Denzel Curry Critiques Mainstream Rap Amid 2025’s Commercial Struggles
2025 has been a year of mixed results for rap, particularly in the commercial arena. While artists like Freddie Gibbs, JID, Chance the Rapper, and billy woods have released strong projects, mainstream rap has faced criticism for inconsistency. Heavyweights such as Drake, Travis Scott, and Playboi Carti have failed to deliver the same level of impact, a point noted by Florida rapper Denzel Curry.
On November 12, Curry took to Instagram Stories to share his frustrations. He declared, “None of this music sht is interesting anymore,” adding that he welcomes the commercial struggle in hip-hop. “Commercial rap is dead… And I’m here for it… Sht was trash from the jump,” Curry wrote. He criticized superficiality in the genre, saying, “Fck how cool you dress… Btch sound good too… Some of y’all sound more a*s than what you are trying to imitate.”
Curry also highlighted deeper structural issues in the rap industry. He noted a disconnect between generations, claiming that older artists show little respect for newcomers, while younger artists neglect the craft. “There’s a space where they can learn from each other,” he stated.
The rapper, who released King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2 in June, also called for the end of the so-called “Big 3.” With J. Cole absent, Kendrick Lamar positioned as the current top artist, and Drake underperforming, Curry suggests the landscape is shifting. He urged action over complaints, stating, “Everyone needs to take fckin action and stop btchin about the rap game.”
Despite the commercial critiques, rap continues to thrive critically. The 2025 Grammy nominations highlight strong releases across the genre. Artists like Clipse, JID, Tyler, The Creator, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B, and GloRilla received recognition. Lamar leads all artists with nine nominations and became the first solo musician to earn five consecutive nods for Album of the Year.
Curry’s comments signal a growing conversation about the state of mainstream hip-hop and its future. Whether his statements prompt responses from peers remains to be seen, but they underscore ongoing debates about craft, respect, and artistic consistency in 2025.
