Latest Posts

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.

Rokeaux – “Heauxtel”

January 20, 2025

Virgin Islands rapper Rokeaux channels Damien Marley and Drake influences for his hypnotic new track “Heauxtel.” Anchored by Rokeaux’s anthemic hey/ohhs and killer reggae guitar lines, you can classify this track as Caribbean Hip Pop. “Heauxtel” (“hotel”) discusses a no-strings-attached relationship, leaving emotions at the door in pursuit of red-blooded desires. Lighthearted but thematic, “Heauxtul” works for late night playlists, tropical dance sessions, break-up mixes, and more. The track is the latest single in a string of new releases from Rokeaux – catch his full catalog on Spotify. Interested in more 2025 Underground Hip Hop? Check out our playlist on Spotify. 

Walkman – “Joint”

January 17, 2025

Pittsburgh’s Walkman got a voice for boombap, an ear for beats and a set of lungs ready to burn at all times. His latest effort “Joint” is an ode to smoking good and serves insightful peek into the day-to-day of this up and comer. “Joint’s” boombap give it a nostalgic edge that places you in the 90s as Walkman waxes weed-flavored poetic. A pitched down hook repeats “my eyes’ low for as long as I remember,” in between verses where Walkman laments on criticisms from outsiders (“call me unexceptional for smoking a joint,”) while also boasting refreshing self-awareness  (“I’m immature and a tall tale teller.”) Listen to more from Walkman on Spotify ahead of his upcoming summer album release – you can catch him and other freshly minted artists on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

Krept & Konnan – “Low Vibrations”

January 16, 2025

South London rap duo Krept & Konnan are poised to expand their takeover beyond Great Britain with their latest track, “Low Vibrations.” “Vibrations” works for dance playlists, pregame vibes, and even when you’re looking for tracks with sharp wordplay and catchy one-lines – a testament to the rappers’ accessible, widely-appealing sound. Flexing their modern, polished grime sounds, Krept & Konnan’s latest effort leads off the album rollout for YOUNG KINGZ II, expected out in February. The single/album is the latest achievement for the artists who rose to fame for their accomplishments as unsigned artists in the UK – reaching the top 20 in the charts in 2013. Fans of Skepta, Stormzy and more legends of the genre should stay on the lookout. Check out the visuals for “Low Vibrations” on YouTube, and more from the duo on Spotify.  You’ll find them and more on our Emerging Hip Hop Playlist. 

Elias Tyro – “Dimensions”

January 13, 2025

Step into a different, deeper (house) world on the latest single from New Zealand rapper Elias Tyro, “Dimensions.” An artist across disciplines, Tyro plays with the listener’s experience on this track, incorporating heavy filters and distortions as he delivers abstract thoughts and the exploration of deeper self. “Dimensions” features lyrics that can get chewed on, but a relaxing groove that you can throw into your “Study Beats” playlists. Tyro’s flow is mellow and melodic, adding a smoothness to the beat’s churning rhythm. Discover more from Elias Tyro on Spotify, and check out he and other up and coming rappers on our new 2025 Underground Hip Hop playlist.

Wombino – “Granite”

January 13, 2025

Noted Florida man/rapper Wombino puts his introspective swimsuit on for his latest single, “Granite.” Building off of a sharp “moment for granted/Granite” couplet to kick off the track, Wombino’s lyricism is in top form sharing his motivations and driving forces: “Yeah I got some stories make your soul bleed / I ain’t got the time to get no cold feet.” With an accessible bounce to his vocals and heartfelt nods to his personal struggles, Bino’s “Granite” can be slotted in on your Mac Miller and Logic playlists when you’re looking for a polished, emotional hip hop track that spotlights ups and downs. “Granite’s” production is another highlight, composed of smooth, live bass and guitar sections. Listen to more from Wombino on Spotify, and other emerging hip hop artists on our new 2025 Spotify playlist. 

