Uncle Murda has made it a tradition to start the new year by holding hip-hop accountable, and 2026 is no different. On January 1, he released “Rap Up 2025,” a 17-minute track that revisits the stories, scandals, and conversations that dominated rap culture throughout the past year.
Known for his blunt delivery and fearless commentary, Murda once again positions himself as a voice for fans who want the unfiltered version of events. The record, produced by Great John, doesn’t chase radio appeal; it focuses on documenting moments exactly as they were discussed in the streets and online.
Rather than glamorizing controversy, “Rap Up 2025” functions like a cultural archive. Murda touches on legal drama, industry beefs, and viral moments that shaped hip-hop discourse, reminding listeners just how chaotic and unpredictable the year truly was.
Uncle Murda recaps hip-hop’s most controversial year
One of the most serious topics Murda addresses is the legal fallout surrounding Sean Combs. The song references Diddy’s sex trafficking trial, sentencing, and the ripple effects caused by the Netflix docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning, produced by 50 Cent. Murda also notes how Jay-Z appeared to distance himself while mentioning the lawsuit involving Cassie and a sex worker.
These moments weren’t just headlines; they sparked wider conversations about power, accountability, and silence within the music industry. Murda’s approach reflects how deeply these issues resonated beyond the courtroom.
Trials, allegations, and industry pressure
The track also turns its attention to the Young Thug YSL trial. Murda calls out leaked audio and prison phone calls that fueled public accusations of snitching. He references comparisons to Gunna and mentions claims that 21 Savage allegedly confirmed parts of the controversy.
Rather than breaking down events step by step, Murda captures the public reaction, how quickly opinions formed, and how fast narratives spread in rap media and online spaces.
Feuds, viral moments, and rap culture chaos
Beyond legal battles, “Rap Up 2025” covers unresolved tension across the rap world. Murda touches on the friction between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, along with 50 Cent’s conflict involving Big and Lil Meech.
He also highlights viral moments, including rumors about Cardi B and Stefon Diggs, Ja Rule reportedly being jumped at a Brandy & Monica show, Blueface’s return from prison, and 21 Savage’s “F**k the streets” movement.
Murda rounds things out by name-checking artists like Mariah Carey, Summer Walker, Kanye West, and SZA, reinforcing the song’s role as a snapshot of the year.
By the end, “Rap Up 2025” confirms Uncle Murda’s place as hip-hop’s unofficial historian, someone willing to document the culture honestly, without polishing the truth for comfort or approval.