Hip Hop & Kendrick Lamar: Hot 100 Reign Ends Amid New Rules
Okay, here’s a breakdown of the information presented in the text, organized for clarity:
Main Topic: Changes to Billboard Chart Rules and Their Impact on Rap music
Key Points:
* “Luther” Removed: Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s song “luther” was removed from the Billboard hot 100 after 46 weeks due to new chart rules. It had previously reached #1 and held that position for 13 weeks.
* Rap’s Absence from Top 40: This change resulted in rap music being absent from the Billboard Top 40 for the frist time in 35 years. The previous streak began with Biz Markie’s “Just a Friend” in 1990.
* New Billboard Rules: Billboard updated its criteria for chart eligibility.Songs are now considered “recurrent” and subject to removal based on their chart position and time on the chart:
* Below No. 25 after 26 weeks
* below No. 50 after 20 weeks
* Below No. 10 after 52 weeks
* Below No. 5 after 78 weeks
* Kendrick Lamar’s Continued Success: Despite this chart change, Kendrick Lamar is still considered a major force in music, having won Grammys and delivered a notable Super Bowl performance in 2025.
Image Information:
* Description: Kendrick lamar performing with SZA at the 2025 Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
* Credit: Kevin sabitus / Contributor via Getty Images
* Alt Text: Kendrick Lamar performs with SZA in the 2025 Apple Music super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
* Size: landscape-medium
Links Mentioned:
* https://www.revolt.tv/article/kendrick-lamar-and-sza-deliver-music-video-for-gnx-standout-luther
* https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/no-rap-songs-hot-100-top-40-first-time-as-1990-1236100625
Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any specific aspect of this information!