For the first time since February 1990, no rap songs are in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 40.
This happened after Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s hit “Luther” dropped from the chart.
The highest rap song now is YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s “Shot Callin” at No. 44, with Cardi B’s “Safe” and BigXthaPlug’s “Hell at Night” just below at No. 48 and 49.
The streak of rap songs in the top 40 lasted more than 35 years. It began when Biz Markie’s “Just a Friend” jumped to No. 29 in 1990. Changes in Billboard’s chart rules contributed to this milestone. Songs that spent a long time on the chart were removed once they fell below a certain position.
“Luther” had been at No. 38 the week before, after 46 weeks on the Hot 100. Taylor Swift’s 12 songs from her new album also dominated the chart, leaving little room for rap.
Hip-hop’s presence in the top 40 has declined in recent years. Rap made up nearly 30% of the market in 2020, dropped to 25% by 2023, and is now around 24%. Just a few years ago, multiple rap songs regularly appeared in the top 40 each week.
“Luther” was also the last rap song in the top 10, reaching No. 9 before falling out. Since then, BigXthaPlug’s “All the Way” came closest at No. 22.
