Gunna Dominates August’s Top Rap Album Sales as Major Players Consistently Top Charts
The hip-hop music landscape is vibrant as August 2025 continues, with established titans and emerging voices vying for the top spots on the sales charts. This week, ending August 23, 2025, Atlanta’s own Gunna secures the leading position with his latest release, “The Last Wun,” demonstrating his enduring commercial appeal and artistic relevance. The week’s top stories also highlight the continued influence of Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR, the resilient comeback of Chance The Rapper, the consistent chart dominance of Tyler, The Creator, and the sustained impact of Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX.”
Gunna’s “The Last Wun” Takes the Top Spot
Gunna’s “The Last Wun” has captured the #1 spot for album sales this week, moving an impressive 48,000 units. This latest project marks a significant chapter for the artist, reportedly being his final album under the YSL Records banner. While this week’s figure showcases its current sales momentum, “The Last Wun” made a substantial debut earlier in August, entering the Billboard 200 at #3 with approximately 80,000 equivalent album units. The album’s success is largely driven by streaming, accumulating over 104 million streams in its opening week, a testament to his dedicated fanbase’s engagement. Despite navigating industry narratives and past controversies, Gunna’s ability to consistently deliver commercially successful projects solidifies his status as a key figure in contemporary hip-hop. His continued high chart performance, including his sixth #1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, underscores his strong market presence.
Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” Shows Lasting Appeal
Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s collaborative album, “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U,” continues to resonate with fans, appearing on this week’s charts with 22,737 units of activity. While this specific weekly tally reflects its ongoing presence, the album’s initial release earlier in the year was marked by significant milestones, including setting a record for the biggest Spotify streaming day of 2025 with 92.4 million streams. It was also projected to be one of the fastest-selling albums of the year, highlighting the powerful synergy between the OVO label head and the acclaimed R&B artist. The project’s broad appeal and continued chart activity demonstrate the sustained interest in their distinctive sound.
Chance The Rapper’s “Star Line” Marks a Resilient Comeback
Chance The Rapper’s return to the music scene with “Star Line” has been met with solid reception, securing the #3 spot on the sales charts with 22,000 units this week. This figure closely aligns with the album’s initial first-week projections, which saw it move approximately 22,310 units overall, including around 6,550 in traditional purchases. “Star Line” debuted at #22 on the Billboard 200 and landed at #7 on the Top Album Sales chart, underscoring Chance’s ability to connect with his audience through independent distribution and direct fan engagement. This release signifies a triumphant comeback after his 2019 project “The Big Day,” proving his continued relevance and the strength of his fanbase in a competitive music market.
Tyler, The Creator’s “DON’T TAP THE GLASS” Continues a Dominant Streak
Tyler, The Creator remains a formidable force in hip-hop, with “DON’T TAP THE GLASS” charting this week with 20,000 units sold. This figure represents the album’s ongoing performance after its massive debut, where it landed at #1 on the Billboard 200 with an impressive 197,000 equivalent album units in its first week. The album’s success cemented Tyler’s streak of four consecutive #1 album debuts, a remarkable achievement that solidifies his position as one of the most consistent and influential artists of his generation. The strong sales, driven largely by exclusive physical bundles and fan loyalty, demonstrate Tyler’s unique ability to blend artistic innovation with commercial success.
Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” Maintains Impressive Momentum
Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX,” released in late 2024, continues to be a powerhouse album, appearing at #5 on this week’s sales chart with 20,000 units sold. “GNX” has had a monumental year, becoming the first hip-hop album to achieve platinum status in 2025 by selling over one million units by March. The album’s journey has been marked by significant sales milestones, including substantial vinyl sales and a notable surge following his Super Bowl performance. Its sustained popularity throughout 2025, despite its late-year 2024 release, highlights Kendrick Lamar’s commanding presence in the music industry, further cemented by his critical and commercial success in his widely discussed rap battles.
A Competitive Month for Hip Hop Music
August 2025 has proven to be a dynamic month for hip-hop music, with these top artists showcasing diverse strategies and sustained fan engagement. From Gunna’s chart-topping success to the ongoing influence of artists like Drake, Chance The Rapper, Tyler, The Creator, and Kendrick Lamar, the genre continues to evolve. The interplay between streaming numbers, physical sales, and artist narratives keeps the stories surrounding these releases compelling. As the year progresses, these artists are poised to continue shaping the sound and trajectory of hip-hop, with their album performances this week offering a snapshot of their current impact. The broader music trends indicate a continued reliance on streaming, but also a strong appreciation for tangible physical releases, particularly vinyl, which bolsters sales for established artists.
Looking Ahead
With August nearing its end, the focus shifts to what new stories will emerge in the coming weeks. The consistent performance of these top-tier rap albums indicates a healthy and robust hip-hop market, driven by artists who have cultivated deep connections with their fanbases. The industry continues to watch how these artists navigate future releases and market trends, ensuring the genre remains at the forefront of popular music.