For the first time in 35 years, the Billboard Top 40 has no hip-hop or rap songs. Here’s why

The Billboard Top 40 has historically been a reflection of cultural trends, with hip-hop and rap dominating the charts for nearly four decades. However, as of November 9, 2025, the absence of these genres from the Top 40 signals a notable change in the music industry. This shift prompts discussions about the factors contributing to the decline of hip-hop's presence in mainstream music, including evolving listener preferences and the impact of digital streaming platforms. As hip-hop has played a crucial role in shaping American culture, its absence from the charts may indicate broader changes in cultural consumption and the music industry's direction.