He is the recipient of the inaugural accolade following three rounds of voting by his peers.
The Bronx producer tells Billboard about incorporating the genre into the blockbuster film with "Barbie World" and reflects on working with Nicki Minaj again.
MC Lyte, Jermaine Dupri and more reflect on the personal — and widespread — impact of five decades of the genre.
The 50th anniversary of the genre could have passed without the recognition it deserved. Then Nas and his company, Mass Appeal, got involved.
With four Hot 100 top 10s and two collaborations with her idol (plus one with Taylor Swift), the 24-year-old “People’s Princess” has her eye on the rap game’s throne.
Over almost three decades, the restless creative has proved that singular talent, personality and work ethic add up to longevity in the genre — and has bridged its past and future along the way.
The rising artist is Billboard's August Chartbreaker, thanks to the success of her "Pound Town 2" remix with Nicki Minaj and Tay Keith.
The East Atlanta rapper's collab with 21 Savage also reaches a new high on the Rap Airplay chart.
The fund marks 25 years of distributing royalties to backup musicians and vocalists.
With the debut of its best songwriter of the year category, these are the hitmakers to keep an eye on.
