The Sam Sanders Show Is Rap Music Dead? with Broken Record’s Justin Richmond
Nov 5, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Justin Richmond, a music journalist and host of Pushkin’s Broken Record, dives into the shocking absence of rap songs from Billboard's Top 40 for the first time in 35 years. They explore hip-hop's evolution and its influence across genres, comparing current trends with past musical shifts. Justin analyzes the appeal of artists like NBA YoungBoy and the implications of streaming on the rap landscape. Ultimately, he asserts that while rap faces challenges, it’s far from dead, encouraging listeners to support emerging talent.
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No Rap In Top 40 Is A Warning Sign
- The Billboard Top 40 lacked any rap songs for the first time since 1990, surprising both hosts.
- Justin Richmond and Sam Sanders view this as a sign hip-hop may face a rocky period, not permanent death.
Rock's Fall And Return As A Pattern
- Justin recalls rock falling off Top 40 around 2012 and later resurging as an example of genre cycles.
- He suggests hip-hop could similarly wane then return stronger.
Chart Rule Changes Shift The Landscape
- Billboard changed Hot 100 rules to remove long-running catalog hits to make room for new songs.
- That technical tweak removed rap songs like Kendrick Lamar and SZA's 'Luther' from the Top 40.