Doechii’s “Nissan Altima” emerged as one of 2025’s most discussed breakout rap tracks. Featuring stinging lyricism, dramatic cries and jolting beat changes, the track showcased her range and ...

NPR Music critics reflect on the lyrics that captured the year's mood, sparked emotions and stayed with them long after the ...

It was the best of hip-hop times. It was the worst of hip-hop times. Ha! 2025 was a rollercoaster of rap music’s highs and lows. The duality was so real. I can’t recall a year with such a wide array ...

If you were living under a rock, this song went platinum on TikTok. “Mona Lisa” features Kendrick Lamar where the two narrate the story of their interactions with a seductive stranger, “Mona Lisa.” ...

We should address the elephant in the room: hip-hop did not have a strong year on the charts. In fact, rap music had its worst showing in years. Back in October, it made headlines when—for the first ...

For the back-to-back Billboard Hot 100 charts this year dated Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, no rap songs appeared in the top 40 — marking the first times since the Feb. 3, 1990 chart that the genre was totally ...

Which song lyrics from 2025 most moved our NPR Music critics?