With Atlanta Out the Way, These Cities Are Aiming to Snatch the Hip-Hop Crown!

Move over Atlanta, there’s new royalty on the block!

Photo: Getty Images Joseph Okpako, Gilbert Flores, and Dave Benett

The ever changing Rap/Hip-Hop crown is now up for grabs after Atlanta seems to have fallen from royalty. Don’t get us wrong, it’s unlikely that Atlanta will ever truly go away, but here’s a list of cities around the world who might be gunning for that number one spot!

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
That’s So Raven Dad Pleads For Donations From Hospital Bed

Memphis, Tenn.

Photo: Getty Images Gilbert Flores, Taylor Hill, and Jason Koerner Photo: Getty Images Gilbert Flores, Taylor Hill, and Jason Koerner

Glorilla is on her fourth hottest back-to-back single, and with Yo Gotti and Duke Deuce right behind her… do we even have to say more?

Houston, Tex.

Photo: Getty Images Barry Brecheisen, Rick Kern, and Kevin Mazur Photo: Getty Images Barry Brecheisen, Rick Kern, and Kevin Mazur

The best thing about Houston is the variety of rappers coming out of the Texas city. From Megan Thee Stallion and newcomer Monaleo to Travis Scott, there’s truly something for everyone to love!

Detroit, Mich.

Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin and Prince Williams Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin and Prince Williams

If you’re a fan of any popular rap song right now, you just may have Detroit rappers to thank. Babyface Ray alongside Veeze and Skilla Baby are putting on for their city big time!

New York City

Image: Getty Images Joy Malone, Joseph Okpako, @_ferggg_ on IG Image: Getty Images Joy Malone, Joseph Okpako, @_ferggg_ on IG

With the introduction of NYC Drill music, the crown could be coming back to the Big Apple once again.

Jacksonville, Fla.

Photo: Getty Images Prince Williams Photo: Getty Images Prince Williams

The Sunshine State has a lot of potential cities that could claim the throne next. Jacksonville is one of our favorites.

Chicago, Ill.

Photo: Getty Images Prince Williams, Frazer Harrison, and Barry Brecheisen Photo: Getty Images Prince Williams, Frazer Harrison, and Barry Brecheisen

Ever since Chief Keef blew up on the scene at 19 years old, Chicago drill has changed rap as we know it forever. Now, Lil Durk among others are claiming the crown for themselves.

Los Angeles, Cali.

Photo: Getty Images Scott Dudelson, Noam Galai, Gary Miller Photo: Getty Images Scott Dudelson, Noam Galai, Gary Miller

Los Angeles has had its highs and lows when it comes to mainstream Hip-Hop, but with the help of Kendrick Lamar, Blueface, and others, we could be seeing another rise.

London, England

Photo: Getty Images Dave Benett and Harry Durrant Photo: Getty Images Dave Benett and Harry Durrant

Rap as we know it has crossed the globe and reached England. Lil Simz, Central Cee, and Skepta are claiming space in the U.S. genre for themselves, and we are all watching.

Baton Rouge, La.

Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin, Marcus Ingram, and Nykieria Chaney Photo: Getty Images Paras Griffin, Marcus Ingram, and Nykieria Chaney

People always talk about Lil Wayne from New Orleans, but what about Baton Rouge?? NBA Youngboy took over the scene in 2017, but Boosie Badazz has been putting on for his city way before then.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Photo: Getty Images Todd Owyoung, Scott Dudelson, and Aaron J. Thornton Photo: Getty Images Todd Owyoung, Scott Dudelson, and Aaron J. Thornton

Don’t count Liberty City out! They have some heavy hitting rappers taking over many rap sub-genres. Our favorites are Tierra Whack, who will blow you away with her lyrics, and Lil Uzi Vert, who knows how to hype up any crowd.

The DMV

Photo: Getty Images Astrida Valigorsky, Kayla Oaddams, Foc Kan Photo: Getty Images Astrida Valigorsky, Kayla Oaddams, Foc Kan

Yes, we know the DMV represents a plethora of cities, but at its core, the DMV vibe is a specific sound and twang that we can’t get enough of!

Tallahassee, Fla.

Photo: Getty Images Scott Legato and Prince Williams Photo: Getty Images Scott Legato and Prince Williams

From 18-year-old Luh Tyler to Hip-Hop veteran T-Pain, it’s clear Tallahassee isn’t going anywhere!

Milwaukee, Wis.

Photo: Getty Images Scott Dudelson and Prince Williams Photo: Getty Images Scott Dudelson and Prince Williams

Don’t count the mid west out just yet. The rap scene in Wisconsin has been bubbling for a while, and now, DC the Don and Lakeyah are starting to give the world exactly what they want.

