For the first time in over a decade and a half, two of hip-hop’s most dominant forces — Eminem and Nicki Minaj — have failed to chart a single song on the Billboard Hot 100 in a calendar year.

According to Billboard chart data, both Eminem and Nicki Minaj ended their historic 16-year streaks of appearing on the Hot 100, with neither artist landing an entry in 2025. Since 2009, the rap icons have consistently charted every year — a run that has quietly cemented their longevity and cultural relevance across multiple eras of hip-hop.

For many fans, this absence feels surreal. Eminem and Nicki Minaj have long been staples of mainstream radio rotation, whether through solo singles, collaborations, or viral moments that dominated playlists. Not hearing either artist regularly on the radio marks a noticeable shift, especially for listeners who grew up during their peak chart dominance.

While neither artist has slowed down creatively or culturally, the moment reflects how much the industry has changed. Streaming-first releases, shifting radio priorities, and evolving audience tastes have redefined what chart success looks like — even for legends. Still, ending a streak of this length is rare, and it underscores just how impressive their runs truly were.

As 2025 transitions into a new year, the silence from two of rap’s most recognizable voices feels strange — almost unsettling. Whether this moment is a brief pause or a sign of a larger shift remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: hip-hop radio doesn’t quite sound the same without Eminem or Nicki Minaj in heavy rotation.

Ileyah

Ileyah is a mom, a writer and a musician. She loves late nights and gluten free snacks.