Latest Posts

Thought Provokah – “The Tale of Two Freemans”

June 10, 2025

NYC-area rapper Thought Provokah’s latest output is grounded in afro-futurism and a reconnection to ancestral roots. His new single, “The Tale of Two Freemans” discusses opposing views and experiences among black Americans. Provokah’s kept cultural and societal issues in his focus for much of his musical career, often calling upon influences from generations predating hip hop. Provokah comments on the Kanye Wests and Uncle Ruckus’s and Herschel Walkers of the world who’s values appear at odds with the culture they’ve been a part of. Beat-wise, “Freemans” is grounded with a strong boom bap backbone complimented by pounding piano. Listen to more from Thought Provokah on Spotify, where you can find the full project Elysena project that “Freemans” appears on. If you’re digging his sound check out other exciting new artists on our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist.

Mati – “truthful improv”

June 8, 2025

Minneapolis rapper/singer Mati shows off his melodic might on his latest single “truthful improv.” My favorite part of this track is how the beat drops after Mati begins – his vocals and the grooving guitar line are steadily symbiotic. Mati’s delivery gets breathier and more produced on the track’s chorus and adds another element to his performance. The Ethiopian-born artist has stayed busy in 2025 – “improv” marks his second single of the year and comes with a tight B-Side titled “plz dnt interrupt my swag.” Fans of JID who like creative vocals and heartfelt lyrics are gonna dig of this one. Check out the visuals for “truthful improv” on YouTube. If you’re into more from Mati, check out his profile on Spotify and listen to artists like him on our Underground Hip Hop playlist, updated every single mother trucking week.

nikmoody and Blvff – “glass ceilings”

June 7, 2025

Long Island hip hop artists nikmoody and Blvff are putting an underrepresented area of NY hip hop on the map. Their latest collaboration, “glass ceilings” grows out from the roots of a tasty soul sample. Blvff and nik muse on accountability, growth, and self-advocacy with lines like “If I can’t save me, then who can save me?” and “A caged bird can open a bird, but can it stay free?” The artists pair up for really nice harmonies on this track’s chorus, elevating a well-written, thoughtful track into a sonic itch scratcher. Between the production, vocal varieties, and lines and lines of depth, “glass ceilings” is a great addition to your hip hop playlists. If you’re digging “glass ceilings,” check out more from nikmoody and Blvff on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist, updated every single mother trucking week, baby.

NickyCortez115 – “Nicky Not Real”

June 4, 2025

I thought I was listening to the soundtrack to a pre-1950s family-friendly movie until NickCortez115 snapped me back to reality. The one and only Texas heartbreaker transitions from the intro of his latest single “Nicky Not Real” with a declaration that establishes exactly who we’re dealing with – “Nicky Not Real but your girl think I am.” This track’s beat drops poignantly alongside Nicky’s words – highlighted by swirling orchestral samples calling back to that Hollywood intro. Dipset gets a callout on the chorus, and the smooth aura Nicky displays in his rhymes and flows keeps that callout pertinent. Nicky’s hook is an immediate earworm, the concept of the track is a ton of fun, and the beat knocks. Add this one to your pregame playlists and check out more from Nicky on Spotify and our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

NappyHigh + ScienZe + Blu – “MMHMM”

June 4, 2025

L.A. artist NappyHigh touches all parts of the rap game with his output. The Producer, DJ, Singer and Rapper’s partnered with Brooklyn emcee ScienZe for a new project, and their latest single “MMHMM” boasts a tight feature from underground hip hop legend Blu. “MMHMM’s” highlighted by ScienZe’s relentless delivery, a grimy Wu Tang-style beat from Nappy, and head-spinning wordplay from one of the best to ever do it. “It’s Blu.” This one’s distinctly for the hip hop heads looking for depth in their rap. The duo’s new project Praises also features tracks with Benny the Butcher and Mick Jenkins, among other talented artists. If you’re digging this, check out similar artists on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

Tonite – “Breathe”

June 1, 2025

Australian rapper Tonite headlines a growing scene of conscious hip hop performers down under. The rising artist’s latest track “Breathe” discusses the communal energies that guide the human experience. Whether it’s a Frank Sinatra song, the noise of the news, or beautiful silence, Tonite considers how we interact with these forces around us. They’ll live and breathe, but it’s our choice how to interact with them. “Breathe’s” production counters lush with whimsey, as strings from an early Disney movie prance on top of medley of horns, bells and featured artist Wild Gloriosa’s sultry coos. If you’re digging this track from Tonite, check him out on Spotify and discover more exciting new artists on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist, updated every week.

KID NATIVE and Loose Tee – “SMOKE NICE”

May 30, 2025

Smoke them if you’ve got them, my dudes ✌️. “SMOKE NICE,” the latest stoner anthem from rappers KID NATIVE and Loose Tee is sure to fit right in with your 420 friendly playlists and elevate your elevated state. Loose Tee is vivid in his smoked-out lyricism, evoking a sight many of us are familiar with on his first verse with the line “Windows down, smoke roll out of them.” KID NATIVE takes the stick on the second verse and leans into the floatiness of the production – matching his flow with the relaxed but deliberate beat. This after an early Curren$y track is the ideal soundtrack for your next light up. Be sure to follow the KID NATIVE YouTube page and follow him and Loose Tee on Spotify. If you’re into discovering more underground rap artists, check out our Spotify playlist, updated every week.

