Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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For the first time since 1990, there are no rap songs in Billboard's Top 40. For those wondering, that was back when Biz Markie's "Just A Friend" was a hit. Yikes! This news comes after Kendrick Lamar and SZA's smash "Luther" becomes a "recurrent" record on the Billboard Hot 100.

So how did hip hop go from the biggest genre—surpassing rock 'n roll—to a contracting one?

Music journalist Sowmya Krishnamurthy discusses hip hop's current state— including the overemphasis on established stars, lack of rap executives in the music industry, and hip-hop media not highlighting new and exciting artists.

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#hiphop #rap #music