Something that was once considered nothing more than a fleeting fad, has been regarded as something that is worse than slavery and is universally appropriated has, unsurprisingly, become the most popular music in the world.
Forbes is reporting that hip hop and R&B have become the top genre in terms of overall consumption in the States, while hip hop has become the actual frontrunner in 2017.
This marks the first time that a musical genre other than rock has become the dominant sound in America since… well, since ever. Via Nielsen Music’s annual mid-year report, hip hop and R&B are responsible for 25.1% of all music consumption in the U.S., compared to rock music at 23%. While rock music is still the leader in actual album sales in the country (at 40%), with the advent of streaming even that number is shrinking.
Hip hop and R&B is also almost as popular on streaming as rock and pop music combined. Eight of the top 10 most popular songs on streaming platforms in 2017 (as of July 7th) are either hip hop or R&B songs, too:
- Ed Sheeran – “Shape Of You”
- Migos – “Bad And Boujee” f. Lil Uzi Vert
- Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee – “Despacito” f. Justin Bieber
- Bruno Mars – “That’s What I Like”
- Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE.”
- Future – “Mask Off”
- Kyle – “ISPY” f. Lil Yachty
- Post Malone – “Congratulations” f. Quavo
- Lil Uzi Vert – “XO TOUR Llif3″
- Kodak Black – “Tunnel Vision”
Kendrick Lamar‘s DAMN is also the most popular and top-selling album of 2017, as well.
With the many lectures, the archive in Harvard Library, Global Hip Hop Day and much, much more, it can be assumed that hip hop is by far one of the most influential sounds of the world.
