Latest Posts

Steve Nguyen – “oyakake bukaeru”

June 28, 2026

Maybe the most important, genre-defining characteristic of lo-fi, study beats is that they take you elsewhere. It could be through hypnotic rhythms, lush layers and loops, a sample that entrances your mind, or any number of reasons. But it needs to take you somewhere that you currently aren’t. Steve Nguyen has this figured out. His latest effort, “oyakake bukaeru” is just another entrant in a long line of ambient, lo-fi, study beat tracks by him that accompany his contemporary visual animation. Fluttering flutes, heavenly harps and train track rhythms draw you into the journey – give it a listen and see where this one takes you. Check out Steve’s Instagram account to get a full taste of his multimedia artistry – rife with animation, music and more. You can check out “oyakake bukaeru” on our new Jammy Study Beats instrumental, too.

Tedsson – “The Double Text”

June 25, 2026

Does it get more helpless than the moments before sending that second text? Pathetic maybe, irrational probably, desperate certainly. Rising hip hop artist Tedsson explores the signs of “long paragraphs honed and rewritten,” and “seeing you post every minute,” before you end up stacking blue bubbles on his latest track “The Double Text.” Tedsson’s matter of fact delivery appropriately masks the fool-hearted emotions that come with the situation at hand, and he speaks to it in a breakup setting. “The Double Text” boasts a truly beautiful, longing soul sample to anchor its beat. Its music video is fitting as well, and I’d recommend pressing play on that below. I’m gonna steal an observation from a perceptive YouTube commenter (oxymoron) and say that Tedsson is cut from a similar cloth as NYC alternative hip hop mainstay Homeboy Sandman. If you’re digging “The Double Text,” then give is a listen on Spotify[...]

Heykryp – “Pregame/Function”

June 24, 2026

Pittsburgh PA’s Heykryp is a rising rapper who combines the experimental nature of cloud rap with more traditional trap sounds. His latest track, “Pregame/Function” smashes together murky and glitchy production that can only be held together by the honey smooth vocals of ‘kryp. It’s a fusion of sound that further bends your listening experience by introducing a hyperpoppy percussion section and counter melody. Heykryp’s backing vocals are often folded into the lead mix, simulating your swirling brain after too many substances. All in all the track rounds out to sound like you’re trapped in a Gameboy Color loading screen for a game about getting too turnt for your own good. If you’re feeling “Pregame/Function,” check out Heykryp on Spotify, and while you’re there give our Best Underground Hip Hop of 2026 playlist a listen. We’re adding rising, undercovered, and undiscovered artists to it every week.

D-NiAL and TrippyThaKid – “Pac-Man!”

June 18, 2026

The soundtrack to PAC-MAN! is a lot more experimental than I remember. This collaborative effort from rappers D-NiAL (Canada) and TrippyThaKid (New Jersey) is built off sugary electronic synth line and bumbling bass that feels like PAC-MAN! might have been hitting up the carnival for a plug. D-NiAL’s crafted an earworm of a hook, expertly airbrushed with some autotune to hack its way into your ear drums. Trippy has some awesome subversive lines, parlaying the neverending war coverage on the news with a hankering to play some Call of Duty. It’s a bit of a ridiculous sounding track, and it’s expertly delivered by two rising artists in the genre. If you’re feeling the dark arcade vibes of D-NiAL and TrippyThaKid, check them out on Spotify. While you’re there, give our Best Underground of 2026 Playlist a spin. Tons of dope new artists to discover on there and we update it every[...]

Kimi – “Make Up”

June 18, 2026

Dutch rapper Kimi proves that modern drill isn’t limited to the UK on his latest effort, “Make Up.” The track’s title is essentially the only English in the track, and it’s additive to its charm. Kimi hits all the marks of a hit drill track – an infectious loop that drives the entire beat, snappy drums and a relentless on the microphone. The rim hits on this percussion also set the track apart from others in the genre. KIMI finds his groove alongside it, adding a relentless that pairs well with the production. Give this a listen and add it to your gym playlist – drill knows no boundaries! Check out Kimi on Spotify – he’s on a run of great new tracks. While you’re there, peep our Best Underground Hip Hop playlist, updated for the best new tracks of 2026.

