Latest Posts

Modyst + Saï T – “Gaslight”

December 26, 2025

Oakland emcee Modyst links up with crunchy hip hop producer Saï T to discuss a cycle of abuse with their latest track “Gaslight.” Saï T’s beat is a light and airy loop that gets grounded with crispy drums and Modyst’s stark vocal delivery. He tells a tale of a gaslighting partner who’s fiery contradictions eventually spread to him. When you look closely at the smoke, you see both sides are fanning the flames now. “You made a choice to be so wicked…it’s a gaslighting competition.” “Gaslight” kicks off Modyst’s 2025 EP Isolation. If you’re into storytelling in your hip hop, give this project a listen. Check out more from Modyst and T on Spotify. You’ll also find this track on our Best of 2025 rap playlist – save it before we refresh it for the new year.

Velly Marsh – “Too Late”

December 17, 2025

Sacramento Rapper Velly Marsh doesn’t sound like a lot of his West Coast contemporaries. His latest track, “Too Late” boasts a timeless soul sample for Velly to weave his intricate, introspective rhymes over. This is a track about crossing lines in a relationship – where both parties can be at fault when these lines get blurred. Velly’s performance is particularly strong, as he barely misses a beat across over 2 minutes of straight rhyming. Add this one to your playlists that are lyrically dense, with polished and clean production. Check out more from Velly on Spotify, where you’ll find him on our Rising Rappers 2025 playlist. We’ll be resetting at the end of the year, so save that playlist while you have the chance.

$lugs – “vince staples but he’s rapping over a beat i made after doing shrooms i think i did too much lol”

December 17, 2025

Transport yourself back to the prime days of Soundcloud with San Jose beatmaker $lugs. What a thrill this era was — hopping on your homepage, clicking a few times and all the sudden you’re in a world of mystical cloud beats, sample-standalones, and songs like this one. I long for the days of a rap I’ve heard before over brand new, distinct, and perhaps maybe better than the original production.Thankfully we have $lugs and $lugs has shrooms. &lugs’ reimagining of this Vince Staples track factors in a wave of sounds, synths and samples, providing for a schizo sonic experience, probably influenced by the shrooms. See if it matches your vibe – at the very least it’ll take you back to 2am on an old laptop. If you’re into the persona that is $lugs, might I suggest a deeper dive into their Soundcloud profile. You’re gonna get more of that on[...]

Vic Da Baron – “Standing Ovation”

December 10, 2025

Bay Area rapper Vic Da Baron has had a busy close to 2025. We recently covered his DC-inspired “Gotham City,” a gritty piece of East Coast-flavored boom bap, and he’s back to close out the year with a celebratory banger. “Standing Ovation’s” tone is much warmer, built on a rising chorus sample to couple with Vic’s bars, capping off years of hard work with the success and gratification he’s seen this year. My favorite aspect of the production is the fuzzy drum fills — expertly sampled to give a very human feel alongside Vic’s handwritten lines. First, he gave us some grit, now he’s giving us some glean and sheen. Check out Vic on our Spotify playlist, where you’ll hear more hot new tracks from rising rappers.

Vic Da Baron – “Gotham City”

December 5, 2025

Rising rapper Vic Da Baron may proudly rep the Bay Area, but his latest track, “Gotham City” feels like a quintessential East Coast track that just happens to be set in a comic book. Built off of a cold boom bap backbone, Vic Da Baron steps up to the microphone with appropriately icy bars. He trades lines with dark piano keys as he speaks the song’s title to his lyrics. Gotham City comes to life, with Vic finessing some expert wordplay to bring characters from the pages of comics into his word, using double entendres with names like Two-Face, Batman and Catwoman. If you’re a DC fan, you’re gonna want to listen to this one. If you’re interested in hearing more from Vic Da Baron, check him out on Spotify. While you’re there, give this track a listen on our Underground Rappers playlist, updated every week.

