NEW YORK – Kendrick Lamar has made waves in the music world with his hit song “Not Like Us,” which has secured the top spot on Apple Music’s global song chart for 2024. This marks Lamar’s first appearance at No. 1 on the year-end chart, showcasing his strong presence in the industry.
Following Lamar on the chart are impressive tracks from other artists. Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” takes second place, with Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” in third, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” in fourth, and Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” rounding out the top five. It’s worth noting that “Cruel Summer” has experienced a resurgence, especially over the summer of 2023, despite being released back in 2019.
In a notable trend, female-identifying artists have made significant strides this year, with 39 songs from women featured on the list, a record high for the global chart’s seven-year history.
On an exciting note, the Japanese hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts has also made its mark. Their song “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” has triumphed as Apple Music’s most-read lyrics of 2024, following behind Lamar’s hit and Carpenter’s catchy tune. This growing interest in Japanese music reflects a broader acceptance and appreciation of diverse musical styles worldwide.
Apple Music has introduced a new Shazam Global Radio Spins chart this year, which reveals what songs are being played on radio stations around the world. Dua Lipa’s “Houdini” has topped this new chart, followed closely by Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” and Tate McRae’s “Greedy.”
Additionally, Apple Music has released its year-end Replay feature, similar to Spotify’s Wrapped, allowing subscribers to explore their most-listened-to music of the year.
In a bittersweet recognition, Billie Eilish has been named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year for 2024, capping off a successful period in her career. Eilish has made headlines as the youngest artist to win two Academy Awards and has garnered multiple Grammy nominations this year for her celebrated album “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”
Eilish’s journey has resonated with many, and Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s senior director of Content and Editorial, remarked on how extraordinary it is to see a young artist connecting with audiences on such a deep level while staying true to herself.
As the music industry evolves, 2024 promises to be another exciting year for artists and fans alike.
