Drake Crowned World’s Best-Selling Rapper for 11th Consecutive Year

Drake has once again secured his position as the world’s top-selling rapper, marking an impressive eleven-year streak at the summit. The recognition comes from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which released its 2025 Global Artist Chart confirming his dominance.

On the overall chart, Drake ranks No. 3 worldwide, trailing only Taylor Swift and Stray Kids. Despite placing third overall, he remains the highest-ranked rapper globally, continuing a run that now spans more than a decade.

Other hip-hop artists appearing in the 2025 top 20 include Kendrick Lamar (No. 6), Tyler, The Creator (No. 12), and Eminem (No. 15).

The 2025 Global Artist Rankings

The IFPI chart evaluates artists based on worldwide streaming numbers, downloads, and physical sales, offering a comprehensive measure of global consumption rather than performance in just one market.

The top 10 best-selling artists globally for 2025 are:

1. Taylor Swift

2. Stray Kids

3. Drake

4. The Weeknd

5.  

6. Kendrick Lamar

7. Morgan Wallen

8. Sabrina Carpenter

9. Billie Eilish

10. Lady Gaga

Swift retains the No. 1 spot for the sixth straight year, while Drake’s No. 3 ranking cements his status as the leading rapper globally for the eleventh year in a row.

Breaking Streaming Records

Drake’s IFPI achievement comes on the heels of major streaming milestones in early 2026. He recently became the first rapper to surpass 2 billion Spotify streams within a single year. Not long after, he made history again as the first artist ever to have 300 songs exceed 100 million streams on the platform.

Reports indicate that the next closest rapper has fewer than half that number of tracks crossing the 100 million mark. The accomplishment underscores not just hit singles but the depth and longevity of Drake’s catalogue. Both his IFPI ranking and Spotify records highlight sustained global demand rather than momentary success.

Why Drake Continues to Lead

Several factors contribute to Drake’s enduring dominance.

Consistency in output is one. While some contemporaries release music sporadically, Drake maintains a steady flow of albums, collaborations, and guest appearances. With nearly two decades of material available, streaming platforms continue to amplify his expansive catalogue.

Versatility is another. His seamless fusion of rap, R&B, and melodic pop allows him to reach diverse audiences and occupy multiple playlist spaces. This cross-genre flexibility widens his appeal beyond traditional hip-hop listeners.

Strategic timing also plays a role. Even in years without a solo album, Drake’s music continues to accumulate streams. In a genre where commercial highs can be fleeting, his sustained visibility sets him apart.

ICEMAN on the Way

Drake has hinted at his upcoming ninth studio album, ICEMAN, through social media, teasing the project without confirming a release date. Expected in 2026, the album will follow his 2025 collaborative effort Some Sexy Songs 4 U and mark his first solo studio release since 2023’s For All The Dogs.

With a new project on the horizon and fresh streaming milestones already achieved, Drake enters 2026 holding the same title he has maintained for over a decade: the world’s best-selling rapper.