State Champ Radio Rap
The Billboard Hot 100 chart has long been seen as a measure of success for musicians across all genres, with placement on the list solidifying years of hard work. For the first time in 35 years, Hip-Hop, one of the most successful genres of modern times, has fallen out of the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 list, and it could signal a shift in consumer tastes.
Billboard reports that, surprisingly, not one Hip-Hop song occupies the top 40 slots of the Billboard Hot 100, with the highest ranking song being YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s “Shot Callin” at the No. 44 slot. Following are Cardi B’s “Safe” featuring Kehlani from Cardi’s latest album, Am I The Drama?, and BigXthaPlug’s “Hell at Night” featuring Ella Langley, sitting at No. 48 and 49 in that order.
The outlet adds that the last time this happened was on February 2, 1990, with Biz Markie’s classic “Just A Friend” at No. 41 on the charts, ahead of becoming a top 10 hit for the late rapper and DJ. The following week, the song leaped to the No. 29 slot.
More from Billboard explaining how this happened:
Recent rule changes to Billboard’s Hot 100 methodology did play a part in the streak coming to an end. For the chart dated Oct. 25, descending songs were deemed recurrent and removed from the chart if they had exceeded certain durations on the chart while also falling below certain updated chart thresholds — for instance, if they had fallen below No. 25 after spending over 26 weeks on the chart. That particular change resulted in the departure of “Luther,” which had fallen to No. 38 on the previous week’s Hot 100 in its 46th week on the listing.
The headline itself does sound alarming on the surface, but it seems that a technicality is the reason for this, not a dip in quality. As we try to highlight at Hip-Hop Wired via our CRT FRSH playlist, the music and culture are thriving well, and it should be expected that another artist or more will make their way to the top of the charts again. Given the chart dominance of acts like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and the aforementioned BigXThaPlug, we should see Hip-Hop near or back at the top soon.
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Lil Wayne is gearing up to make waves ahead of Super Bowl LIX, teasing fans with a mysterious announcement set for Thursday, Feb. 6—just days before the big game in New Orleans.
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While speculation runs wild, the rap legend is keeping details under wraps, fueling anticipation with a cryptic Instagram Story video.
“Y’all know I’m not going to be there this week, which means I guess there’s a seat to fill,” Wayne said. “Shout out to New Orleans, but I’ve been working on something very special. I got something exciting coming for you Thursday, the 6th. Until then… I’m chillin’.”
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Though he hasn’t revealed specifics, fans are already theorizing what Tunechi has in store. Some are hoping for a surprise single or project announcement, while others are speculating about a Super Bowl-related activation.
With his long-teased album Tha Carter VI expected to drop this year, the timing aligns with what could be a major musical moment.
Back in December, Wayne recently publicly addressed his absence from the Super Bowl Halftime Show, where Kendrick Lamar will headline. Some fans initially expected Weezy to join Lamar on stage, given their past collaborations and mutual respect.
However, Wayne confirmed in a recent interview that he wouldn’t be attending the game and had spoken directly with Kendrick to clear up any misunderstandings.
“I’ve spoken to him, and I wish him all the best and I told him he better kill it,” Wayne told Skip Bayless on his show in December, during which the host revealed that he remains “baffled and angry” that his guest was not tapped to perform on the biggest stage there is in his own backyard.
“For whatever reason I believe it’s over my head,” Wayne said as part of what he described as the “general” reason why he thinks he was passed over for the gig during what is traditionally the most-viewed TV program of the year. “I don’t know why, period. Obviously I believe that it’s perfect… I do not know why.”
Wayne’s Carter series has been a dominant force on the Billboard 200, with Tha Carter V debuting at No. 1 in 2018 with 480,000 equivalent album units—his fourth chart-topping album. His most recent project, Tha Fix Before Tha VI, was released in 2023, serving as a precursor to the highly anticipated Tha Carter VI.