Eminencee – “WWIII on Roller Blades”

January 10, 2025

Houston’s Eminencee showcases his successful transition from elite athlete to emerging hip hop artist on his latest track, “WWIII on Roller Blades.” Eminencee’s delivery reminds you of some of Kendrick Lamar’s incredulous affectation, giving the rapper an aura to be taken seriously. “Roller Blades” swiftly moves between Em’s faith and steadfast confidence in his superiority over his peers – a hallmark of rap’s finest. The production on this track is appropriately foreboding for Em’s sinister lyricism – slightly off-kilter drums pace you and keep you on edge. “WWIII on Roller Blades” appears on Eminencee’s fresh EP with producer Vystears, Palette Portraits. Check it out on Spotify alongside our Underground Hip Hop 2025 playlist – highlighting some of our favorite new hip hop artists like Eminencee.

Moschino Jones ft. prod.myles – “HUSTL3 HOUND”

January 9, 2025

2025’s starting off strong for Motor City emcee Moschino Jones and his producing counterpart prod.myles. This week, the duo dropped “HUSTL3 HOUND.”  continuing the wave of praise the buzzy Detroit rapper received following 2024’s Meet Me on Woodward Too, another collaborative project with prod.myles. Myles’ effort on “HUSTL3 HOUND” is lead by samples of some 80s/90s R+B, grabbing some “ooohs” and “aaaah” and very nostalgic synth and giving the track a retro edge with some bounce to it. Jones is in his bag, finding rhyme pockets within the thumping drums and tinny keys to pose questions about self-worth and ability to rise to the moment. His accessible delivery and myles’ sample-heavy production give this track the flavor of one of those Harry Fraud/Alchemist collabs with guys like Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa – though Jones’ lyrics are a bit more reflective. Check out the single on Spotify and more Emerging 2025[...]

Jean~Baptiste – “Maybe Next Year”

January 8, 2025

Haitian-American rapper Jean~Baptiste takes a second to reflect on his imperfections on his relatable new track, “Maybe Next Year.” An understated soul sample paces the track – similar to Kanye deep cuts from his early discography and production work. Its thoughtful contribution perfectly ties in with Baptiste’s lyrics – gratitude, regret and a yearning to make sure last year’s lessons mean something. Baptiste captures the insecurities everyone feels intermittently – ends can mean beginnings, you just gotta apply the past to the future. “She told me she’s afraid to fail, I said same here.” Add this track to your conscious hip hop and motivational rap playlists. Listen to more from the Tampa-based artist on Spotify: and check out our underground hip hop playlist. 

Hazael Escobar-Ortiz and Michael Zapawa – “My Girl”

January 6, 2025

Orlando songmaker Hazael Escobar-Ortiz and Charleston contemporary crooner Michael Zapawa serve up a silky smooth heartwarmer with their latest track, “My Girl.” An ode to the ladies, or more specifically, your lady, “My Girl” puts Zapawa’s vocal talents at the front of the stage, with soaring melodies and layered harmonies adding plenty of depth to this R+B track. Escobar-Ortiz, or “Haz” provides lush production to match Zapawa’s effort, featuring Spanish-flavored guitar lines and twinkling keyboards. “My Girl” is packed with romantic sounds and lyrics to put your partner on a pedestal – pair it with some red wine and a valentine then throw it a playlist with Usher, Bilal and more of your current R+B rotation. Listen to more from Haz and Zapawa on Spotify.

Sublime Pr1me – “Black Jesters’ Revolution”

January 2, 2025

Rochester rhymer Sublime Pr1me flexes internal rhyme schemes, an off-center flow and expertly used interplay with production on his sharp new single “Black Jesters’ Revolution.” Riding an Adult Swim-flavored boom bap beat, Pr1me rapidly moves between his personal philosophies and others’ he sees truth in, such as Michele Fuko. Pr1me is explicit, insightful, playful and more on this track – relentlessly switching up his cadences and somehow staying on the sampled/flipped/reversed beat. Add this track to your Lupe Fiasco-Aesop Rock-Talib Kweli playlists for when you’re looking for a hip hop track with keen lyricism and a beat that keeps you on your toes too. “Black Jesters’ Revolution” kicks off Pr1me’s Back Forward EP, featuring more of the insightful rapping showed off on this track.