Two years after releasing Loyal to the Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms, 25K is celebrating a major streaming milestone.
The Pretoria rapper’s 2024 album has now surpassed 35 million streams, giving the project another significant achievement and underscoring its continued connection with South African hip-hop listeners.
For 25K, the milestone is about more than a number. It represents two years of fans returning to the album, sharing its songs and keeping its story alive.
25K thanks the fans
25K took to Instagram to celebrate the album’s second anniversary and acknowledge the listeners who have supported the project since its release.
The rapper thanked his “clientele” for every stream, repost and playlist addition, describing the 35-million milestone as a collective achievement.
The message reflected the close relationship between 25K and the audience that has followed his journey from the Pretoria streets to becoming one of the notable voices in South African hip-hop.
An album built around the Don Kilograms story
Released in 2024, Loyal to the Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms followed 25K’s breakthrough debut album, Pheli Makaveli.
With Zoocci Coke Dope overseeing the project’s curation, the album expanded on the sound and identity that had become closely associated with 25K.
It combined introspective storytelling with street-inspired production and the distinctive Pitori perspective that has remained central to his music.
The project also featured an impressive list of collaborators, helping it reach audiences beyond 25K’s core fan base.
A strong list of collaborations
Among the standout collaborations was “Deep Waters”, featuring A-Reece, Maglera Doe Boy and Marcus Harvey.
25K also teamed up with Nasty C on “Real Is Rare”, adding another major name to an already star-studded project.
Those collaborations helped give Loyal to the Plug a broad appeal while maintaining the project’s focus on 25K’s own story and artistic identity.
From streaming milestone to award-winning album
The album’s impact has extended beyond streaming platforms.
In 2025, Loyal to the Plug earned 25K his first South African Music Award, winning Best Hip Hop Album.
The award added another major achievement to a project that has continued to grow in significance since its release.
Now, two years on, the album has passed another landmark with more than 35 million streams.
For 25K, the achievement reflects the loyalty of the listeners who have continued to support the project long after its release.
35 million streams and counting
As Loyal to the Plug enters its third year, its latest milestone suggests that the album still has plenty of life left.
The numbers are impressive, but perhaps more significant is the fact that listeners continue to return to the project two years after its arrival.
For an album built around identity, loyalty and the journey of Don Kilograms, 35 million-plus streams are another chapter in 25K’s story.
And judging by his message to fans, the Pretoria rapper believes this is only the beginning.
