Rap music made headlines for losing its Billboard chart dominance, but it's being celebrated more than ever at the 2026 Grammys. So what's going on?

Cardi B has become one of hip-hop’s most recognizable and influential figures, known for her sharp lyrical style, unapologetic personality, and chart-topping hits like Bodak Yellow and I Like It, which solidified her place in modern rap culture.

Jay-Z once famously rapped, “30 is the new 20.” On the Dr. Dre-produced “30 Something,” the line was partly Jay grappling with aging in a young man’s game and partly a rationale for being 36 and still rapping. (Your mileage on Kingdom Come may vary.

Going back to the early days of rap music, stage names have been a huge part of its culture. Even many of the most popular rappers to ever hold a microphone have kept their real names a mystery, preferring to use a name that’s typically much cooler sounding than the one given to them at birth.