For the first time in 35 years, there are no rap songs in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100

Yes, you read that correctly. There are no rap songs listed in the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

This is not the case has taken place since 1990when Cold Chillin’ Records artist Biz Markie reached No. 29 in February 1990 with “Just a Friend.” That placement marked the beginning of a successful run for a rap song that remained in the Top 40 for 35 years, eight months and three weeks.

Kendrick Lamar’s song “Luther,” featuring SZA, ends the streak after falling off the chart after debuting at No. 38 last week.

The surprising performance is attributed to recent changes in the Billboard Hot 100 ranking system. When the media outlet categorizes descending songs as recurring, they are removed from the chart. This happens when songs exceed a certain chart duration while also falling below thresholds that have recently been updated Billboard. In the case of “Luther,” the song had fallen below No. 25 after 46 years on the Hot 100.

Besides the fact that no other hip-hop song makes enough noise to move the charts, pop star Taylor Swift may be partly to blame. All 12 songs on her latest album, The life of a showgirl, are in the top 40.

While there are several hip-hop songs on the latest chart, the highest-ranking song was YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s “Shot Callin,” which reached close to No. 44. Cardi B’s “Safe” (featuring Kehlani) was next at No. 48. BigXthaPlug’s “Hell at Night” (featuring Ella Langley) came in at No. 49.

According to next week’s chart, the streak of no hip-hop songs in the Top 40 of the Hot 100 list is extended to two weeks: “Shot Callin” moves up one spot to No. 43.

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