In 2023, the New Orleans rapper dropped the mixtape Tha Fix Before That VI (Bonus) featuring Jon Batiste, Euro, Cool & Dre, Fousheé, TheNightAftr, and DMX and he and 2 Chainz released Welcome 2 Collegrove, the follow-up to their 2016 collab album ColleGrove.
While he hasn’t released a full-length project yet this year, the Young Money boss has been active feature-wise. He appeared on French Montana‘s “Splash Brothers” alongside Rick Ross, Flau’jae‘s “Came Out A Beast,” DJ Premier‘s “Ya Don’t Stop” with Ross again and Big Sean, and he was featured on Ye and Ty Dolla $ign‘s Vultures 2 song “Lifestyle.”
When the news broke of Lamar’s upcoming performance in September last year, Weezy was very candid about being passed over. “First of all, I want to say forgive me for the delay. I had to get strength enough to do this without breaking,” said a somber Wayne in an Instagram post at the time.
“I’mma say thank you to every voice, every opinion, all the care, all love and support out there. Your words turned into arms and held me up when I tried to fall back.”
At the time, he said the news “Hurt. It hurt a lot. You know what I’m talking about. It hurt a whole lot. I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown. And for automatically mentally putting myself in that position like somebody told me that was my position. So I blame myself for that. But I thought that was nothing better than that spot and that stage and that platform in my city, so it hurt. It hurt a whole lot.”
Pardison Fontaine revealed on Tuesday (Feb. 4) that his highly anticipated “Toot It” collab with Cardi B is arriving on Friday, Feb. 7. “You guys keep asking for ‘Toot It.’ Where’s ‘Toot It’? Where’s ‘Toot It’ at? Can we get ‘Toot It’? Here go the song, here go ‘Toot It.’ Take it, play it, do […]
Latto has tapped Playboi Carti for the remix of her 2024 track “Blick Sum,” giving a fresh spin on the standout from her third studio album Sugar Honey Iced Tea. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Released at midnight on Jan. 28, the remix arrives with a visually […]
Latto announced Monday (Jan. 27) that she’s linking up with Playboi Carti on the “Blick Sum” remix that’s dropping Tuesday, Jan. 28 at midnight ET. “I don’t trust no man without no blicky. ’Cause when sh– get sticky, where the f–k that blicky at,” she says in the intro with a distorted voice filter. The […]
Manchester-based rapper Aitch has fired back at Central Cee after the latter dissed him on his recently-released album Can’t Rush Greatness (Jan. 24).
On the LP’s “5 Star,” Central Cee (real name Oakley Neil Caesar-Su) came for Aitch in a line that referenced the latter winning a BRIT Award over him at the 2023 ceremony. Aitch triumphed in the hip-hop/grime/rap category over Central Cee, Dave, Loyle Carner and Stormzy. Central Cee has been nominated for the award a number of times and has yet to grab the prize
“I felt like a p—k when I went to the BRITs and they gave the award to a guy called Aitch/ I had my acceptance speech prepared like, ‘Long live F’s,’ I’m goin’ insane,” he said. The latter line references Central Cee’s close friend Fernando “FDot Johnson” who was murdered in January 2023.
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Later that afternoon (Jan. 24), the Manchester rapper responded to the diss with a track “A Guy Called?” which was uploaded directly to his Instagram with the caption “leave me alone” alongside a picture of his BRITs trophy. On the track’s opening line Aitch claims that Central Cee is an “influencer” and that he will “jump in the booth for something to do.”
Further references in the track allude to Cench’s BRITs barb, saying: “Little boy is just there to be spun, gettin’ mad at the BRITs, there’s bare to be won.” Later in the track, Aitch adds: “Bringin’ the BRITs up two years later, f— my life, you should go live yours.”
Elsewhere Aitch alleges that Central Cee employs ghostwriters (“All your songs get wrote by Clint, in the booth, one mic, two c—s”) and makes reference to Central Cee’s ethnicity (“Clint was p—d ’cause Cench got beat by a white MC, Cench is as white as me”). Speaking to British Vogue in 2024, Central Cee said that he was born to an English mother and a father of Guyanese and Chinese ancestry.
