For the first time in his career, Kendrick Lamar has been named Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the year — a distinction conferred based on his chart dominance throughout 2025.

The designation reflects the rapper’s strong performance on both the weekly Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts during the tracking period from October 26, 2024, through October 18, 2025.  Despite not releasing a new album in 2025, Lamar’s 2024 project GNX — along with his high-impact single Not Like Us and other hits — continued to dominate.

This year-end honor arrives alongside other major successes: Lamar and fellow artist SZA also top multiple 2025 year-end R&B/Hip-Hop chart lists. Meanwhile, his continued radio strength — including multiple No. 1s — helped cement his claim to the year’s top spot.

The announcement from Billboard marks a milestone in his career, underscoring how his music remains a dominant force in R&B and hip-hop even without new album output this year.