No Rap Songs In Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 For 1st Time Since 1990 As Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” Exits Chart

Kendrick Lamar, SZA

No Rap Songs In Billboard Hot 100
Top 40 For 1st Time Since 1990 As Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther” Exits Chart

For the first time in 35 years, the Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 features zero rap songs following the exit of #KendrickLamar and #SZA’s song “Luther.”

The departure comes after #Billboard implemented a rule change that altered its retention criteria: songs must now hit certain thresholds, such as top 5 within 78 weeks or top 25 within 26 weeks, to remain on the chart. “Luther” dropped off despite finishing at No. 38, because it “failed to reach No. 25 after 26 weeks on the chart.”

The absence of rap in the Top 40 signals a shift in the genre’s commercial standing. Billboard noted this is “the latest sign of a recent dip in rap’s commercial dominance.” While rap tracks still appear lower on the chart, such as #YoungBoyNeverBrokeAgain at No. 44 and #CardiB at No. 48, none currently crack the Top 40.