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
Why Black-Owned Businesses Face Bigger Risks in a Global Trade War

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

A List of Trump's Allies Who Are Turning Against Him

A List of Trump’s Allies Who Are Turning Against Him

Trump relied on far-right podcasters and close Republican politicians to win his second term, but now allies are forming against him …
13 Democratic Leaders on Their Plans to Restore the Country Once They Reclaim Power

13 Democratic Leaders on Their Plans to Restore the Country Once They Reclaim Power

From the front lines of justice to the heart of the working class, these 13 Democratic leaders are offering a blueprint to take the country back …
Today Show's Sheinelle Jones Opens Up About Death of Husband

Today Show’s Sheinelle Jones Opens Up About Death of Husband

TODAY Show cohost Sheinelle Jones is keeping it transparent when it comes to how she’s dealing with her first birthday since the death of her husband in May 2025 …
"I'm Sorry": Tucker Carlson Just Admitted to a Massive Regret

“I’m Sorry”: Tucker Carlson Just Admitted to a Massive Regret

After years of supporting and campaigning for President Trump, it seems commentator Tucker Carlson has some serious regrets …
6 Things You Won't See In The New Michael Jackson Movie

6 Things You Won’t See In The New Michael Jackson Movie

‘Michael’ arrives on April 24—but don’t expect these storylines to make the final cut! …
It's Time To Get Excited About Michael.

It’s Time To Get Excited About Michael.

We don’t get many films like this. That alone is reason to pay attention. And an even bigger reason to show up …
KevOnStage Says He Won't Use Faith as a Reason to Judge LGBTQ+ Community

KevOnStage Says He Won’t Use Faith as a Reason to Judge LGBTQ+ Community

Comedian KevOnStage recently opened up about his faith and how it intersects with the LGBTQ+ community. But some Christians aren’t feeling his words! …
Why More Women Are Turning to Cannabis For Relief

Why More Women Are Turning to Cannabis For Relief

From managing chronic pain to navigating menopause, women are turning to cannabis at record rates. But as acceptance grows, so does the need for caution …
In This 'Red Pill Era,' One Black Man Is Becoming the Positive Role Model Every Young Boy Needs

In This ‘Red Pill Era,’ One Black Man Is Becoming the Positive Role Model Every Young Boy Needs

In an era where many young men are influenced by the red pill content they see online, one Black man is stepping up for his community and teaching Black boys how to be men …
Fans Are Obsessed With Blue Ivy's New Bodyguard

Fans Are Obsessed With Blue Ivy’s New Bodyguard

A viral clip of Blue Ivy’s security detail has sparked comparisons to Beyoncé’s longtime bodyguard “Julius,” igniting a new wave of buzz across social media …
Rochester Family Cremates Missing Woman After Being Told She Was Dead, Only to Learn That She's Really Alive

Rochester Family Cremates Missing Woman After Being Told She Was Dead, Only to Learn That She’s Really Alive

A Rochester, New York, family is now suing after they say police told them their missing daughter died, when she was really alive in another state …
Ex-Alabama Football Player Allegedly Used Wigs and Durags in Sophisticated Scheme to Defraud NFL Stars

Ex-Alabama Football Player Allegedly Used Wigs and Durags in Sophisticated Scheme to Defraud NFL Stars

Federal authorities allege that Luther Davis and CJ Evins committed wire fraud that targeted several NFL players …
'The Blind Side' Actor Quinton Aaron Addresses Fake Wife Scandal In New Interview

‘The Blind Side’ Actor Quinton Aaron Addresses Fake Wife Scandal In New Interview

Quinton Aaron’s road to recovery has been overshadowed by the drama surrounding his ‘wife.’ And now, he’s speaking up about it for the first time …
Junelle Lyles Defends Husband Noah Lyles From Online Outrage to His 'First Look' Reaction

Junelle Lyles Defends Husband Noah Lyles From Online Outrage to His ‘First Look’ Reaction

Olympian Junelle Lyles is standing up for her new husband after a viral video seemingly painted him in a negative light. But folks online aren’t open to hearing it! …
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 has been arrested in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything that led to his arrest …
Louisiana Father Kills His 7 Kids in One of the Nation's Deadliest Mass Shootings in Over 2 Years

Louisiana Father Kills His 7 Kids in One of the Nation’s Deadliest Mass Shootings in Over 2 Years

In a tragedy described as the most devastating event in the history of Shreveport, Louisiana, a dad killed eight children in a mass shooting Sunday …
Exclusive: Rev. Al Sharpton on How the Country Can Recover From the Damage Trump Has Done

Exclusive: Rev. Al Sharpton on How the Country Can Recover From the Damage Trump Has Done

In an exclusive interview, Rev. Al Sharpton explains exactly how the country can recover from the damage done by the Trump administration …
Prince's Bassist Details His Unusual Behavior Months Before Passing

Prince’s Bassist Details His Unusual Behavior Months Before Passing

Mark “BrownMark” Brown breaks his silence to shed light on Prince’s troubling behavior before his devastating passing …
Dementia Starts Earlier Than You Think. Here's Why Black America Must Protect Brain Health Now

Dementia Starts Earlier Than You Think. Here’s Why Black America Must Protect Brain Health Now

Black Americans are twice as likely to get dementia, but it’s not inevitable. An expert breaks down the types, early warning signs, the factors behind the disparity, and what you can do now …
Cardi B Tour Finale Offers Viral Lesson on Why Nobody Is Too Powerful to Be Polite

Cardi B Tour Finale Offers Viral Lesson on Why Nobody Is Too Powerful to Be Polite

Cardi B crashed out on Instagram live after State Farm Arena staff were rude to her before her final concert in Atlanta …