A number of their U.K. rap contemporaries including Kairo Keyz, ArrDee and M1llionz have commented on Aitch’s Instagram post. Central Cee responded to the track by commenting “fair enough” alongside a flame and laughing face emoji. Listen to the track below.
Aitch released his debut album Close to Home in 2022 and which reached No. 2 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart.
Central Cee is nominated once again in the hip-hop/grime/rap category at the 2025 BRITs which take place March 1, where he will go up against Dave, Ghetts, Little Simz and Stormzy for the prize.
DJ Unk, the Atlanta rapper behind the 2006 snap smash “Walk It Out,” has died at age 43, his family shared on social media Friday (Jan. 24).
The cause of death has not been publicly revealed. His wife Sherkita Long-Platt wrote on Facebook, “Please respect me and my family. I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.”
Korey “Big Oomp” Roberson, who signed DJ Unk to his first label deal 25 years ago, confirmed his passing in a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “DJ Unk was not just a legendary DJ, rapper, and producer, but a true cornerstone of our label, and the imprint that he left globally will be cherished forever,” he wrote, which was also shared on Big Oomp Records’ Instagram account. “Hit songs such as ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’ have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire artists, DJs, and fans alike for years to come. His energy, creativity, and commitment to the craft will never be forgotten.”
Born Anthony Leonard Platt, he joined the DJ crew, the Southern Style DJs, before signing to Big Oomp Records in 2000. DJ Unk released his debut single “Walk It Out” in August 2006, months ahead of his debut album Beat’n Down Yo Block! that reached No. 21 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. “Walk It Out” hit No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
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“I’m glad that it’s good energy and good vibes in the song ’cause they use it as far as work out dances, they use it in church, they use it for anything,” he told Billboard while on the red carpet of the 2023 BET Awards. He also praised André 3000’s verse on the “Walk It Out” remix, featuring OutKast and Jim Jones. “I still can’t believe that to this day,” he said. “I never dreamed that he would get on a record like that because he’s so powerful as far as hip-hop and music and everything, so it’s a blessing. That was a dream come true. It was like doing a song with Michael Jackson.”
“2Step,” the second single from Beat’n Down Yo Block!, reached No. 24 on the Hot 100 and hit the top 10 of Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. These songs solidified DJ Unk as a leader of the snap subgenre of Southern hip-hop. He released his sophomore album 2econd Season in 2008, which peaked at No. 15 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
GloRilla’s “Hollon” single from her 2024 debut album Glorious samples DJ Unk’s “Hold On Ho” from Beat’n Down Yo Block!.
Mac Miller’s estate has finally gifted fans with Balloonerism, a posthumous album that has been the subject of speculation for years.
Released on Jan. 17, the album arrives days ahead with what would have been Miller’s 33rd birthday. The Pittsburgh rapper died in 2018 at age 26 of an accidental overdose.
Balloonerism is a 14-track journey that showcases Miller’s experimental side, blending neo-soul and jazz elements. The album kicks off with “Tambourine Dream” and features standout tracks like “5 Dollar Pony Rides,” “Friendly Hallucinations,” “Mrs. Deborah Downer,” “Stoned,” “Manakins,” and “Rick’s Piano.” Notably, the album includes collaborations with artists such as Thundercat, SZA, and Ashley All Day.
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The origins of Balloonerism trace back to 2014, a prolific period for Miller during which he was also working on projects like Faces. Despite its significance, the album was shelved in favor of other releases, leaving fans to piece together unofficial versions circulating online.
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Following the circulation of leaked songs amongst fan communities, the record’s official release was teased with a trailer at November’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival.
Miller’s family previously shared a statement on his Instagram explaining why they’ve decided to release the project. “Many of Malcolm’s fans are aware of Balloonerism, a full length album that Malcolm created around the time of the release of Faces in 2014,” they wrote.
“It is a project that was of great importance to Malcolm — to the extent that he commissioned artwork for it and discussions concerning when it should be released were had regularly, though ultimately GO:OD AM and subsequent albums ended up taking precedence.”
