In this episode of ‘The Need To Know’ podcast, the hosts discussed a notable absence of hip-hop and rap on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first time in a long while that these genres have been completely absent from the chart’s top ten. The conversation highlighted artists dominating the current chart, such as Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, and Lady Gaga, leading to concerns about the perceived “whitewashing” of the charts.
The hosts contemplated the reasons behind this shift, questioning the consistency of hip-hop artists like Drake and the overall state of the genre. They noted that while hip-hop had previously dominated, there has been a noticeable decline, attributing it partly to the trend of artists creating “microwave music”—songs that are quickly produced and may lack depth. They expressed concern that many hip-hop artists are no longer prioritizing the craft of music-making.
Additionally, the discussion touched on the absence of prominent hip-hop figures in the current top ten, mentioning artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Young Thug, and Future, who have not consistently been in the upper echelon of the charts. The hosts acknowledged that some artists, such as Juice WRLD, who would have been regulars on the Billboard charts, are no longer present due to tragic circumstances.
The conversation shifted to the marketing strategies employed by major labels, suggesting that they focus more on popularity and visibility than on the quality of the music. They pointed out that while pop and country music have seen a rise in visibility and success, the industry is currently less supportive of emerging hip-hop acts. The hosts anticipate that this trend may reverse in the near future as the market shifts again, potentially bringing hip-hop back to the forefront.
They also referenced ongoing issues within the music industry, including the impact of recent controversies involving high-profile figures like Diddy, suggesting that this may have created a ripple effect affecting how executives and artists operate within the current landscape.
