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
Dominique Thorne Reveals Why She Almost Passed on Ironheart

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

Best Red Carpet Looks of the 2026 NAACP Image Awards

Best Red Carpet Looks of the 2026 NAACP Image Awards

A closer look at the fashion and significance of the 57th annual ceremony featuring Salt-N-Pepa, Colman Domingo, and more …
The Most Positive Events That Happened During Black History Month

The Most Positive Events That Happened During Black History Month

Here’s a list of postive things that have happened since Black History Month was founded in 1926 …
Latino Man Threatens To Call Trump On Black Family For Being At Their Home

Latino Man Threatens To Call Trump On Black Family For Being At Their Home

After a Latino man harassed a Black family for moving into the neighborhood, social media is pointing out that Black folks will always be the most targeted by White Supremacy …
2026 NAACP Image Awards Best Moments and Surprises

2026 NAACP Image Awards Best Moments and Surprises

The 57th annual NAACP Image Awards went off without a hitch and was truly home to some much-needed blackity-black surprises and highlights! Let’s get into it! …
Why the 2026 Awards Season Is So Exciting for Black People

Why the 2026 Awards Season Is So Exciting for Black People

Withv the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, the Actor Awards (f.k.a. the SAG Awards) happening back to back to close out February and welcome in March, respectively, and then the Oscars on March 15—let’s take a quick look back on some of this seasons Blackest moments …
The 5 Saddest Revelations About Lamar Odom's Addiction

The 5 Saddest Revelations About Lamar Odom’s Addiction

Two-time NBA champion Lamar Odom has a storied relationship with substance addiction. He digs into it all in a new documentary …
We All Hate Tipping Culture, But Did You Know It's Rooted in Slavery?

We All Hate Tipping Culture, But Did You Know It’s Rooted in Slavery?

Wealthy American started the tipping culture in the mid-1800s, beginning a restaurant culture that remains steeped in the roots of slavery …
New Development After White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

New Development After White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

Allyson Friedman has identified herself as the college professor caught spewing racist language during a virtual council meeting …
A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd's Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas' Death

A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd’s Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas’ Death

D4vd was named a “target” in the investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything you might’ve missed until now …
Teyana Taylor Just Hit Another <i>Major</i> Milestone

Teyana Taylor Just Hit Another Major Milestone

Teyana Taylor keeps cementing her status in Hollywood and this year’s awards season. And this latest accomplishment from TIME Magazine is further proof of that! …
Black Folks Respond to the Clintons' Epstein Testimonies, and Phew!

Black Folks Respond to the Clintons’ Epstein Testimonies, and Phew!

After President Bill Clinton was named in the Epstein files, him and his wife were called before Congress …
Chicago Woman Smiles in Mugshot After Allegedly Killing Uber Driver During Carjacking—But It Gets Worse

Chicago Woman Smiles in Mugshot After Allegedly Killing Uber Driver During Carjacking—But It Gets Worse

Montoya Perry allegedly carjacked an Uber driver in Chicago, killing him as she fled. It’s what she allegedly did after some are calling sinister …
Black Experts Reveal Maternal Health Secrets You Need To Know

Black Experts Reveal Maternal Health Secrets You Need To Know

Exclusive: Experts At 5th Annual Day of Reckoning Conference in Birmingham Reveal Maternal Health Secrets You Must Know …
Expert Breaks Down How Trump Has Skated the Law for His MAGA Agenda in His Second Term

Expert Breaks Down How Trump Has Skated the Law for His MAGA Agenda in His Second Term

A foreign policy expert explains the consequences of institutions failing to check Trump as he celebrates one year in office …
A Nebraska Doctor Opens Her Home and Her Heart to a Black Child in Need

A Nebraska Doctor Opens Her Home and Her Heart to a Black Child in Need

A Nebraska anesthesiologist went out of her way to help a patient with a congenital heart condition …
Why Gov. Gavin Newsom's Latest Statements Could Be His Political Suicide

Why Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Latest Statements Could Be His Political Suicide

Gavin Newsom’s recent remarks upset quite a few folks, including many liberals accusing the governor of spewing Republican talking points …
Lupita Nyong'o Wants to Talk About Uterine Fibroids, Here's Why We Should Listen

Lupita Nyong’o Wants to Talk About Uterine Fibroids, Here’s Why We Should Listen

Actress Lupita Nyong’o is sharing her personal experience to raise awareness around the issue of fibroids in women …
More Devastating News About Black Hair Extensions and  Health Risks

More Devastating News About Black Hair Extensions and Health Risks

Braid wearers assume human hair and “non-toxic” synthetic braiding hair are safe options, but a Consumer Reports study showed that they, too, come with risk …
Late Comedian's Famous Joke About How Racism Keeps Poor People Divided Resonates Now More Than Ever

Late Comedian’s Famous Joke About How Racism Keeps Poor People Divided Resonates Now More Than Ever

Comedian Ralphie May once made a joke that racism is hologram to keep poor folks fighting, and his words are truer than you might realize …
Black Actress Blames Harvard For Hair Nightmare

Black Actress Blames Harvard For Hair Nightmare

Nike Imoru suffered unimaginable hair loss as a result of her recent theater experience and now, she’s taking matters into her own hands! …