They added, “We believe the project showcases both the breadth of his musical talents and fearlessness as an artist. Given that unofficial versions of the album have been circulating online for years and that releasing Balloonerism was something that Malcolm frequently expressed being important to him, we felt it most appropriate to present an official version of the project to the world.”
Based on the lyrics and music of Miller, and directed by Samuel Jerome Mason, the animated Balloonerism “follows a group of school friends who are transfigured by the music of a chord organ and launched into a shadow world”, a synopsis of the film reads. “Swallowed by the turtle of time, they must plod through the underbelly of adulthood.”
The film was released on Jan. 15 throughout the U.S., with international fans receiving it one day later. A series of “One Night Only” advance theater screenings were scheduled around the world, including in New York City and Miller’s native Pittsburgh, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, France, Canada, and the U.K.
Miller’s debut studio album, Blue Slide Park, topped the Billboard 200 upon its release in back in 2011, the first independently distributed debut album to do so since 1995. Over the course of five studio albums, Miller evolved into one of the most eclectic artists of the 2010s, delving into alt-rap, soul and R&B with equal fervor.
Following Miller’s untimely death in September 2018, his music saw renewed interest on the charts. His album “Swimming” re-entered the top 10 of the Billboard 200, jumping from number 71 to number 6.
Fans can cop a physical version of the album, which includes a limited-edition deluxe two-LP pressing that features a rainbow foil-wrapped slipcase with white splatter cloud vinyl and a 32-page color booklet featuring photos and lyrics, as well as a limited one-time pressing that features clear vinyl available now on balloonerism.com.
Stream Balloonerism below.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! resumed its broadcast on Jan. 13, following a brief hiatus caused by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
Opening the show, Kimmel delivered a heartfelt monologue reflecting on the tragedy that has displaced thousands and destroyed countless homes, including those of his own colleagues. He lauded the bravery of first responders, firefighters, and volunteers who have stepped up in the city’s time of need.
Amid the heavy atmosphere, Kimmel turned to a figure synonymous with resilience and community, introducing his guest Snoop Dogg as “an icon of Los Angeles and a beacon of positivity.” The legendary rapper, known for his enduring ties to his hometown, didn’t hold back as he spoke candidly about the disaster’s impact and his personal efforts to assist those affected.
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“The family’s good, but I know people I consider family who lost everything,” Snoop shared. “So we did what we do—we came together, pulled our troops together, and made sure they had what they needed.”
Reflecting on the unity he’s seen in the face of disaster, Snoop said, “California, this is like our first time dealing with [wildfires], and the way the world is helping us—that’s the important thing. People aren’t looking at differences; they’re just looking at trying to make a difference.”
Snoop’s reverence for firefighters took center stage, with the rapper calling their work “the toughest job” and emphasizing the often-overlooked heroism they display.
“They don’t get enough credit. They show up, do what’s best, and when it’s over, it’s like they’re forgotten about,” he said. “We need to give them a lot of praise right now. I give them a lot.”
Snoop described his hands-on approach to disaster relief, ensuring donations reach those in need. “A lot of times when we put these donations together, certain people don’t get it,” he explained. “What my team does is go on the ground, make direct connects, and make sure we’re not missing anybody. That’s what we do—it’s about love, man.”
While the conversation centered on the seriousness of the fires, Snoop’s trademark humor provided moments of levity. Reflecting on a false evacuation alert, he recalled, “I got three phones, and they all blew up. I started running, started packing, and then it was like, ‘It’s not real.’ See, now y’all playing games.”
Kimmel seized the moment to ask if the rapper still sets off smoke alarms wherever he goes. Snoop’s response, delivered with a grin, left the audience in stitches: “Not anymore. We have a shower cap technique that we use.” To demonstrate, Snoop stood up and mimed placing a shower cap over a smoke detector, humorously acting out the move by climbing onto Kimmel’s couch, drawing roaring laughter from the audience.
Kimmel quipped, “Especially at this time, that is very bad advice from Snoop Dogg!”
