The year 2025's standout tracks reflected shifts in sound, storytelling, and digital influence. Kehlani, Clipse, and Doechii each brought unique perspectives that resonated across platforms. These ...

It was the best of hip-hop times. It was the worst of hip-hop times. Ha! 2025 was a rollercoaster of rap music’s highs and lows. The duality was so real. I can’t recall a year with such a wide array ...

We live in the Dot era. After demolishing rap rival Drake last year, Kendrick Lamar’s victory lap has dominated 2025 and the current hip-hop landscape. Super Bowl performance. More Grammy wins. “Not ...

The year 2025 has been a whirlwind year for music, with songs from every genre going viral and dominating playlists around the world. From pop chart-toppers to underground experiments, artists have ...

Every year, we’re told that hip-hop is in crisis. But if you ask us, it feels like there’s too much heat to keep up with. What’s lost on the chart-watchers lamenting rap’s mainstream lull is that the ...

Andrea Bocelli debuts on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for the first time with “Maria,” a Lil Wayne and Wyclef Jean track that samples his “Ave Maria.” SEVILLE, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 16: Andrea ...

Graphic by Thomas Egan of HNHH Little Simz: (Photo by Belinda Jiao/Getty Images) Playboi Carti: (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage) Billy Woods: (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images) Key Glock: ...

If Drake really is dropping "ICEMAN" this year, then his numbers by the end of 2025 will look even more impressive than expected. A few years ago, Drake spoke on the idea of a "graceful exit," which ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts. Post Malone returns to Billboard’s hip-hop tallies as DJ Khaled’s ...

Without an obvious star in contention - and given some of hip-hop's declines in the past year - the genre's marquee category chances may be slimmer.

If your ears need a rest, we hear you. Chicago hosted an astonishing number of concerts in 2025. There was no shortage of events that lured fans from the city, the Midwest and places further afield.