The landscape of contemporary hip hop music continues to be dominated by its most prominent artists, as evidenced by the latest weekly sales figures. For the week ending August 23, 2025, a familiar cast of influential figures occupies the top spots, with Gunna leading the charge on the rap album sales chart. The data reveals a robust performance across the genre, highlighting the enduring appeal and commercial power of these rap titans and contributing to significant music stories.
Gunna Claims Top Spot with “The Last Wun”
Gunna’s latest offering, “The Last Wun,” has emerged at the forefront, topping the charts for the week with 48,000 units sold. This project, widely recognized as his final album under the YSL Records umbrella, has resonated strongly with fans, demonstrating his continued relevance and commercial power within the hip hop scene. While its initial release week saw a higher sales figure of around 80,000 to 81,000 equivalent album units, pushing it to No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, the 48,000 units reported for this specific week solidify its top placement within the rap genre’s sales narrative. The album’s success is largely driven by streaming, having accumulated over 104 million on-demand streams across platforms, highlighting the primary consumption method in today’s music industry.
Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR’s Collaborative Force
Securing the second position on the charts is the collaborative effort from Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR, “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U,” which moved 23,000 units this week. Drake, a perennial chart-topper with an unparalleled record of success, continues to demonstrate his ability to command significant attention with every release, whether solo or collaborative. Partnering with PARTYNEXTDOOR, an artist also known for his smooth R&B-infused hip hop, creates a synergy that clearly appeals to a broad spectrum of listeners, contributing to ongoing top stories in music. The album’s initial debut in February 2025 garnered significantly higher first-week sales, reaching 246,000 equivalent album units and landing at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, signifying its lasting appeal.
Chance The Rapper’s Resilient Return with “STAR LINE”
Marking a significant return to the charts, Chance The Rapper’s “STAR LINE” has debuted strongly at number three for the week, with 22,000 units sold. This independent release is a testament to Chance’s dedicated fanbase and his continued relevance in the hip hop conversation. More detailed reports indicate the project moved approximately 22,310 units overall, securing a debut within the top 25 of the Billboard 200 at No. 22. While these numbers reflect a different scale of commercial impact compared to some of the year’s blockbusters, “STAR LINE” signifies Chance The Rapper’s successful return after a six-year hiatus.
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ Continues Chart Dominance
Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 release, “GNX,” demonstrates remarkable longevity, securing the fourth spot in rap album sales this week with 20,000 units moved. Despite being released the previous year, the album continues to perform strongly, even topping The Roots Music Report’s Top 50 Rap Album Chart for the week of August 23, 2025. “GNX” has been lauded for its consistent chart performance throughout 2025, previously being recognized as a top-selling album and holding the record for the longest-running #1 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart for 22 weeks. Its sustained popularity underscores Lamar’s unparalleled command over the contemporary rap scene.
Tyler, The Creator’s Enduring Impact with “DON’T TAP THE GLASS”
Rounding out this week’s top five are two powerhouses in the hip hop scene, with Tyler, The Creator’s “DON’T TAP THE GLASS” securing the fifth position with 20,000 units sold for the week. This release continues Tyler’s streak of critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects, solidifying his status as a genre-bending innovator. While the album’s initial debut on the Billboard 200 was a massive 197,000 equivalent album units, driven significantly by exclusive physical bundles, its continued presence on the charts reflects his dedicated fanbase and enduring impact on music stories.
A Vibrant Week in Hip Hop Music
The week ending August 23, 2025, underscores the vibrant and often unpredictable nature of album sales within the hip hop genre. With Gunna leading the charge and established artists like Drake, Chance The Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, The Creator demonstrating enduring appeal and significant commercial performance, the genre continues to command attention. These top-selling albums not only reflect current trends but also highlight the lasting impact these artists have on the global music landscape.
