Latest Posts

$vvokey – “Pain Move Slow”

July 16, 2025

Canadian rapper $vvokey can’t stop the cold, forward march of hurt on his latest track, “Pain Moves Slow.” The scenes from lost love haunt him as $vokkey falls into a dark hopelessness that consumes him throughout the song. He attempts to comes to grips with his loss on lines like “Eyes on the sky like I still want something.” Production matches through the tone with murkiness – A mysterious solemnity exists in its string lines. “Pain Move Slow” ends with an unceremonious bang, a testimony to how quickly emotions can take you to a dangerous place. It’s not right for your sunny day playlist, but $vvokey’s lines are packed with imagery and he’s got an ear for catchier hooks than you’d expect from the subject matter. The single appears on $vvokey’s Happy DeathDay! EP featuring really dope vintage VHS artwork. Listen to more from $vvokey on Spotify. While you’re there,[...]

Damon Omen and $cream-Capone – “Viola”

July 12, 2025

New York producer Damon Omen brings sounds from the underground on his latest team up with grizzled veteran rapper $cream-Capone. The collaborators’ recent single “Viola” balances a booming bottom half, melodic retro piano and the streetwise words of $cream Capone. Capone’s senses are never doubted, weighing temptations of the environment with lines like “No ouija board but the Devil’s sending information.” Omen’s bass knocks your ears off your head, but it’s earned not given. You’ll get caught up with that piano before the boom brings you back to earth. You can check out the tight visuals for “Viola” on YouTube, and more from Damon Owen on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist, updated weekly and featuring Owen/Capone and other great rising artists.

JOMEGA – “WANTED MORE”

July 10, 2025

The soundtrack to Summer 2025 is brought to you by the DMV. Moving parallel with the return of legendary Virginia rap duo Clipse, DMV rappers and (another set of) brothers JOMEGA dropped a new track that could have made an appearance on Hell Hath No Fury. Their new single “WANTED MORE” features pounding keys heavily influenced by the Neptunes production style on early Clipse work. Kris and Keagoe are right at home on this beat, attesting to their grind with a snarl that would make Pusha T proud. Nod along with this one on Spotify and check out JOMEGA while you’re there. You can press play from our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop Playlist, curated with new songs every week.

ThrAnk – “Bubblegum”

July 6, 2025

U.K. producer ThrAnk maximizes the potential of an old Denzel Curry freestyle with his latest track, “Bubblegum.” Samples are a core component of the ThrAnk production experience. Vocal samples are often paired with reimagined drum breaks, breathing a classic energy into the production to create standout tracks. “Bubblegum” is a track built from an old “Breakfast Bars” Denzel Curry freestyle. ThRank pairs Curry’s brashness with light flutters and fuzzy drums, providing a peaceful balance to “Bubblegum.” Fans of Curry will definitely get down with this, as will BoomBap fans who’s be excited to hear crispy production supporting one of the game’s best. Check out more of ThrAnk on Spotify – you’ll also find him on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Stimulus – “sEMi”

July 3, 2025

Is keeping it less than 100 the realest thing you can do? Berlin-by-way-of-Brooklyn rapper Stimulus makes the case that the ways in which you aren’t 100% are what define you, make you unique, and ultimately empower you. He kicks off the track trying to push away self-doubt with the line “I got woes. And they keep me on my toes…keep my mind off these ‘no’s.” His identity gains focus line-by-line throughout the track, realizing that no one is really 100% at all times. London area producer K, LE MAESTRO creates a masterful confluence of sounds to support Stimulus’ rapping. Twinkling piano, civil rights samples, and a steady raindrop drum rhythm pace Stim’s reflections on his imperfections  – being “semi.” Fans of Joey Bada$$, Bas and modern, introspective hip hop are going to vibe with “sEMi.” Stimulus’ art direction is also super tight – take a quick spin through his recent[...]

JahleelFaReaL – “No Stressing”

July 1, 2025

Austin rapper JahleelFaReaL drops a feel good anthem just in time for a long July 4th weekend with his latest single “No Stressing.” This track is sunshine in audio form. Jahleel’s accessible vocals lead the audience into his backyard with open arms with the same good neighbor energy that Chance the Rapper brought in the early 2000s.  Pair this track with a summer day, a rum cocktail and something to pass around. Boasting a big sing=along chorus from featured artist Jalisa, Jahleel’s radio-ready track can be added directly to your summer hip hop playlists for when you “just wanna drink and party with loved ones.” If you’re digging “No Stressing,” check out more from JahleelFaReaL on Spotify and follow our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist for more new music.

Brandon Mitchell – “TGBNU”

June 26, 2025

LA-based, Kansas City-born hip hop artist Brandon Mitchell brings a hooper’s mentality and a close knit family to his rap output. His latest single “TGBNU” appears on his Gametime album and discusses the tenacity, joy, and balance that come from family. “TGBNU” boasts a heartfelt, catchy chorus where Brandon sings about the support he receives from his people, and how they empower him to support them right back. Production wise, delicate piano and orchestral strings the track, matching Mitchell’s narrative lyrics. You can hear the influence and inspiration Mitchell gets from his family in nearly every line – dropping anecdotes and reflections on his girlfriend, father, uncle and cousin all in the first verse. He also mixes in some hoops references that connect the song back to the EP. Check out more from Brandon on Spotify, where you can catch him on our new and emerging hip hop playlist that[...]

JayWood – “ASSUMPTIONS”

June 20, 2025

JayWood is a man of many influences. The genre bender swirls together the neo-soul and alternative hip hop sounds of Tyler the Creator, with the dream/indie pop stylings of Men I Trust to create soundscapes that take you on a different trip with each passing minute. His latest track, “ASSUMPTIONS” boasts some singalong guitar strums to couple in with those soulful vocal flavors, creating a accessible alt single just in time summer. You’ll be singing along with the chorus here too, as Jay leads with a relatable “I make assumptions, I think of something….” Been there! Make sure you check out the trippy visuals for “ASSUMPTIONS” on YouTube. You should also take look at the rest of JayWood’s output on Spotify, and while you’re there take a look at our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist where you can find. more exciting new artists.

Bryson Cole – “OUTTA POCKET”

June 18, 2025

North Texas rapper Bryson Cole showcases his deep drawl and ear for cinematic production on his latest track, “OUTTA POCKET.” Cole’s tracks work because he believes in the legend he’s building. On this track, he mixes in one-liners with more narrative lyrics, reminding the audience that it’s all within his skillset: “I don’t do features, I carry.” “OUTTA POCKET’S” beat is schizophrenic, flipping between subdued and speaker-knocking within the verses. You can toss “OUTTA POCKET” on any of your southern hip hop playlists – it definitely will play well in the car. If you’re into Bryson Cole’s sound, check him out and Spotify and give our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist a spin. It’s updated every week with new artists you’ll wanna know about.  

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.