Complex released their top 10 hip-hop cities and it’s absolutely terrible

Complex music just released their top 10 Hip-Hop cities and jeez I’m not sure what’s worse, this or the top 10 NBA players list where everyone thinks Jordan is still number one. When I read this article, I thought I was in 2016 with all the comments about some of these cities that haven’t touched the hip-hop scene in years. Now don’t get me wrong, all of these cities on the list deserve recognition for what they have done for the rap scene, but the order is completely outdated. Without further ado, here is the fresh Journalism major’s opinion on one of the biggest music genres on the planet.

10: Memphis

A great city that has some of the biggest artists in the past 5 years. After the passing of Young Dolph two years ago the city lost something that was very near and dear to their hearts. Dolph’s noise was the start of what made Memphis special. He had the trap style that caught your ear from the second you pushed play and the city of Memphis noticed that and embodied it. Since Dolph artists such as Moneybagg Yo, NLE Choppa, and Yo Gotti have taken the trap sound Memphis is known for and turned it into their own. With that being said, there is no need they need to be any higher than number 10 on this list. Yes, they have big artists and a distinct sound but to me it’s began to fade out and I feel like you could really see that this past year.

9: Houston

If you look at Hip-Hop you can never look at how the scene has progressed without looking at Houston. Travis Scoot was the face of that recently and took the rap scene by storm. For years no one had Houston on the radar let alone anywhere close to it but after Travis Scotts quick rise to fame they quickly rose up to the top. Artists such as Don Toliver and Megan the Stallion have kept the city grounded for the past couple years to be able to remain in the top five, but their time is up. Great music? Yes. Revolutionary? Yes. Best hip-hop city last year? Absolutely not.

8: Philly

I know that a majority of my picks are going to be controversial, but I feel like having the city of Philadelphia sitting at number eight is something everyone can agree on. Two artists come to mind instantly when I think of Philly and even though these artists have been in the game for a bit, they still find a way to stay relevant and be a key figure for their city. Those artists none other than Meek Mill and Lil Uzi Vert. There continues release of music that has stayed in the rotation of everyone unlike other artists who tend to fade out after a couple years. Yes, Meek Mill is far more experienced than Uzi is and has been a key face for the city for much longer, but they have both made a tremendous impact on the city of Philly and I believe they sit perfect at the number eight spot.

7: Miami

I am not a big fan of when people refer to south Florida rap or just Florida rap in general as Miami rap. So many of these artists hail from Broward County and not Miami but I get it’s got to be the main city so no harm there. Regardless Florida will always be a hub for Latin-based hip-hop music due to the beautiful weather and stunning beaches. Artists such as Rick Ross, Kodak Black, Ski Mask the Slump God and many more have hailed from the great state of Florida and have captivated audiences with their upbeat sound and harsh lyrics. For me when I am thinking who belongs at the top of the list it is cities that have done the most change in music the past year. Not just based on artist but also the core sound in general. Florida may have a distinct and great sound it has not expanded recently and that is why it is at seven on my list.

6: Los Angeles

LA has been solidified on the Mount Rushmore of hip-hop cities and there will never be any denying that. Household names such as Snoop, Kendrick, and Ice Cube are legends in the hip-hop game regardless of what city they are from. New artists such as Tyler, the Creator, Roddy Rich, and Vince Staples took advantage of growing up in one of the most legendary rap cities and developed a sound that stems off all the legends and includes a new revolutionary sound. The reason they are not higher than they usually would be is because all these new artists in LA aren’t from last year. Yes, Tyler won best rap album and Kendrick released another legendary project but that does not mean that the city of LA changed. I’m looking for music that is new, resonates with people, and encompasses a whole city.

5: Atlanta

Into the top five and I must say this was a very difficult decision, but I have my reasons. Out of every city in the top five, Atlanta has the most mainstream artists that are crushing the game right now. Future, Young Thug, Lil Baby, 21 Savage and many more not only have been in the game for years but continue to release music that represents their city and tops the charts every time. So, you might ask yourself, if they are so good all the time then why are they only at five? The reason for that is that the sound hasn’t changed. The city might have some of the most legendary artists in the rap game but for the past three years the sound has relatively stayed the same. You can release all the chart-topping hits you want but if you don’t push for change then all you are doing are staying the same.

4: Detroit

I know that all my friends are going to see this and say I’m bias but I am only here to state what I believe is true. Detroit has been on the come up in the rap scene for years and have not been getting any recognition when it is very well deserved. People associate hip-hop in Detroit with one person and one person only, Eminem. I’m not saying that he isn’t one of the greatest of all time, but the city of Detroit has discovered a new sound and it took over hip-hop last year. These artists have taken the hardships that city has faced over the past several years and created a new sound that re opened the door for artists to be expressive while also making music people can have fun enjoying. BabyTron and Sada Baby and two young artists who are making creative, different beats but are also putting the city of Detroit on the map. The new sound caught attention of other rappers such as Lil Yachty who made his own album based on the Detroit sound titled “Michigan Boy Boat.” This album showed that it’s not just people from Detroit that have been emersed in this sound and the whole world has begun to take notice. For those reason I believe that Detroit has earned a spot in the top five this year.

3: London

Please do not hate me but I think we can all agree that London belongs on this list after the year that they had. This is a lot more about the city of London and the sound they created more than the artists themselves. London took the world by storm with their drill sound clearly stemming from New York, the only difference is the UK accent that gives the music a whole different flow. Yes, they are very new to the scene, but they did some outstanding things this year when it comes to hip-hop music. If you look at the what the world is listening too right now it has to be UK drill music. The US might not be fully on board yet but some songs such as “Doja Cat” by Central Cee and “Sprinter” by Dave have taken TikTok and the world by storm. After the past year that they had I believe that they influenced the game enough to earn a top three spot and who knows where they will go from here.

2: New York City

It’s the birthplace of hip-hop and honestly, I feel like that is one of the main reasons NYC is on my list. Of course, they are always going to produce new music that changes the game and the most recent time that has happened was with drill music. Pop Smoke turned New York drill mainstream and now we have seen places like London implement that same style. I believe that New York will continue to find new ways to break the boundaries and they will always be at the top of the rap game. They have too many legends that founded the principles of rap music and also too many current mainstream artists that are taking over the game. The most powerful city in rap will continue to dominate for the foreseeable future in my opinion.

1: Chicago

Sue me. Chicago wins and you all know it. They have everything that the best rap city in the world needs. Artists that understand the importance of their lyrics, a drill sound that you can’t replace, and a lot more women artists that are finding their own sound. Chief Keef is argued as one of the most influential figures in rap music today and influenced the next generation of artists like Polo G, Lil Durk, and G Herbo (Fuck Kanye). Every year that hip-hop changes Chicago somehow finds a way to change with it. They have influenced not only music but the whole city in general. People from the inner city can relate to the meaningful lyrics about the hardships that they have, and the suburban snobs can blast it in their daddy’s Mercedes to feel cool on Saturday night. Regardless the music can translate through all different kinds of people and for that reason I believe they deserve the number one spot on the top 10 hip hop cities.