Giffy Pluggo – “Mortgage”

December 4, 2025

Chicago rapper Giffy Pluggo finds his rhythm and inspiration right in his hometown. In his latest track, “Mortgage,” the Gifted Plug reflects where success has taken him, and though his mindset has evolved, Chicago offers him the fulfillment to match his aspirations. His grounding thoughts demonstrate the authentic connection that he still has to his city with lines like “I’m a busy man on streets that I really ran,” and “never tucking my chain in, I’m too important.” Work’s changed for him over the years, but his love for his city isn’t going anywhere. “Mortgage” is a great addition to the long history of artists showing love to Chicago – give it a spin as you settle in for a cold winter. Listen to more from Giffy on Spotify and Apple Music — while you’re on Spotify, give our recently-updated Rising Rappers playlist a listen. You’ll find Giffy and more[...]

Bullet Brak and R.A. the Rugged Man – “Mighty Dollar”

November 23, 2025

Rap mainstay Bullet Brak made waves for us with his tenacious April single “Eating Good,” and he returns to our pages with more insightful bars delivered with a junkyard edge to them. “Mighty Dollar” discusses the root of most motivations – money and how to make it. Brak’s always hustling, and makes clear thoughout the track that anything he can sell will be sold. The track gets an assist from alternative hip hop legend R.A. the Rugged Man, who’s primary method of income has been being one of the best lyricists in the game for something like 2 decades. His verse fittingly compares his talent to Satchel Paige, and we agree that his brain should probably be donated to science when it’s all said and done. Bump this in the gym, and add it to your favorite lyrical hip hop playlists. Check out more from Brak on Spotify, and listen[...]

Hardbody Jones – “Nice Little Fit” ft. Nyota Parker

November 20, 2025

The latest single from Canadian artist/engineer/DJ Hardbody Jones is about satisfying your id when your ego gets a little bit ahead of itself. That’s a novel, highly-relatable concept. “Nice Little Fit” explores the cognitive trick of feeling fresh in the face of everything else crumbling. Hardbody and featured artist Nyota Parker offer vocals that fluidly float between rapping and singing as they take turns describing the real-world problems they face, reprieved only by throwing on their respective fits to get some gratification out of the uneasiness. Slick and sultry keyboards pace the single, adding an appropriately silky experience to a track  about feeling good. Hardbody’s got a quality library to explore on Spotify, and you’ll also catch him on our regularly updated New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist.

Acorn Morocco – “Tight Tech (SOS)”

November 14, 2025

The latest track from hip hop veteran Acorn Morocco is a great combination of traditional boom bap integrated with driving dance elements. When you factor in Acorn’s thoughtful analysis of where culture meets conflict, you find yourself with a track that’s a good listen at all layers. Spacey sounds and Mark Ronson-esque funky brass paces “Tight Tech,” elevating the new single single to one that would be quality even without Acorn’s incisive lyrics. Always one to lend his voice, Acorn is as sharp as ever with the commentary with the verses here. His subject line ranges from traditional sports show fodder (black quarterbacks/white cornerbacks), to more elaborate theories on conflicts throughout the world. All the while, a female voice sample repeats the song’s namesake, providfng an uncanny, robotic reflection to the very human issues Acorn presents in his lyrics. The hip hop veteran has a hefty output of songs in[...]

Jordan Burgett – “KILL SUM”

November 10, 2025

Cedar Rapids rapper Jordan Burgett bends genres with the best of ’em. His latest single, “KILL SUM” grabs elements of industrial, rap rock, and traditional hip hop to create a highly memorable new single for the up-and-comer. Burgett’s delivery has a snarl to it, and on this track he couples the hyena delivery with aggressive, in-your-face lyrics that capture the energy of the song’s title. Producer Residing Elsewhere, another Iowa tastemaker, plays a key role in the track’s aesthetic, introducing trash can drums and fuzzy skin-shaking bass lines for Jordan to attack. Listen to more from this duo on their latest collaborative EP RUBY PINES. If you’re feeling “KILL SUM,” check Jordan out on Spotify. While you’re there, give our New Rappers 2025 playlist a listen — you might find your next favorite artist on there.