Jerré – “Bread”

June 15, 2026

If you’re ready for a kick in the ass, but in like a chill way, this new one from NYC rapper Jerré is worth checking out. Jerré’s lyrics serve to separate the dreamers from the doers. No time for scrolling — rent’s gotta get paid, and there’s work to be done if you’re going to get what you want in this life. The beat is punctuated by hand drum sounds, a walking standup bass line and zappy guitar that slithers in and out of the instrumental.His message is incisive, but his flow remains mellow and synchronized with the steady grooves offered by production. “Bread” is the latest single from the upcoming project Working HeadsCheck out more from the NYC artist on Spotify. You’ll also find “Bread” on our Best Hip Hop of 2026 playlist, updated every single week.

Irish Hip Hop Shy MAscot

Shy Mascot – “Prince Lotor Flow”

June 10, 2026

Irish Hip Hop continues to have a moment. Though sonically it’s more Roots than Kneecap, “Prince Lotor Flow” from Shy Mascot is another reminder of the rapping prowess steadily present on the the Emerald Isle. The latest single from the jazzy hip hop group is built on a bedrock of gaudy bass. Its smooth line saunters up and down the track while the emcee brings a grounding presence with his gruff, assured flow. The group leans into their jazzy roots with backing vocals as well, as he’s met with a female counterpart on the hook to elevate the evocative lyrics. They also drop some great NBA references (Celtics of course), which will always get a pop out of me. If you’re feeling Shy Mascot, give them a listen on Spotify. While you’re there, scope out our Best of Underground Rap 2026 playlist – we update it every week.

Kabusa Oriental Choir – “Folded”

June 1, 2026

There are three things you should know off the rip about the Kabusa Oriental Choir: They’re a choir from the capital region of Nigeria that covers popular songs in addition to creating enchanting original songs. Their sound is even more interesting than #1 would hint at. They just took on “Folded” by Kehlani and you should definitely listen to it right now. Warmth engrosses you from every angle as the voices of the choir hum, belt, rap, sing and delivery “Folded” in a way you’d never think would exist. Take a deep dive into their Spotify catalog to really experience the distinct sound they offer. “Soso” is their most popular for a reason, but there is magic up and down the profile. It’s a great tempo change for the summer, and affirming example of the sense of awe that world music can offer. Give it a listen below:

BlueBerry – “Maybach”

June 1, 2026

Today I am euphoric, for I have heard the opening soul vocal from French rapper BlueBerry’s latest single, “Maybach.” Though that steady, soaring sample cuts directly to the core of your brain, “Maybach” isn’t done with the sonic cerebral scratches. BlueBerry’s smooth gruff of a delivery lulls you in for the verses (all in French) before levity, whimsey and sound effects snap you back into reality on “Maybach’s” chorus. Most notably is the growl of a handcrafted twin-turbocharged V12 powerplant engine (I Googled this), notably found in the luxury ride that serves as the track’s namesake. It rolls up into an expertly produced and performed track that you’re going to want to experience again from the top once you wrap it up. Give “Maybach” a listen on Spotify, add it to your playlist, and check out our Best Underground Rap of 2026 playlist on Spotify. It sounds even better in[...]

Harry Grey, Mawlude and MK Zulu – “Rules”

May 25, 2026

The trio of Harry Grey, Mawlude and MK Zulu have pieced together a jammy, bright new neo-soul track that’s ripe to be played at a sunny day function. “Rules” explores the bond that love offers, and how it trumps all other forces that life throws at you. Grey and Mawlude offer up  verses that toes the line between rap and sing, with a celebratory bounce to it. MK Zulu counters the track’s soulful bassline with a warm trumpet to add another dimension to the bassline. It all comes together for a delightful genre-bending experience that pairs well with sunshine and soulmates. If you’re digging this soulful medley, check out these artists on Spotify. While you’re there, give our Best of 2026 playlist a listen. I’m sure you’ll find something you like.

stasisxD – “white tee”

