Latest Posts

TAL THE1 ft. Brother Ali, Freeway, Stalley & Dee-1 – “Criminal”

February 28, 2025

NYC rapper TAL THE1 recruits some of the finest rhymers of the century for his latest single, “Criminal.” “Criminal” breathes life into its title. Each artist spins stories of society’s ability to put labels on different races and demographics, and speaks to their own experiences. TAL’s vocals are heavenly, Ali’s poetic, Dee’s authentic, Freeway’s prophetic, and Stalley’s impassioned. It’s a great day to be a hip hop head hearing these dudes with their distinct styles and sounds come together with a vision in mind for the track. We’re at the part of the blog where I’d usually recommend similar artists, but you probably know them. Take a listen and check out their recent work to get caught up. Take a deep dive into TAL’s Spotify profile and while you’re there toss some Ali, Freeway, Stalley and Dee-1 into the queue.

Cadence Weapon + Dan Only – “Ungirthed” (Purity Ring Cover)

February 28, 2025

Electro-rap stalwart Cadence Weapon kicks off 2025 with another electrifying single, covering Purity Ring‘s “Ungirthed.” An internet fave since the mid 2000s, Cadence burst onto the scene with Breaking Kayfabe and has been making notable music since then – even turning out 2 LPs in 2024. “Ungirthed” showcases Cadence’s lyrical prowess and his ear for electronica, creating a single that feels equally at home with his early work of the late 2000s and in 2025. And probably in 2035. Joining Cadence on the track is noted Torontonian producer Dan Only. Only rebuilds “Ungirthed” with glitchiness and catchy blips, and will challenge your equilibrium with the panning in its bottom half. Fit this song into your rap and electronic playlists. Check out “Ungirthed” on Spotify and catch more from Cadence and Dan on their profiles.

Cerdarious – “Flooded”

February 24, 2025

Compton’s Cerdarious is a gifted rapper with a knack for storytelling. His latest effort, “Flooded” juxtaposes delicate acoustic guitars with the magnetic, pronounced vocal deliveries of the rapper. The track is a pledge of support to his loved ones, wishing them riches and success in every facet of their life – flooding them with it. Calling upon memories of his grandmother’s cooking, early days of writing raps, and returning home after success, Cerdarious breathes authenticity into each of his lines. Fans of Phonte and Blu will find comfort in Cerdarious’ penmanship – as will anyone who prioritizes old school lyricism. Listen to more from the SoCal emcee on Spotify, and check him and others out on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

HuntersCrxssing – “Arrival”

February 23, 2025

Emerging cloud rap artist HuntersCrxssing has to have dabbled in some dark arts to be able to conjure up a single like “Arrival.” The latest effort from the rapper, and his first on Spotify, features otherworldy glitches, disembodies voices and Transylvanian organs. In spite of its creepier elements, “Arrival” also boasts an instantly repeatable hook (“Money all day, money money all day”), approachable lyrics, and an accessible bounce to it that allows you to headbob while imagining you’re slinking into a secret dungeon. Fans of Lil Ugly Mane,  Antwon and $uicideboy$ will find comfort in HunterCrxssing’s gothic vibe. Follow HuntersCrxssing on Spotify to get updates on his subsequent releases, and check out him and other rising artists on our underground hip hop playlist. 

Kalan – “Vibe with Me”

February 22, 2025

Up and coming Toronto rapper KALAN’s got an ear for Tyler, the Creator-style production and an eye for vaporwave. Originally a touring hip hop dancer, Kalan transitioned into the rap game and the 19-year-old is crushing it through accessible tracks with big instrumentals and vocals that can fit any beat or energy. “Vibe with Me” has the fuzziness of a Tyler or Pharrell beat, and Kalan rides with bouncy, sing-song delivery that creates a playful energy to match the song’s title. Throw it on your high energy playlists alongside guys like Tyler, Pharrell, Logic and more versatile artists. KALAN’S got a popping YouTube channel – check it out and get a flavor for his aesthetics. You can catch “Vibe with Me” and more releases from the Canadian artist on Spotify. Check out Kalan and more up and coming artists on our Underground Hip Hop playlist. 

