The landscape of top-selling rap albums for the week ending August 23, 2025, saw a familiar mix of current chart-toppers and enduring popular artists, with Gunna’s “The Last Wun” reclaiming the top spot in rap album sales. This week’s performance highlights the sustained commercial power of major figures in hip-hop music.
Gunna’s “The Last Wun” Tops Rap Sales Charts
Gunna’s “The Last Wun” emerged as the leading album in rap sales this week, moving an impressive 48,000 units. This latest showing underscores the artist’s consistent ability to connect with his fanbase. The album, widely considered a significant release in his discography, has maintained a strong presence since its debut, reflecting the artist’s ongoing impact in the genre. While “The Last Wun” initially debuted with approximately 80,000 equivalent album units, its continued strong performance in pure sales or specific rap sales charts for this particular week reaffirms Gunna’s commercial viability.
Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” Continues to Resonate
Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s collaborative project, “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U,” secured the second position in rap album sales, bringing in 23,000 units this week. While the album initially made a massive splash earlier in the year, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with over 246,000 units, its continued presence on the sales charts signifies its lasting appeal. This joint effort from two of hip-hop’s prominent figures has remained a point of discussion among fans, contributing to its sustained commercial footprint.
Chance the Rapper’s “Star Line” Marks a Triumphant Return
Chance the Rapper’s “Star Line” debuted at number three in the week’s rap album sales, achieving 22,000 units. This release marks a significant moment for the artist, following a period of anticipation and a mixed reception for his previous project. “Star Line,” released independently, showcases Chance’s artistic evolution and his deep connection with his core audience. The album’s chart performance is a testament to his dedicated fanbase and his ability to navigate the music industry on his own terms, presenting a redemption story in the contemporary hip-hop narrative.
Veteran Acts “GNX” and “DON’T TAP THE GLASS” Show Continued Strength
Rounding out the top five, Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” and Tyler, The Creator’s “DON’T TAP THE GLASS” each sold 20,000 units for the week. These figures, while representing a fraction of their initial massive debut sales, highlight the enduring appeal and catalog strength of these critically acclaimed artists. Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX,” which dominated charts upon its release in late 2024, continues to be a significant album in the hip-hop conversation. Similarly, Tyler, the Creator’s “DON’T TAP THE GLASS,” a July 2025 release that debuted at number one with nearly 200,000 units, demonstrates sustained listener engagement. Their inclusion in the top sales further emphasizes their established positions within the music industry.
Trends Shaping Hip-Hop’s Sales Landscape
The current sales data reflects broader trends within the hip-hop music market in 2025. Streaming continues to be a dominant force, but strong physical sales, often driven by exclusive merchandise and vinyl releases as seen with Tyler, the Creator, remain crucial for chart performance and artist revenue. The ability of established artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Gunna to consistently deliver projects that resonate commercially, even years after their initial release, underscores their significant influence. Chance the Rapper’s independent success also points to evolving strategies for artists seeking to maintain artistic control and fan connection. These ongoing stories in the rap world continue to shape the industry’s trajectory.
In conclusion, the week of August 23, 2025, showcased a robust rap album sales market. Gunna’s “The Last Wun” led the pack, with strong showings from Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, the Creator, demonstrating the diverse appeal and enduring power of top-tier hip-hop artists.
