Overview
- Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s 13-week No. 1 “Luther” dropped off the Hot 100 under the updated rules, ending a 35-year run of rap in the top 40.
- The highest-charting rap track is YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s “Shot Callin’” at No. 44, with Cardi B and BigXthaPlug following at Nos. 48 and 49.
- Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl keeps all 12 of its tracks in the top 40 for a third week, limiting openings for other genres.
- Hip-hop’s market share has slipped to about 24% from nearly 30% in 2020, aligning with a multi-year decline in rap titles reaching the top 40.
- Observers cite a lull in major releases from stars such as Drake and Kendrick Lamar, while noting that hip-hop production influences remain common in non-rap hits.