Hip-Hop's Grammy Grip Loosens: What's Next?

Hip-hop's prominent role at the Grammy Awards may see a significant shift in 2027. While the genre continues to dominate music streams, its chart performance has notably declined since the advent of the streaming era. For instance, the Billboard Hot 100 saw no rap songs in the top 40 for the first time in decades in October 2025.

This year, with major artists like Kendrick Lamar and Drake absent from Grammy submissions, the landscape appears uncertain. Industry insiders note a "weak year" for standout hip-hop releases and a lack of new stars comparable to those from the 2010s, with some even suggesting young people are more drawn to streaming personalities. However, veteran A$AP Rocky, with his album "Don't Be Dumb," and rising artist Don Toliver, through his hit "E85," are seen as potential contenders for the general field categories.

Despite these emerging artists, some express concern over hip-hop's representation. A potential shutout in major categories could signal deeper issues within the voting process, though others view this as a transitional period for the genre. The development of artists like Rod Wave and Don Toliver is being closely monitored as potential future torchbearers.

This story appears in the Oct. 3, 2026, issue of Billboard.