Kendrick Lamar has officially claimed one of the industry’s most prestigious honors, being named Billboard’s Top Hot 100 Songwriter for the year 2025. This marks the first time the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper has topped the year-end ranking, an achievement that validates his status as the most impactful lyricist in the game. The award underscores a phenomenal year fueled by the enduring success of his latest music.
Lamar earned the top spot thanks to the chart performance of 22 songwriting credits on the Billboard Hot 100 during the eligibility period. His dominance was anchored by the SZA collaboration, “Luther,” which spent an unprecedented 13 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and finished as the overall No. 2 song on the year-end chart. Furthermore, his viral 2024 diss track, “Not Like Us,” returned to No. 1 in 2025, contributing heavily to the final tally.
The recognition for the Kendrick Lamar Top Songwriter 2025 title is one of several Billboard year-end accolades for the Compton star. He also finished the year as Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, Top Rap Artist, and Top Rap Artist – Male. His album, GNX, which featured multiple charting hits like “TV Off” and “Squabble Up,” maintained strong chart presence throughout the entire year.
By securing the title of Billboard’s Top Hot 100 Songwriter, Kendrick Lamar has formalized his pen game supremacy in 2025. The accolade is a powerful statement, proving that his artistic depth and lyrical precision translated into undeniable commercial dominance across the world’s most competitive chart.
