Linktree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/Analytic⁠

Join The Normandy For Additional Bonus Audio And Visual Content For All Things Nme+! Join Here: ⁠https://ow.ly/msoH50WCu0K⁠

In this segment of Notorious Mass Effect, Analytic Dreamz delivers a data-driven analysis of rap's historic absence from Billboard Hot 100's Top 40 for the first time since February 1990. On the week of October 25, 2025, no rap tracks cracked the upper echelon, ending a 35-year streak sparked by Biz Markie's "Just a Friend." Analytic Dreamz breaks down key stats: highest rap entry at #44 (YoungBoy Never Broke Again's "Shot Callin"), #48 (Cardi B feat. Kehlani's "Safe"), and #49 (BigXthaPlug feat. Ella Langley's "Hell at Night"). Kendrick Lamar & SZA's "Luther" fell off after 46 weeks (13 at #1), triggered by Billboard's October 2025 recurrent rule changes—removing songs below #25 after 26 weeks (vs. old 25-week threshold below #10). Hip-hop's U.S. market share dropped from 30% peak in 2020 to 24% YTD 2025 per Luminate. Analytic Dreamz examines competition: Taylor Swift's album occupies 12 Top 40 spots, K-pop soundtracks claim 7. Additional factors include streaming biases, artist dormancy (Drake, Kendrick), legal issues, and genre fragmentation. As of November 1, the drought hits two weeks, with "Shot Callin" at #43. Analytic Dreamz explores cultural reactions and whether this signals rap's cyclical shift amid pop dominance.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/analytic-dreamz-notorious-mass-effect/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy