The State of Hip-Hop: flashback to the Grammys and what may come in 2025

 The constant flood of new music is suffocating—every Friday, the so-called “new releases” are tossed at you like digital garbage. You’d think artists were getting paid by the track. At this point, it feels like if you aren't dropping a new album or single every other week, you're about as relevant as a MySpace rapper.

What makes it worse is how rap’s always had the fastest life cycle—no time to breathe or build something lasting. The pressure to churn out more and more has artists racing each other to drop shit first, to stay in the headlines for all of five minutes. Look at Future and Metro Boomin pumping out back-to-back albums like it’s a goddamn sprint. Kendrick and Drake barely had time to trade shots before the internet moved on. Even Chief Keef dropped something fresh.

2024 may have kicked off with some solid wins, but don't get it twisted—rap's current state still feels like it's on life support, barely propped up by a few names with the clout to keep the masses entertained. Take 21 Savage, who finally dropped American Dream after six long years, and yeah, it hit No. 1. Good for him. But it’s kinda telling that we had to wait seven months in 2023 for a rap album to even touch that top spot. Savage's comeback was a statement, no doubt, but it also highlights how fucking rare it is now for a rap album to dominate charts like that anymore.

Then there’s Jack Harlow, who’s been out here cleaning up with “Lovin on Me.” Released last year, and yet the dude is still riding the wave well into 2024. It’s almost like the industry wants to milk every last drop out of a hit song, squeezing it for all it’s worth. Five more weeks at No. 1 this year? Cool, but does anyone actually care anymore, or are we just trained to keep clicking ‘repeat’ on whatever Spotify shoves in our faces?

Let’s talk about Killer Mike. This dude came through and swept the 2024 Grammys like it was nothing. Winning Best Rap Album with Michael, along with Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for “Scientists & Engineers” featuring legends like André 3000 and Future—that’s a hell of a flex. Mike’s been in the game long enough to deserve this kind of recognition, but it also says a lot about where hip hop is headed.

While the rest of the industry is running around trying to spit out hits every week, Mike drops one album and dominates. He’s not just pushing out mindless club bangers; he’s making shit that resonates on a deeper level, blending gritty southern rap with a higher consciousness. It's that blend of old-school and forward-thinking that makes him untouchable right now. He’s proof that real artistry can still shine through the algorithm-driven swamp.

The irony? He’s thriving in the same year where so much of hip hop feels like it’s eating itself alive, drowning in quantity over quality. Killer Mike isn’t playing that game. He’s the guy walking in, kicking over the table, and reminding everyone that skill, depth, and substance still matter.

Megan Thee Stallion had the whole internet buzzing like a damn hornet’s nest in February when she came back swinging with her single "Hiss." The track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, putting Megan up there with the legends—tying a record with Nicki Minaj and Lauryn Hill as the only female rappers to ever pull off that feat. That’s not just a win for Megan; that’s a fuck-you to anyone doubting that women are running the rap game.

But here's the real deal—Megan isn't just cranking out chart-toppers for the hell of it. "Hiss" had the bite to back up all the hype. She's got that rare ability to dominate the pop charts while still holding onto her raw, unapologetic energy. It's no surprise she tied a record with Nicki and Lauryn—she’s part of a lineage of women who’ve been smashing ceilings in a male-dominated genre.

What makes this even crazier is the contrast in the scene right now. You've got a flood of new artists trying to claw their way to relevance, while Megan steps in, drops one track, and blows up the whole fucking landscape. In a year where a lot of artists are struggling to stay afloat, Megan’s out here making tidal waves.

 By the Way!!!

BigXthaPlug is the real deal. This dude’s been coming up with that gritty, unfiltered energy the game’s been missing. "Mmhmm" slapped its way onto the Billboard Hot 100 like it owned the joint, and it’s not just a fluke—BigX has been grinding, putting Texas on the map in a way that feels raw and authentic. He’s got that larger-than-life presence, but it’s his ability to mix hard-hitting bars with a unique flow that makes him stand out.

In a sea of artists trying to sound like the next whatever, BigXthaPlug’s bringing that real Southern flavor back to the forefront, with a no-bullshit attitude to back it up. He’s not just making noise, he’s building a movement. If 2024 is any indicator, he’s got the potential to ride this wave for a while and keep leveling up. Dude’s a force.


Needless to say, the future of hip hop is still shining bright, despite the oversaturation and constant churn of the industry. There are still standout artists, the defiant ones, pushing through the noise and refusing to conform to the cookie-cutter formulas that radio and streaming services try to shove down everyone’s throat. These are the artists keeping the heart of hip hop alive, making moves that matter and creating music that sticks with you longer than a few streams. They’re the ones who understand that staying true to yourself means more than just chasing trends—it’s about flipping the script and writing your own damn rules.

On that note, Megan Thee Stallion—if you're looking for a night of good drinks and even better conversation with a fellow Texas rebel, consider this an official invite. Let’s link up and talk shop. Hit me up at Txbmedia2024@gmx.com—drinks and dinner are on me.