 

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

From Jay-Z to Usher—a lot our music faves are hitting the road for some amazing tours. Let’s check out who and when! …
This Fashion TikToker Creates Viral Looks With Things Others Throw Away

This Fashion TikToker Creates Viral Looks With Things Others Throw Away

Folks on TikTok can’t get enough of this young Ethiopian fashion creator’s incredible sense of style and talent …
Why Bill Bellamy's Latest Message to Black Women Has the Internet Heated

Why Bill Bellamy’s Latest Message to Black Women Has the Internet Heated

While many people love Bill Bellamy for his comedy, he’s sadly coming under fire for his latest joke and message to Black women. Let’s get into it! …
Hilton Head's Gullah Geechee Community Built A Legacy, Now They're Fighting To Be Heard

Hilton Head’s Gullah Geechee Community Built A Legacy, Now They’re Fighting To Be Heard

The Legal Defense Fund says that the Hilton Head Gullah Geechee community is being shut out of key land talks that could shape their survival …
Dave Chappelle Says Republicans 'Weaponized' His Trans Jokes, But That's Not the Whole Story

Dave Chappelle Says Republicans ‘Weaponized’ His Trans Jokes, But That’s Not the Whole Story

Dave Chappelle is reflecting on his trans jokes and the role some Republicans seemingly played in making things worse—but there’s more to it than that …
Vogue Slammed Online After Trying to Rename The Afro

Vogue Slammed Online After Trying to Rename The Afro

The Black internet is giving Vogue magazine an earful after they tried to rename a classic hairstyle that represents Black pride …
Viral 'Demure' TikToker Jools Lebron Breaks Her Silence on the Brutal Toll of Internet Fame

Viral ‘Demure’ TikToker Jools Lebron Breaks Her Silence on the Brutal Toll of Internet Fame

In a new interview with Tamron Hall, Jools Lebron reveals the dark side of overnight fame after she went viral on TikTok for “demure.” …
LeBron James Should Retire Now While Greatness Still Defines Him

LeBron James Should Retire Now While Greatness Still Defines Him

The only thing left for King James to prove is that he knows when to walk away …
This Georgia Lawmaker's Blackface Photo Was Offensive Enough— But His Response Was Even Worse

This Georgia Lawmaker’s Blackface Photo Was Offensive Enough— But His Response Was Even Worse

Folks say if “tone-deaf” were a person, Georgia lawmaker Kasey Carpenter might be contending for top spot after a photo of him in blackface sparked fury …
Khloé Kardashian Claps Back at Lamar Odom Over His Comments About Her Role in His Recovery

Khloé Kardashian Claps Back at Lamar Odom Over His Comments About Her Role in His Recovery

After allegedly trying to downplay her role in helping Lamar Odom recover from his 2015 brother incident and more, Khloé Kardashian is now pushing back! …
Black Virginia Lt. Governor and Wife Shot Dead in Harrowing Murder-Suicide

Black Virginia Lt. Governor and Wife Shot Dead in Harrowing Murder-Suicide

Justin Fairfax made history as the second Black man elected as lieutenant governor in Virginia. Now, police say that trailblazer shot his wife, then himself …
After Trump Fired Bondi, Noem, Are These 5 Officials Next?

After Trump Fired Bondi, Noem, Are These 5 Officials Next?

Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel are among the top picks of folks President Trump will fire next… And that’s not all …
The Trump Administration Continues to Ignore Black Maternal, Infant Health

The Trump Administration Continues to Ignore Black Maternal, Infant Health

Black Maternal Health Week reminds us we’re still fighting systemic neglect, rising costs and a food apartheid that fuels unequal care for Black mothers …
Mary Mary Singer's Husband Files for Divorce After 25 Years of Marriage

Mary Mary Singer’s Husband Files for Divorce After 25 Years of Marriage

After 25 years of marriage and a public struggle to stay together, the husband of one member of the gospel duo Mary Mary has filed for divorce …
Taraji P. Henson Breaks Silence on the Hollywood Politics That Stalled Her Career Growth After 'Baby Boy'

Taraji P. Henson Breaks Silence on the Hollywood Politics That Stalled Her Career Growth After ‘Baby Boy’

Taraji P. Henson has always been transparent about her career. Now, she’s opening up about how she and Tyrese took different paths after ‘Baby Boy.’ …
Al Sharpton On Three Major Threats to Black Voters in 2026

Al Sharpton On Three Major Threats to Black Voters in 2026

In an Exclusive interview, Rev. Sharpton warns that the “tricks” of 2026 are designed to silence Black influence …
Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

It’s never a dull day when you have Nick Cannon letting off his latest controversial take. This time it’s about the Bible. Let’s get into it! …
New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae's Mysterious Death on Vacation

New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae’s Mysterious Death on Vacation

New details have emerged about influencer Ashlee Jenae’s death in Tanzania …
The Untold Story Flau'jae Johnson, The WNBA Star Who Rose From Tragedy to Triumph

The Untold Story Flau’jae Johnson, The WNBA Star Who Rose From Tragedy to Triumph

You might recognize Flau’jae Johnson as a star player for LSU basketball or from “The Rap Game,” but how well do you really know the 8th overall WNBA draft pick? …
You'll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

You’ll Never Guess Who Joe Biden Reportedly Wanted as His Vice President Instead of Kamala Harris

Before naming Kamala Harris as his running mate back in 2020, Joe Biden reportedly had another woman in mind …