*Changes in musical preferences: Listeners' musical preferences shifted towards other genres such as electronic dance music (EDM), pop, and country.
*Lack of innovation: Many critics believed that hip hop and rap had become stagnant and repetitive, with artists failing to push the boundaries of the genre.
*Negative publicity: Hip hop and rap faced negative publicity due to the criminal activities and controversies surrounding some artists. This led to a perception of the genre as violent and harmful.
Rise of new genres: During the same period that hip hop and rap were declining in popularity, other genres such as EDM, pop, and country were experiencing a surge in popularity. These genres catered to a broader audience and were perceived as more accessible and less controversial.
It's important to note that while hip hop and rap saw a decline in mainstream popularity during this period, they still maintained a dedicated fan base and continued to be influential in underground and local music scenes. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in hip hop and rap, with many artists experimenting with new sounds and pushing the boundaries of the genre.