Isaiah Shoticaury, SUDI and Fisaya – “close to me”

November 9, 2025

Our friends across the pond are dropping track after track of fresh and familiar hip hop in recent years, putting their own spin on sounds we’ve been rocking with. “close to me” is the latest track from a trio of artists —Isaiah Shoticaury, SUDI and Fisaya— and it’s another addition to this burgeoning scene that’s evolved far beyond drill. Each of these artists blends melodic OVO sounds with experimental interplay with the production. This track heavily features swirling female R+B samples, and they’re often used to close out lines, interject into verses, and create a swirling effect to how we hear the vocals. Though the beat remains smooth, the different vocals we hear in the sample and each artists’ input really makes this production feel unique. Give it a spin and let us know what you think! If you’re into “close to me”  check out each of these artists on[...]

Flapjaques, casey plays the keyboard, and Naithemosthigh – “side eye”

November 3, 2025

The Chicago-based trio of Flapjaques, casey plays the keyboard, and Naithemosthigh each bring a special element to their latest single, “side eye.” The production tone is set early, with the swirlings of beatmaker Flapjaques who found a way to make a fuzzy lo-fi beat also sound like it came from Outerspace. Naithemosthigh’s raspy vocal tone is a great compliment to the shimmering beat. He shifts smoothly between a catchy singing hook and bold rapping delivery on the verses. You’ll never guess what casey is up to on this track. In all seriousness though, his care with the keys elevates this track and adds a grounding jazzy element to this otherworldy track. If you’re digging more from this trio, check them out on Spotify. While you’re there, give our New and Emerging Rappers playlist a spin – we update it with exciting new artists every single week.

Big Dese and Mike Martinez – “Word to Mick”

October 30, 2025

Artist/producer Mike Martinez and his collaborator Big Dese have found some magic in their new single, “Word to Mick.” Poignant, hilarious bars and an unafraid beat create a listening experience perfect for your hip hop head playlists. Production here is grounded in the simplicity of the fluttering orchestral strings on a short loop that seems to give lyrics an extra oomph. Big Dese and Mike Martinez are one-liner experts, toeing a line with comedy with how funny and outlandish their lyrics and delivery are. I got into this production style when first discovering Action Bronson and his work with Party Supplies, and I’m a sucker for it to this day. “Word to Mick” appears on NO RESPECT 2, a new aptly titled and covered project that features more of Dese’s incisive, self-depricating lyricism and Mike’s charismatic vocals and artistic ear for production. If you want to hear more like “Word[...]

Ronnie Gotcha and Odeljones – “MIBG”

October 30, 2025

The latest single from Colorado Springs duo Ronnie Gotcha and Odeljones might have my ideal hip hop beat attached to it. “MIBG” (“Music is the Biggest Glock”) starts off with a bang – er, actually a cocked gun. But when the beat picks up, we get a simple boom bap drum beat, a prolonged synth chord, and my personal favorite – randomly appearing piano drops you’d hear from the underground hip hop scenes of Madib and DOOM. Ronnie and Odel are at home in this beat – one that seems both structured and schizo. Their lyrics tell tales of of a changed rap game. Street flexes don’t hit the same to these guys – they’re focused on tearing up their opponents on the microphone, as evidence by the name of the track. “MIBG” is the title track on the latest collaboration from these two: Music is the Biggest Glock pt.[...]

D.R. Da Rula – “NEW LIFE”

October 25, 2025

Detroit’s D.R. Da Rula brings innovation and authenticity to his rhymes, and his lates track “NEW LIFE” is no different. Da Rula’s rhyming meter gives “NEW LIFE” a freshness that you’re not gonna hear in a lot of new rap songs. Lines go long – the rhyme doesn’t resolve when you expect it to. Right when you start to think he’s ignoring the beat, it resolves and satisfyingly scratches an itch before hopping right into another. “NEW LIFE’s” production samples some retro throwbacks, and its softness juxtaposes well with the edges Rula carries with his rhymes. With a nonchalant, conversational tone he delivers lines equally menacing, introspective and descriptive. “Same day I had my son, i bought a new pipe.” We’re excited to hear more from him. Stream more of Da Rula’s work on Spotify, where he leads off our recently updated New and Rising Rappers playlist.