2010s

The 2010s was a transformative decade for rap, with the genre reaching new heights of popularity and influence. Here are some key points:

1. Mainstream Popularity: Rap music continued to gain mainstream popularity, with many artists crossing over into pop charts. Artists like Drake, who holds the record for the most number-one hits on the Billboard rap chart1, became household names1.

2. Diversification of Styles: The 2010s saw a diversification of styles within rap. Southern rap, with artists like Lil Wayne, gained prominence2. The decade also saw the rise of alternative and indie rap2.

3. Influence of Technology: The advent of digital platforms like iTunes and later Spotify changed the way music was distributed and consumed. This allowed for a greater proliferation of mixtapes and independent releases2.

4. Chart-Topping Hits: The first no. 1 rap song of the decade was Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind”1. By the end of the decade, artists like Juice WRLD, Post Malone, and XXXTentacion were regularly pumping out chart-toppers2.

Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”, it is considered a genre-bending masterpiece that explores the darker sides of celebrity, fame, and love3. Released on November 22, 20104, the album was recorded in a communal environment involving numerous musicians4. The album’s lyrics explore themes such as West’s celebrity status, consumer culture, self-aggrandizement, and the idealism of the American Dream4. It features guest vocalists like Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Rick Ross, Kid Cudi, John Legend, Bon Iver, and Elton John4. The album was an immediate and widespread critical success and was listed as the best album of 2010 in many publications’ year-end lists4. It won Best Rap Album at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards4. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 2004.