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
Root 100 Nominee Nicholas Ryan Gant Breaks Down the Secret Meaning of His New Single

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

15 Creepy Ways Life Has Changed Since Trump's Second Term Began

15 Creepy Ways Life Has Changed Since Trump’s Second Term Began

Here’s 15 creepy ways the world has change in just one year– aka ways the world has change under Trump 2.0 …
Amy Dubois Barnett and More Influential Black Leaders and Celebs Share 100 Life-Changing Lessons

Amy Dubois Barnett and More Influential Black Leaders and Celebs Share 100 Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
What Depression-Era Tips Can Teach Us In a 2026 Economy

What Depression-Era Tips Can Teach Us In a 2026 Economy

Our grandparents and great-grandparents made a dollar out of fifteen cents in tough times and their habits can help us get through a shaky economy …
How Are Millennials, Gen Z Finding Love in 2026? We've Got Answers

How Are Millennials, Gen Z Finding Love in 2026? We’ve Got Answers

As Valentine’s Day 2026 approaches, we’re diving into the current state of millennial and Gen Z dating …
Nick Cannon’s Baby Mama Opens Up About Her Relationship With the Other Mothers—and It’s Not What You’d Expect

Nick Cannon’s Baby Mama Opens Up About Her Relationship With the Other Mothers—and It’s Not What You’d Expect

The real dynamics of how Nick Cannon splits his time with his kids and the affect it has on one of the mother’s of his children is finally being put on blast! …
This Suburban Chicago City Made History With Black Reparations -- Now, It's Pay Day

This Suburban Chicago City Made History With Black Reparations — Now, It’s Pay Day

One Illinois city has started a plan to close the racial wealth gap, making reparations payments to Black residents …
J. Cole Is Popping Up at HBCUs— And Nobody Knows Where He’s Heading Next

J. Cole Is Popping Up at HBCUs— And Nobody Knows Where He’s Heading Next

J. Cole has been literally pulling up to fans on HBCU campuses to celebrate the release of “The Fall Off.” Could your school be next? …
WATCH: Blue Ivy Continues Adorable Super Bowl Tradition– This Time With Her Little Sister Rumi!

WATCH: Blue Ivy Continues Adorable Super Bowl Tradition– This Time With Her Little Sister Rumi!

While hanging out with their dad Jay-Z at Super Bowl LV, Blue Ivy and Rumi Carter recreated an adorable family tradition …
Florida Day Care Workers Allegedly Tortured Kids, But Their Next Move Was Even More Sickening, Cops Say

Florida Day Care Workers Allegedly Tortured Kids, But Their Next Move Was Even More Sickening, Cops Say

Three Florida day care workers are accused of smacking young kids and “torturing” them so often, the children began to “expect it.” …
Wild New Development After Dad Allegedly Shot His Own Daughter After Trump Argument 

Wild New Development After Dad Allegedly Shot His Own Daughter After Trump Argument 

Lucy Harrison’s dad allegedly shot her in the chest after a “big” argument about Donald Trump. He was never charged— but now there’s a wild update …
'Euphoria' Star Breaks Down the <i>Real</i> Cost of Being Successful in Hollywood

‘Euphoria’ Star Breaks Down the Real Cost of Being Successful in Hollywood

‘Euphoria’s’ Nika King is pulling the curtain back on what actors have to deal with financially if they want to make it far in the business …
How Cardi B Plans to Help Make Your Hair Grow 'Good'

How Cardi B Plans to Help Make Your Hair Grow ‘Good’

Fresh off her Super Bowl halftime show cameo, rapper Cardi B has some exciting news for fans of her luscious locs …
Mother Outraged After Indianapolis Police Officer Threatens to ‘Kill’ Black Teen in Viral Clip

Mother Outraged After Indianapolis Police Officer Threatens to ‘Kill’ Black Teen in Viral Clip

A traffic stop took a shocking turn when a Indianapolis police officer threatened to kill 17-year-old Trevion Taylor …
This New Wave of Black Artists is Fusing Christianity With Rap, R&B and AfroBeats

This New Wave of Black Artists is Fusing Christianity With Rap, R&B and AfroBeats

From Lecrae to Limoblaze, these Christian artists are redefining gospel music and introducing a new generation to the genre one track at a time …
Everything You Need to Know About Black Ski Weekend

Everything You Need to Know About Black Ski Weekend

Amid the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Black Ski Weekend is alive and thriving, celebrating community, culture and pure joy on the slopes. Here’s what you should know about this historic tradition …
The Latest Rihanna Spotting is In the <i>Last</i> Place You'd Suspect

The Latest Rihanna Spotting is In the Last Place You’d Suspect

Rihanna was recently spotted at an LA grocery store. But while some were watching what was in her cart, we zoomed in on what was on her left hand …
You'll Never Guess What Happened After Deion Sanders Tried to Hook Up Marsai Martin With His Son

You’ll Never Guess What Happened After Deion Sanders Tried to Hook Up Marsai Martin With His Son

Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders knows a good opportunity when he sees it, but this particular one with Marsai Martin and his sons may not have gone the way he thought! …
A Complete Timeline of ‘RHOA’ Star Kandi Burruss’ Divorce From Todd Tucker

A Complete Timeline of ‘RHOA’ Star Kandi Burruss’ Divorce From Todd Tucker

The divorce between Kandi Burress and Todd Tucker is starting to get a bit more testy. Let’s take a look at how they got to this unfortunate position in the first place …
Black Democrat Grills ICE Director on His Faith in God During Hearing -- Here's What Happened Next

Black Democrat Grills ICE Director on His Faith in God During Hearing — Here’s What Happened Next

Rep. LaMonica McIver’s callout of ICE Director Todd Lyons is going viral after she questioned his dedication to his religion …
Underground Railroad Safe House Found Inside Historical NYC Mansion

Underground Railroad Safe House Found Inside Historical NYC Mansion

While the NYC Merchant House is famous for its grandiose nature, the truth lying underneath the ground floor is a more humbling representation of Black American history …