Herbiarz – “Witam”

February 22, 2025

Get your pussy willows out and feel like a Polish gangster with the help latest effort from Poland’s Herbiarz.  A battle rap champion who transitioned into the recording game, Herbiarz creates cold, powerful hip hop tracks that fit in perfectly on your hype up playlists. “Witam” is a Polish-language banger that doesn’t need to be translated to get your blood pumping up. It’s a local hit on Polish radio stations and the hype’s getting over to the states. We’re only a few months out from Dyngus Day – Daj mi piwo and familiarize yourself with one of the homeland’s rising rappers. Check out more from the rising international artist ahead of his upcoming EP on Spotify. 

Pavy – “Amex My ID”

February 13, 2025

Southside Chicago rapper Pavy blends subgenres into one hypnotizing formula for his latest track “Amex My ID.” Comprised of smooth trap autotune, enchanting chorus, and frantic adlibs, Pavy’s created an airtight banger for your cruising and pregame playlists. Clocking in at just over 2 minutes, a large chunk of “Amex” is Pavy’s and featured rapper The Boy Illinois‘ “make a girl wanna roll with us” hook. The middle verse is tight – but all you need is a few minutes of that hook taking your mind into a dark, smoke-filled, neon-lit back room. The duo’s adlibs throughout the entirety of the track keep the energy high and your ears guessing what direction they’re gonna hit you – flexing great production work on top of the already stellar vocalists. Check out more from Pavy and The Boy Illinois on Spotify.

A1 Beanz – “Digital Scale”

February 10, 2025

SoCal rapper A1 Beanz  brings the heavy snow with his newest coke rap single “Digital Scale.” With menace in his voice, the “dope rapper” talks guns, scales and sniff tests while icy, heartless piano paces the track’s beat. Beanz departs from the evocative lines to drop clever one liners like, “I did a line and now my eyes wide like Emma Stone.” “Digital Scale” also features a strong hook -with Beanz’ gruff voice demanding his counterpart “put the work on the digital scale – it’s all there!” “Digital Scale” goes perfectly within your Griselda playlists as Beanz has coke lines for days and charismatic vocals and adlibs that’ll stick between your ears immediately off the rip. Check out the music video on YouTube live from the trap house. The guns aren’t real but the rhymes sure as hell are. Listen to A1 Beanz on Spotify and check him out on our[...]

Glowry Boyz – “YEAH YEAH”

February 9, 2025

Berlin-based rap duo Glowry Boyz arrive with force on their sophomore single “YEAH YEAH.” The latest from Selassie and Anthony Wills follows up the swirling, epic “FREE FALL” with a good ole fashioned banger. Featuring pounding piano and knocking bass, “YEAH YEAH” is a great track for your workout playlist, channeling Neptunes and A$AP Mob between the production choices and the whispery ear worm chorus. “YEAH YEAH” is an anthem for self-certainty, resilience and decisiveness with bars that’ll have your ready to run through a brick wall. It also comes with a sharp music video that you can view directly on YouTube to get the visual component to the Glowry Boyz’ art. Check out more from the Glowry Boyz on Spotify and Soundcloud.Listen “YEAH YEAH” and more bangers from rising artists on our 2025 Spotify rap playlist.

Captain Brick – “NO BRAKES”

February 3, 2025

Reading, PA rapper Captain Brick is not one to fuck around. His latest track “NO BRAKES” is the soundtrack to his fondness for the best weed, best clothes, best women – all the vices that’ll scratch your itch. Featuring a menacing beat and Brick’s nasty delivery, “NO BRAKES” also flexes a catchy hook perfect for your gangsta rap playlists. New Jersey’s DreArtist also tears his verse up with one liners, warning his listeners “in seconds your life can go from a movie to a TikTok.” Check out more from Captain Brick on Spotify – and peep some more rising hip hop artists on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.    

