Drake’s ‘ICEMAN’ breaks major Spotify record previously held by Kendrick Lamar

The release has renewed attention on the long-running rivalry between Drake and Lamar

Drake has broken a major Spotify streaming record previously held by Kendrick Lamar following the release of his new album ICEMAN.

According to figures shared by Kurrco on Instagram, the album’s opening track “Make Them Cry” recorded 13.2 million streams in its first day on Spotify, making it the platform’s biggest debut for a rap song.

 

 

 

 

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Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” previously held the record with 12.8 million first-day streams.

ICEMAN also became the second-largest rap album debut in Spotify history, earning 140.2 million streams within its first 24 hours. The only rap album to achieve a larger debut remains Drake’s own Certified Lover Boy, which recorded 155 million streams.

The project currently stands as Spotify’s biggest album debut of 2026.

The release has renewed attention on the long-running rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, with listeners highlighting multiple lyrical references throughout the album.

Reports noted that Drake included several indirect and direct remarks aimed at Lamar across the tracklist, alongside references to other public figures including DJ Khaled, LeBron James, J. Cole, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna.

The commercial success of ICEMAN arrives while Drake remains involved in legal action connected to Lamar’s track “Not Like Us”. Reports state that the rapper’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group was dismissed and is currently under appeal.

Industry reaction to the album has largely focused on its streaming performance and the continuing impact of Drake and Lamar’s public feud on rap music and commercial chart success..