Bow Wow recently spoke about why he thinks Hip Hop hasn’t landed a No. 1 album or single in 2023 and he attributed it to a decline in quality.

On Sunday (June 25), the BET Awards 2023 took place in Los Angeles, hosting some of the culture’s biggest names at the Microsoft Theatre. During the event, radio host and podcaster Bryhana Monegain asked Bow Wow about Hip Hop’s absence on the Billboard 200 and the Hot 100 charts this year, and his response caught many off guard.

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“‘Cause n-ggas puttin’ out trash ass music,” he said. “Everything sound alike, everything repetitive, same tempo … everybody could do that, you know what I’m saying?”

He continued: “You really gotta have talent, you really gotta go. I think people are startin’ to get tired of it now, that’s why you don’t see nothin’ chartin.'” Watch the Ohio native discuss Hip Hop’s need to get back to the “real essence of artistry” below.

By June last year, six different rappers had already landed a No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. On the Hot 100, two Hip Hop tracks had secured a spot at the top by this same time. Yet, some stakeholders of the culture believe the genre is still doing great.

Charlamagne Tha God recently said that he thinks Hip Hop is thriving and that those criticizing the genre are “stuck in an era” that’s come and gone.

Bow Wow Resurrects ‘Mr. 106 & Park’ As He’s Named Host Of House Of BET For 2023 Awards
Bow Wow Resurrects ‘Mr. 106 & Park’ As He’s Named Host Of House Of BET For 2023 Awards

The Breakfast Club co-host made the comments during a sit-down with Million Dollaz Worth of Game, and shouted out Kodak Black and LaRussell as his personal favorites.

“I think Hip Hop is in a great place,” Charlamagne said. “I think people that don’t like Hip Hop now are just mad that it’s not what it used to be. They’re stuck in an era. I love all these new dudes. My favorite dude is Kodak Black right now. I love LaRussell, I love Symba. I love Rhapsody. I love fucking 21 Savage.”

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DJ Envy then chimed in: “I love it not only for that, musically the music is great. I love the fact that these brothers get money. They’re keeping themselves out of the hood, they’re paying for their families. Paying for their mama’s cribs and all that.”