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
Lupita Nyong’o Celebrates 10 Years After Oscar Win and Her New Film: The Wild Robot

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

11 Times The Extreme Right Got Their Karma After Messing With Black Celebs, Politicians

11 Times The Extreme Right Got Their Karma After Messing With Black Celebs, Politicians

Black celebrities and politicians like Don Lemon, Brandon Scott and Marc Lamont Hill are calling out racism every chance they get! …
Books You Need to Read This Black History Month

Books You Need to Read This Black History Month

This Black History Month, check out our reading list of essential titles for the whole family …
You <i>Have</i> to Read Whoopi Goldberg's Hilarious Life Update

You Have to Read Whoopi Goldberg’s Hilarious Life Update

Whoopi Goldberg is once again going viral for her comments about love and relationships and it’s clear to see why! …
The Historical Reasons Black Folks Are Rooting for Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show

The Historical Reasons Black Folks Are Rooting for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

Wondering why Black folks are excited for Bad Bunny’s halftime show? Well, you may be shocked to find out the historic connection between Black Americans and Puerto Ricans …
The Mystery of a Philly Woman Found Frozen to Death Under a Bridge After Being Kicked Out of Nightclub

The Mystery of a Philly Woman Found Frozen to Death Under a Bridge After Being Kicked Out of Nightclub

A Philadelphia family is demanding answers after a woman was found frozen to death under a highway bridge after she was kicked out of a nightclub …
A Bullet Destroyed a Black Iowa Teen's Jaw, Here's How AI Made It Right

A Bullet Destroyed a Black Iowa Teen’s Jaw, Here’s How AI Made It Right

After undergoing multiple surgeries to replace a jaw that was shattered in a tragic shooting, Mya Buie is getting a well-deserved second chance …
Sparkle Denies ‘Grooming’ Allegations Following R. Kelly Victim's Explosive CBS Mornings Interview

Sparkle Denies ‘Grooming’ Allegations Following R. Kelly Victim’s Explosive CBS Mornings Interview

After Reshona Landfair’s viral CBS Mornings appearance, her aunt Sparkle is denying claims that she enabled R. Kelly’s abuse, calling the allegations of grooming an “absolute lie.” …
Grand Jury Calls Close Friend of D4vd to the Witness Stand in Tragic Celeste Rivas Investigation

Grand Jury Calls Close Friend of D4vd to the Witness Stand in Tragic Celeste Rivas Investigation

Reports that a grand jury could indict D4vd in connection to the death of Celeste Rivas are coming to light …
Internet Responds to Joe Budden Calling Out Rappers for Being Too Quiet About ICE Raids

Internet Responds to Joe Budden Calling Out Rappers for Being Too Quiet About ICE Raids

Joe Budden has had it with the hip-hop community and its alleged lack of concern for all the ICE raids and chaos. And he’s got something to say about it! …
Why You Need To Be Careful With What You Send In The Groupchat In 2026

Why You Need To Be Careful With What You Send In The Groupchat In 2026

This is why you shouldn’t tell your groupchat everything in 2026 …
How This Influencer's Own TikToks Made Her a Target for 'Nightmare' Home Invasion

How This Influencer’s Own TikToks Made Her a Target for ‘Nightmare’ Home Invasion

California influencer Daphne Blunt says she was the victim of a “nightmare” home invasion, and cops think her TikTok gave the burglars the blueprint …
Nonprofit Commits $500K to Black Media Outlets After Black Journalists' Arrests

Nonprofit Commits $500K to Black Media Outlets After Black Journalists’ Arrests

Amid attempts to erase Black history and progress, Onyx Impact’s Invest in Black Media campaign will fund Black storytelling, journalism, and media preservation throughout 2026 …
Rep. Jasmine Crockett Has Words For Nicki Minaj -- and It's Not Pretty

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Has Words For Nicki Minaj — and It’s Not Pretty

After Nicki Minaj’s pro-MAGA turn, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett told reporters why she thinks the rapper is a “sellout.” …
Cam'ron Breaks Down the Real Reason He's Suing J. Cole

Cam’ron Breaks Down the Real Reason He’s Suing J. Cole

On his podcast “Talk With Flee,” Cam’ron shared the reason why he decided to sue J. Cole for their failed collaboration …
These Are the Best Black Movies Since the Turn of the Century

These Are the Best Black Movies Since the Turn of the Century

BHM 2026: Since 2000, Black films have seen some phenomenal projects added into the cannon. Here, we take a look at the best ones each year since the turn of the century! …
Lil Wayne Whines About Grammy Snub, Fans Drag Him Mercilessly

Lil Wayne Whines About Grammy Snub, Fans Drag Him Mercilessly

As Lil Wayne vents over the Grammys snubbing “Tha Carter VI,” fans dragged the rap icon’s salty attitude, urging him to “wake up” to the industry’s pattern of overlooking him …
Why Young Money Records Had the Biggest Fall-Off in Hip-Hop History

Why Young Money Records Had the Biggest Fall-Off in Hip-Hop History

Ten years ago, no one could have predicted Young Money Records would have a downfall like this …
Black Mom Telling Parents to Not Go Broke Trying to Make Their Kids Happy Sparks TikTok Debate

Black Mom Telling Parents to Not Go Broke Trying to Make Their Kids Happy Sparks TikTok Debate

One Black social media mom is giving parents a reality check about the dangers of trying to give their kids more than they can afford …
The Wild TikTok Theory About Teyana Taylor’s Meteoric Rise—and the Sudden Fade of Exes Iman Shumpert and Aaron Pierre

The Wild TikTok Theory About Teyana Taylor’s Meteoric Rise—and the Sudden Fade of Exes Iman Shumpert and Aaron Pierre

TikTok has theorized how Teyana Taylor is suddenly Hollywood’s “It” girl, while her exes Iman Shumpert and Aaron Pierre has seemingly disappeared …
Brandon Scott Shuts Down Reporter After Questions About His Pricey Executive SUV

Brandon Scott Shuts Down Reporter After Questions About His Pricey Executive SUV

For months, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has been facing heat over the purchase of an executive vehicle worth over $160,000 …