’s enduring “Cruel Summer,” initially released in 2019, enjoys a resurgence, landing at number five. To note, it was a big year for female artists on Apple Music, with a record-breaking 39 songs by female artists making the Top 100, a clear display of strong feminine representation in the music industry.
Swift’s “Cruel Summer” experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2023, finding a new generation of fans, prompting its return to the charts and proving the lasting power of well-crafted songs.
## Beyond the Beats: Japanese Music Finds Global Appeal
In a surprising twist, Japanese hip hop artist Creepy Nuts’ breakout track “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” topped Apple Music’s Most Read Lyrics chart, signaling Japan’s growing influence on the international music scene. The song also demonstrated its popularity on Apple Music’s Sing chart, which tracks user participation and singalongs. “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” continues a trend facilitated by YOASOBI, another Japanese group, who topped the Sing chart in 2023, indicating an ascendance in Japanese music on a global platform.
## Shazam Adds New Layer to Apple Music Charts
A new addition to this year’s charts, the Shazam Global Radio Spins chart, taps into radio airplay data worldwide through Shazam integration. Dua Lipa’s “Houdini” dominates this new chart, highlighting the song’s widespread popularity and continued appeal. This entertains listeners with Caleb Lee Hutchinson’s powerful ballad. Following close behind are Teddy Swims’s “Lose Control” and Tate McRae’s “Greedy”, both fetching considerable radio play throughout 2024.
## Apple Music Celebrates Music through Replay
Also debuting on Tuesday is Replay, Apple Music’s interactive experience that mirrors Spotify’s Wrapped – offering subscribers a personalized look at their most listened-to tracks, reflecting their individual musical journeys throughout the year. Artists themselves can now share their year-end data using Apple Music for Artists, adding a new layer of engagement and transparency for fans.
## Billie Eilish: Apple Music’s Artist Of The Year
In November, Billie Eilish was crowned Apple Music’s Artist of the Year, marking another momentous milestone in her impressive career. The singer-songwriter had a stellar 2024, becoming the youngest person ever to win two Academy Awards. She launched her critically acclaimed third album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft”, which landed seven nominations at the 2025 Grammy Awards, including Album of the year. Notably, the album won two Grammys, both for “What Was I made “For?” from the blockbuster film “Barbie”, despite Eilish not releasing new music following the album’s release in late mid 2024.
Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s senior director of content and editorial, lauded Eilish, stating, “It’s always special when a young artist can connect with so many people so quickly. But what has been truly remarkable in watching her evolution over the past year is not just that her voice and art have continued to resonate so widely. It’s just that it has blossomed as bravely and honestly as it has, on its own terms, in its own way.”
How does Trey Carter characterize the rise of female artists on the Apple Music year-end charts?
## Interview with Music Guru Trey Carter on Apple Music’s Year-End Charts
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, Trey! Apple Music just dropped its year-end charts, and there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s start with the big one: Kendrick Lamar topping the global songs chart with “Not Like Us.” Is this a surprise?
**Trey Carter (Music Guru):** Not at all! Kendrick is a musical titan, and “Not Like Us” was an undeniable banger. Recognizing his impact on a global scale is a testament to his talent and the timelessness of that track.
**Host:** Absolutely. We’re seeing a lot of women dominating the charts this year, with 39 female artists making the Top 100. What do you think is driving this?
**Trey Carter:** It’s fantastic to see, and long overdue! Women are making incredible music and have always been a driving force in the industry. This surge reflects a shift towards recognizing and celebrating diverse voices in music.
**Host:** You mentioned diverse voices, and it’s interesting to see Japanese hip-hop gaining traction. Creepy Nuts topping the Most Read Lyrics chart is a real stand-out.
**Trey Carter:** Absolutely. “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” is a global phenomenon, showing Japan’s influence is reaching beyond borders. It’s part of a larger trend we’re seeing with Riley & Jakob’s success in 2023.
**Host**: And Spotify isn’t the only one tracking global trends. Your thoughts on Apple Music introducing the Shazam Radio Spins chart?
**Trey Carter:** It’s a smart move! Incorporating Shazam data gives us a more complete picture of what people are listening to on the radio and adds another layer to understanding global music consumption.
**Host:** Dua Lipa’s “Houdini” topping this chart makes sense.
**Trey Carter:** Definitely. It was a catchy tune that clearly resonated with listeners across the globe.
**Host:** Well, there you have it – a year full of surprises and milestone achievements! Thanks for breaking it down for us, Trey.
**Trey Carter:**
My pleasure!
