Kendrick Lamar’s New Album Sets Streaming Records On Spotify

Kendrick Lamar’s new album “To Pimp a Butterfly” has broken streaming records on Spotify as his tracks had more than 9.6 million streams the first day the record was released. His album beat the 2011 record of 9.5 million set by Michael Buble’s “Christmas” and ”To Pimp a Butterfly” is definitely the most streamed album in Spotify’s seven-year-existence.

Not even Lamar could have anticipated such a successful release. Namely, the rapper freaked out because the album was released one week early.

“I WOULD LIKE 2 PERSONALLY THANK @Interscope FOR F**KING UP OUR RELEASE.SOMEBODY GOTS 2 PAY 4 THIS MISTAKE !!!!”

Although the CEO of Lamar’s label blamed label partner Interscope for the album’s release, there is a growing trend among artists to release albums earlier to surprise fans and keep the media talking.

Kanye West was the first to congratulate Lamar and express his support via Twitter.

KENDRICK IS AN INSPIRATION. THANK YOU FOR THE VIBRATIONS AND THE SPIRIT. YOUR MEANING, MESSAGE AND EXECUTION ARE GIFTS TO THE WORLD.

— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) March 17, 2015