If you’re younger than 35, there hasn’t been a single week in your entire existence without a Hip Hop song, or dozens of them, on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Until the end of October 2025. That’s when, for the first time since early 1990, not a single Rap track appeared on the chart. Hip Hop doubters said this was the inevitable beginning of rap music’s end.
There’s Another Hot Take, though.
Ever since Hip Hop’s birth in the 1970s, many have been quick to say “it’s just a fad.” Even as it took over cultures and generations across the world. Its recent absence from Billboard, the official scorekeeper of the most-listened-to new music out there, might be a blip. It’s too soon to tell.
So, What Happened?
Major Hip Hop artists and record labels weren’t as active in 2025 is one explanation.
Another? It’s Taylor Swift’s fault.
My money is on fatigue. Many lifelong fans are tired of hearing songs about the same three topics on loop.
Drugs. Mistreatment of women. Violence. Wash/rinse/repeat/mashup.
Sure, those ingredients have been staples of rap for 50+ years. But something’s shifted. We went from songs with various perspectives on those things to a genre that almost uniformly champions the pain. Not to mention, the whole vibe is off lately. The party songs are gone. The fun is on ice. There’s no heart, except for broken ones.
We Still Love Rap
Billboard aside, love for Hip Hop is everywhere. It remains the most-streamed music style on the planet. It continues saturating movies, fashion, and even politics. Just not the newer, bummed out Rap music.
Another Flavor Is On the Rise
If you’re nodding along with this, feeling like “yeah, you know what? I love Hip Hop, but today’s Rap doesn’t hit the same,” then it might be time for you to peep Christian Hip Hop. It’s having a bit of a moment right now.
While mainstream rap is faltering, Christian Hip Hop is booming. Streams were up 56% last year. In St. Louis, the city’s #1 Hip Hop radio station is a Christian one, outperforming both of the market’s secular Rap outlets. This was so unprecedented that it actually generated national headlines.
It’s Actually GOOD
Christian Hip Hop isn’t on the rise simply because mainstream is stuck in a doom loop; CHH is legit.
It’s full of rappers who can rhyme circles around secular emcees, and beats that straight up slap.
You’ve probably heard a few songs from the genre without realizing it. “Coming In Hot” is a staple at sporting events. “Ooh Ahh” has gone viral a few times over the years on TikTok, and in Hollywood movies. “Church Clap” invaded night club dance floors and wedding receptions this year.
CHH Is Saving Hip Hop
Christian Hip Hop might be underground to the public, but not to secular rappers and producers. It’s been on their radar for at least a decade, from Ye’s CHH releases to the Christian influences heard in songs by Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper.
These days, even more are eagerly joining the movement.
– Rodney Jerkins, AKA “Darkchild,” famous for producing hits by Justin Bieber, Lady
Gaga, Destiny’s Child, and many others started his own Christian Hip Hop record label.
– Timbaland recently collaborated with Xander, Aaron Cole, and Jon Keith.
– E-40 has done multiple songs with Lecrae and Miles Minnick.
– Speaking of Lecrae, Killer Mike, Jon Bellion, and T.I. hopped on his latest album.
– Three Six Mafia’s Project Pat has been all over the scene in 2025, rapping with nobigdyl
and Jackie Hill Perry, not to mention preaching a Gospel message to 10,000 people in
downtown Memphis.
(And we’re just scratching the surface!)
Strip all the reverse-crossovers out, though, and you’re still left with a thriving universe of Christian Hip Hop that’s good for your ears and your soul. Artists whose music stands on its own, no assists required. Andy Mineo, Anike, KB, indie tribe, Derek Minor, Forrest Frank, Hulvey, Steven Malcolm, and NF (among so many more).
Hip Hop will never die. The recent Billboard chart miss could be a wake-up call, though. Fans want more from a genre that’s been in our lives since birth. We crave life-giving Rap music. And right now, Christian Hip Hop is the best place to find it.
