Travis Scott & Drake | Images Instagram
Hip-hop sensation Travis Scott, also known as La Flame, has shattered a Spotify record that was previously held by none other than Drake. The news, reported by Hip Hop DX, reveals that Travis Scott has now become the rapper with the highest number of monthly listeners on the Spotify streaming platform.
On August 17, Chart Data confirmed that Travis Scott secured the top position with an astounding 74.945 million monthly listeners, setting an all-time record in Spotify's history for the most monthly listeners. This landmark accomplishment speaks to Travis Scott's undeniable global appeal and enduring influence.
The record-breaking milestone comes in the wake of Travis Scott's highly-anticipated fourth studio album release, "UTOPIA." The album has garnered widespread praise from fans and critics alike, showcasing Travis Scott's creative prowess and artistic evolution.
This isn't Travis Scott's first foray into the realm of record-breaking. In 2022, he made headlines by surpassing BTS's merchandise sales record during his electrifying performances in the United Kingdom. Travis Scott's London O2 Arena concerts amassed over $1 million in merchandise sales, eclipsing the previous record set by the K-Pop sensation BTS.
The exclusive merchandise collection, tailored specifically for Travis Scott's August 2022 O2 Arena shows, included a range of items such as hoodies, T-shirts, and hats. The enthusiastic reception from fans highlighted Travis Scott's cultural impact and the fervor surrounding his brand.
"UTOPIA," Travis Scott's highly anticipated album, made an impressive debut by claiming the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's release was accompanied by significant first-week sales, totaling 496,000 album-equivalent units. These figures encompassed 243,000 SEA units (equivalent to 330.68 million on-demand streams), an exceptional 252,000 pure album sales, and 1,000 TEA units.
The success of "UTOPIA" catapulted it into the echelons of music history, securing the position of the third-largest debut week for any album in 2023, and marking the largest debut for any hip-hop release. Notably, the album's vinyl sales reached an impressive 55,000 units, setting a new record for the highest vinyl sales count for a rap album since tracking began in 1991.
Highest peak of monthly listeners for rap artists in Spotify history 👀🏆
— Hip Hop All Day (@HipHopAllDayy) August 17, 2023
74.9m - Travis Scott (#1)
74.7m - Drake (#2)
68.6m - Eminem (#3)
65.4m - Nicki Minaj (#4)
63.8m - Doja Cat (#5)
63.7m - Lil Nas X (#6)
62.9m - Metro Boomin (#7)
62.0m - 21 Savage (#8)
58.4m - Future…
"UTOPIA" featured an array of high-profile collaborations, with notable artists like Drake, Future, Beyoncé, The Weeknd, 21 Savage, Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, SZA, Young Thug, and Bad Bunny. The album's 19 tracks all made their debut on the Hot 100 chart, with standout hits like "Meltdown" featuring Drake at No. 3 and "FE!N" at No. 5, which marked Playboi Carti's highest-charting song. Notably, "Parasail" (No. 53) gave Dave Chappelle his inaugural Hot 100 hit.
"UTOPIA" represents Travis Scott's third solo album to debut at No. 1, following the monumental successes of "Astroworld" in 2018 and the "JackBoys" compilation album in 2019. With his groundbreaking accomplishments and unwavering creative vision, Travis Scott continues to solidify his position as one of the most influential figures in contemporary hip-hop, all while overtaking even the mighty Drake in Spotify's record books.