Jason Isaac and flapslaps – “Out of Sight”

May 25, 2025

Chicago artists Jason Isaac and flapslaps are two fresh faces in the local lo-fi scene. Jason’s floating vocal deliveries cut through flapslaps’ dreamscape production style to create hypnotic heady sounds with their latest display “Out of Sight.” The new single from the artists is equal parts starry and grounded – the yin and yang intentional when Isaac raps lines like “I’m a paradox, I care a lot and I don’t.” slaps’ twinkling production takes you to another realm, one guided by Isaac’s confident delivery. “Out of Sight” slots in amongst your favorite lo-fi tracks – transport to the clouds in which these two artists reside. Listen to both of their output on Spotify, and if you like this track, catch our Emerging Hip Hop playlist where we compile our favorite new tracks on a weekly basis.

MK Zulu and Harry Gray – “Passport Baby”

May 25, 2025

DMV area artists and frequent collaborators Harry Gray and MK Zulu bring forth a soulful, suave single just in time for the summer. Their latest track “Passport Baby” combines accessible, R+B influenced rapping styles with a bouncy house influenced beat – complete with live instrumentation. Zulu’s a Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, notable for his talent on the trumpet. Gray’s a genre-bender known for mixing sound potions in a winning formula for his audience. Their specialties are on display with “Passport Baby,” which boasts a big chorus, a driving groove and that horn breakdown that’s gonna have you fluttering your fingers when you drive oceanside. Or wherever your passport takes you – maybe it’s a sea or a lake. Check out more from Harry Gray or MK Zulu on Spotify and if you’re into this sound, then hit up our Emerging Hip Hop playlist for new music posted each week!

Jayrad ft. Dalton Witt – “Type Shit”

May 21, 2025

Your head might knock off your body when the beat kicks in on this latest track from Arkansas rappers Dalton Witt and Jayrad. Their new single “Type Shit” features a vintage horn loop, knocking drums, and menacing flows that are perfectly timed for maximum damage. Dalton and Jayrad trade verses packed with threats, flexes, and one-liners that’ll quickly gain your allegiance. Close your eyes and you can picture yourself alongside these dudes drag-racing through the streets of Conway, AR on lines like “Skrt wanna race? Come and jump in the Hell Cat. New bitch is evil, she might got the hell cat.” The verses and beat go hard as hell and it’s a great song to crank the bass up on. Check out more from the guys on Spotify and listen to them another other up and comers in the scene on our Underground Hip Hop playlist. 

Phil Rick – “Losin’ My Mind”

May 17, 2025

German rapper Phil Rick’s already dropped an album in 2025, but his motivation has him onto the next. His new single, “Losin’ My Mind” boasts an earworm hook, dancey production and high energy verses that slotted this track immediately into my layup lines playlist. Phil effortless interplays with that high energy production – changing flows alongside the driving drums and synths. “Losin’ My Mind’s” chorus has a nostalgic essence that takes you back to the blog rap days. Catchy, poppy samples dominating the hooks while talented rappers like Phil take control on the verses. This track shares that mass appeal. You can find Phil on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist – check out more of his releases on Spotify. 

Loui$ Automatic – “Hypnotized”

May 17, 2025

Precision is the name of the game for Detroit’s Loui$ Automatic. The rising rapper is known for his live performances and nostalgic but forward-thinking sound. His latest effort, “Hypnotized” has crisp, accessible hip hop production and a smooth vocal performance that works for both hardcore and casual hip hop enthusiasts. The track details the mesmerizing effects of a dancer, who seems to draw the attention of everyone she comes in contact with. Radio-ready hook, top class production, and an easy-to-follow story – can’t ask for more from a single. Check out more from LOUI$ AUTOMATIC on Spotify – and take a look at the visuals for the track below. You can find LOUI$ on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist along other exciting new players in rap.

Pavy – “Another Chicago Girl”

May 10, 2025

Chicago hip hop artist Pavy is in a familiar spot on his latest track “Another Chicago Girl.” Pavy’s a natural storyteller – he first takes us to his youth when his maturity and relationship skills were still developing. It didn’t work for him and his interest then. The second half of the track brings us to current day. Now that he’s older – maybe it’s time to revisit this? Pavy’s certainly game to try. “Another Chicago Girl” explores rekindling that flame and does so with a killer hook that Pavy delivers immediately to start the song. Get a taste of his songwriting flair with this one. Check out more from Pavy on Spotify, and check him out among other exciting artists on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Kiwiliwi – “Rich Like Hallelujah”

May 10, 2025

Swedish rapper/producer Kiwiliwi unlocks a Chief Keef sample for his latest track “Rich Like Hallelujah.” A Gothic production atmosphere backdrops the single before Chiraq’s number one export steps to the plate – at least a sample of him does. An aggressive, irreverent verse from Finally Rich standout “Hallelujah” provides a carefree menace on verse 1.  Kiwiliwi plays his counterpart on the back half this track, coming in with a distinctly different energy for the track. On vocals he’s soft and careful, fluttering between autotuned singing and rapping as he feels out his position against Chief’s verse and the choir within the beat. Yung Lean fans will dig, Chief Keef fans get a nice memory – everyone wins. Check out the track on Spotify at Kiwiliwi’s profile or on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Red Velvet Papi, M3rce, & Junogloc – “Double Play”

May 6, 2025

Three emcees with NYC roots join forces to drop a tasty modern boom bap lick with this new track “Double Play.” New York’s Red Velvet Papi and M3rce, and Atlanta’s Junogloc are the minds behind the single – which elevates a chill beat into a full vibe with subdued deliveries and nonchalant flexes. I’ve never heard a less bothered rapper hit a line like “No matter how much you try, you can’t even front.” Each rapper brings a slightly different flavor to the mix, and the end result is a track that blends perfectly into your boom bap, smoking, and chill hip hop playlists. Check out more from Papi, M3rce, and Junogloc on Spotify. You’ll find them and more exciting new hip hop artists on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist.