2025 has been one hell of a year for hip-hop. Don’t let the lack of representation in the top 40 of Billboard’s Hot 100 fool you. There may not be any blockbuster beefs to yammer on social about, no Kendrick or Drake or J. Cole for those who still believe in “the big 3.” The truly great mainstream album of the year is from Playboi Carti. Instead the cream of the crop have stemmed from its undergroun. From Zukenee and Niontay to Papo2oo4 and YL, the underground is rich and varied for anyone. It’s to the point James Gunn is even tapped in.

Recently, the Peacemaker showrunner posted on Threads in reaction to Billboard’s Hot 100. There, he essentially shrugs his shoulders at there being no rap songs in the top 40 at the moment. However, instead of treating it like defeat, Gunn says that 2025

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