May 22, 2026

The latest single from emerging artist stasisxD is rooted in the textures of shoegaze while maintaining a contemporary cloud hip hop delivery. These compelling joint forces are further empowered by lyrics that yearn for a simpler time. “White Tee,” from stasisxD, serves as a soundscape feeling both experimental and nostalgic. Shoegaze’s flooded guitars cloud the instrumental, while more traditional hip hop drums serve as a welcomed punch. StasisxD’s lyrics long for a time when Skype calls would make your heart burst, parties delivered euphoric opportunities, and the exchange of a clothing item like a white tee shirt felt guaranteed to be eventually followed up by a wedding ring. My mind goes somewhere else when I press play on this one. For more highlights from the world of experimental, underground and up-and-coming hip hop, give our Spotify playlist a listen. You’ll find talented artists like stasisxD gending genres up and down[...]

Chrome Waves, Nowaah the Flood, and A.F.R.O. – “Life is Hell”

May 17, 2026

Boom bap heads need to keep an ear out for every release from UK producer Chrome Waves. His latest track, “Life is Hell,” taps an Inspectah Deck line from C.R.E.A.M., for its primary sample and namesake. Chrome chops and scratches the line into the track’s hook as Nowaah and A.F.R.O., dice up the cold piano scales of the instrumental. Their bars are equally icey as they explore hustling in devious ways. Taking hostages, robbing graves, things of that nature. Chrome’s production style matches the cartoonishly dark storytelling, as he interplays with the rappers through a series of animated vocal samples. It hits all its marks and makes for a great addition to your boom bap playlist. If you’re digging the track “Life is Hell,” or even just feel connected to its title, give this one a save on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our Best of Underground Rap 2026[...]

YEAROFJORDN ft. Brother Tom Sos- “Red Wing Bison”

May 17, 2026

Need some fresh tracks for your next commute to Rochester? 585 rapper YEAROFJORDN makes it known early in his new single “Red Wing Bison” that this one’s built for the WNY section of the I90 corridor. JORDN kicks off the track shining a light on edges of Rochester. An eastside veteran, JORDN’s seen his fair share of violence, but he’s risen from a slum village to become an unstoppable force in his city. Griselda affiliate Brother Tom Sos brings 716 into the fold on the back half of the track as he reminisces on his grind from nothing to a worldwide tour with Westside Gunn, and all without a debut album. This track features a nice understated soul sample as its backbone. I’d recommend tossing it on right after the Batavia exit. If you’re digging Red Wing Bison, check the track out on Spotify. While you’re there, peep our Best[...]

YG Kayboe – “By The Way”

May 15, 2026

YG Kayboe‘s Memphis snarl cuts through his latest track, “By The Way,” proving himself to be anything but passive on his run of successful singles. “By the Way” has the hallmarks of a modern southern hit, much like the heat that bigxthaplug is putting out right now. YG’s relentless, baritone flow is as tight as the bass that punctuates the track.  Production is built around a twangy guitar groove, banging drums, and sprinkled vocal samples, and the beat is dragged underwater throughout the track, gaining and losing texture during different sections. And YG’s “By The Way” hook gives a theme to the entire track that makes the lyrics  memorable out the gate. Roll down the windows and turn the bass up and rap along. If you wanna see YG in action, give him a look on YouTube. You can find “By the Way” and more on our “Best of 2026[...]

Drew Rath – “in pursuit”

May 10, 2026

Drew Rath is a Cambodian-born, Cambridge-raised rapper with an ear for unconventional beats and a delivery that can match any of them. His latest single, “in pursuit” boasts production that is in a constant state of evolution. You want to settle into the brain scratching choral sample that kick off the track, but then it starts to bend and breakdown. Eventually the voices drop and are replaced with a spacey funk as Drew’s flow transitions from line-by-line into something more free-flowing to match. The entire track, he’s packing internal rhymes and double entendres into his verses, finding comfort in the uncertainty of it all. If you’re feeling “in pursuit,” check out more from Drew on Spotify. You’ll also catch this track on our Best Hip Hop of 2026 playlist, updated almost every single day.