Amid the weighty topics of wildfires and community resilience, Snoop shared an anecdote about meeting Paul McCartney, describing it as a surreal and deeply respectful moment.
“It was about just respect and love,” he said, recalling the encounter. “He really knew who I was musically—that blew my mind. I’m telling him about all the records I like from him, but then he’s telling me about who I am and how he liked me. It’s just appreciation. I call that mutual love, fan appreciation.”
When Kimmel asked if the two had smoked together, Snoop laughed and clarified, “Oh no, no—but I smoked around him.”
Later in the chat, the host praised Snoop’s ongoing community contributions, from organizing relief efforts to his long-standing youth football league, which has helped countless kids achieve their dreams, including NFL stardom.
The Doggfather, ever humble, turned the spotlight back on the collective effort. “There was talks about concerts to raise money for the victims and the people that have lost in this situation,” he said.
“So I think that’s more of the angle that I would be leaning towards—to do a concert and not, you know, be paid, and take my proceeds and the proceeds from the tickets and make sure that the people got something.”
Watch Snoop Dogg’s latest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! here.
Billboard Hot 100 hits and Coachella sets were never part of BigXthaPlug’s plans for himself. Growing up in Dallas, the 26-year-old with the deep, bellowing voice had gridiron dreams of playing in the NFL — and even at his Billboard photo shoot, he throws a football around and speaks of his success in the game’s terms.
BigX compares his industry journey to that of former quarterback Cam Newton, who starred at a junior college before becoming a Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn University and, eventually, an NFL MVP. “I basically just pulled a Cam Newton,” he states. “Instead of going through all the steps, I just went crazy at that [junior college] and could’ve damn near went to the league.”
Raymond Alva
This digital cover story is part of Billboard’s Genre Now package, highlighting the artists pushing their musical genres forward — and even creating their own new ones.
To rap fans, BigX’s story — his path from drug dealer to artist — isn’t foreign. “Pops” — the 6-foot-7 man with a massive frame just like BigX’s, who’s with his son in Los Angeles today — “had a trap house, and in the middle of that spot was a round wooden table and a mic,” BigX recalls of his first time in front of a microphone. “[Pops] was like, ‘Y’all n—s can’t rap. My son got more than y’all got.’ I was scoring on ’em, and I guess it was sounding good. He was like, ‘You good. You need to rap for real.’ ”
Four years ago, BigX signed with UnitedMasters, which he still calls the “best thing I could’ve did.” He credits his first manager — an uncle who essentially ran off after BigX paid him $20,000 upfront — for steering him toward maintaining his independence with the distributor.
BigX has stood out among hip-hop’s melodic-leaning mainstream with his soulful production and booming chopped-and-screwed flows that have drawn comparisons to The Notorious B.I.G. — and the past 12 months have been particularly crucial in his ascent. He earned his first Hot 100 entry in December 2023 when the groovy “Mmhmm” reached No. 63. In October, he opened up about his insecurities, pain and triumphs on his second album, Take Care, which reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200.
“I feel like for the past decade it’s been a lot of mumble rap. People not talking about nothing,” he says. “I’m talking about something. A lot of the older people who love music, that’s what they grew up on — actual substance. Here’s this young dude that sound old, but he on these young-old beats. I literally mixed everything up so everybody could love it.”
BigXthaPlug photographed December 4, 2024 at Electric Pony Studios in Los Angeles.
Raymond Alva
Raymond Alva
BigX’s in-house producer, Tony Coles, adds, “He has this sort of Martin Luther King Jr. element to him where it’s [a] preacher almost and his voice is very powerful, and you got the badass production behind it.”
Next up, BigX — who Shaboozey tapped for a feature on his 2024 album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going — will connect with his Texas roots for a country mixtape slated to arrive in 2025 and feature a star-studded guest lineup including Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Post Malone. “Post Malone, Luke Combs, all those guys,” BigX says. “They claim I’m their favorite rapper.”
This story appears in the Jan. 11, 2025, issue of Billboard.
