For the first time since February 1990, there are no rap songs in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 40, ending a 35-year, eight-month streak after Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” fell off the chart dated October 25, 2025.
The 13-week number one “Luther” was removed under Billboard’s recurrent rule after spending 46 weeks on the chart but falling below number 25 after its 26th week. The highest-ranking rap song is now YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s “Shot Callin” at number 44, with Cardi B’s “Safe” and BigXthaPlug’s “Hell at Night” at 48 and 49.
The last time the Hot 100 Top 40 had zero rap representation was February 2, 1990, when Biz Markie’s “Just a Friend” sat at number 41. That track jumped to 29 the following week, beginning a historic 35-year streak that ended with “Luther’s” departure.
Hip-hop’s market share peaked at 30% in 2020 but has declined to 24% in 2025. Five years ago, 16 of the top 40 were rap songs. Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” occupying all 12 Top 40 slots and Billboard rule changes removing older hits like “Luther” contributed to the milestone signaling rap’s current commercial dip.