Akete – “Last House on tha Block”

February 3, 2025

Rapper and multi-instrumentalist Akete finds inspiration with the classics – demonstrating as much on their latest single “Last House on tha Block.” Featuring boisterous horns of Steely Dan’s “Home at Last”, “Last House on tha Block” is bursting with liveliness. The up and coming Akete delivers an effortless freestyle to match that bright production – flexing rap skills,  life wins, and quippy one liners to flow through his freestyle. Hip hop in its purest form: “I’m not crazy, I don’t think I know karate. Can’t nobody stop me.” Take a listen to Akete on Spotify and check out the track on Soundcloud below. Akete · Last House on tha Block

Errol Eats Everything – “Round N Round”

January 28, 2025

Industry veteran Errol Eats Everything steps back into the booth with a new persona and a cyclical short story to tell on his latest single, “Round N Round.” Channeling Jay Electronica through his deep voice, vivid imagery, and impressive internal rhymes, Errol talks through the cycle of gun violence and its impact on communities – cultural commentary that Errol espouses throughout his releases. “Round N Round” features a dastardly jazz loop on which Errol certainly eats. The Errol Eats Everything character is coupled with a Boondocks/hip hop Boss Baby character to ramp up the interest and immersion in Errol’s performance – Check it out on IG for the full experience. “Round N Round” is the second single from the NYAM! EP with an album to follow in February – follow Errol on Spotify to keep tabs on that and other releases. Listen to “Round N Round” alongside other recently-featured underground[...]

Spectaculous – “Tempo”

January 27, 2025

Whimsical compositions and biting lyricism prove to be the secret formula on the debut single from Madison, WI artists Spectaculous. Five years in the making, bandmates Dequadray White (vocals) Jason Kutz (keyboards), Ben Ferris (bass) and Mike Koszewski (drums/percussion) are executing a realized, distinctly unique project. The Spectaculous four recruit additional instrumentalists for “Tempo,” a piece with carefully composed classical music elements (including parts for flute, clarinet, oboe, etc.) in a hip hop package. The bubble gum, Fairly Oddparents palette and Dequadray’s sharp pen combine for a one of a kind listening (and viewing) experience. “Tempo” comes with a fully animated video from DaBolis House that you’ve gotta check out. You can follow the band’s future output, including plans for multiple EPs, on Spotify.  Check out our Underground Hip Hop playlist while you’re there.

Chrome Waves + A-F-R-O + Jeristotle – “My Mind is My Biggest Gun”

January 24, 2025

UK beatmaker Chrome Waves recruits rising artists A-F-R-O and Jeristotle on his latest boom bap single “My Mind is My Biggest Gun.” Chrome takes us back to his 90s roots on this track – spotlighting some tasteful DJ scratches and a simple, menacing sample flip for the rappers to take aim at. A-F-R-O sounds like GZA or a DOOM collaborator when he gets the mic, realizing the song title with internal rhyme schemes and vivid imagery. Jeristotle takes a visionary approach to the second verse, channeling lucid dreams, thought leadership, and other philosophical musings. Chops, scratches and other beat seasonings transition the song from verse to verse, giving listeners a hypnotizing head-nod along the way. Add this one to your playlists focused on masterful boom bap and lyricism. Check out more from Chrome Waves, A-F-R-O and Jeristotle on Spotify – you can find them and more on our Underground Hip[...]

Cold Camp + The Dirty Sample – “Excellence”

January 20, 2025

Our Rocky Mountain brethren have crafted a subzero lo-fi hip hop soundtrack for the Buffalo winters. Hailing from the mysterious northwest range is Cold Camp, a hip hop collective headed by veteran producer The Dirty Sample. Their latest effort, “Excellence” features crunchy boom bap drums, a cold piano sample, and a mischievous narrator ready for trouble in the high peaks. Things are a bit less interesting topographically here, but the icy aesthetic and frigid lyrical references Cold Camp bring down from the Rockies is the perfect accompaniment to a January walk in the city. An extended version of “Excellence” appears on the aptly named We Hate Summer project. Check it out for more lo-fi, icy hip hop production – and check out everything Cold Camp and The Dirty Sample on Spotify.