Billboard’s new rules just shook the room. For the first time in 35 years, there are no rap songs in the Hot 100 Top 40. Kendrick and SZA’s “Luther” got bounced under the update, and the timeline went crazy. Some say the charts moved the goalposts. Some say the music been light.

What changed

Billboard added a longevity rule. If a record doesn’t reach the Top 25 within a set window, it can fall off. That’s how “Luther,” which was sitting at 38, got pushed out. Facts.

Why folks are heated

• Team Rules: They think the system is trimming slow burners that used to climb on sweat and word of mouth.
• Team Records: They say make better songs. No excuses. If it hits, it climbs.

The bigger picture

Rap still runs the conversation. But pop has the Top 40 in a headlock right now. If we want that slot back, the records have to live past the first listen. Five plays. Ten plays. Replay value is the only cheat code.

TalkYoShhhh stance

Stop crying to the scoreboard. Drop better music or beat the rules with volume and quality. If the hook is lazy, the chart is not your problem.