Latest Posts

Grady Ramsey ft. Avo Droc – “green”

September 17, 2026

We’re hopping west on the 90 for this new track from rising Northeast Ohio rapper Grady Ramsey. It’s a silky-smooth, timeless hip-hop track with a twinkly piano and enough bang to get your head bobbing. Featured artist Avo Droc actually opens up the track, offering a melodic approach to his verse that is countered by a gruffer delivery from Grady. Each artist boasts clever, approachable wordplay with plenty of memorable lines. I particularly dig when Grady says he doesn’t like good girls or bad girls, but girls in the middle. The claims aren’t bombastic but they have the right amount of swagger and are held down by a beat that you can play on its own. “Green” serves as the second single from Grady’s freshly released EP, GRANDSLAM. Peep the DIY artwork. If you’re feeling “green,” check out more from Grady on Spotify. While you’re there, give our Best Underground[...]

DON’T WATCH TV – 99 DEGREES

September 17, 2026

Is a Buffalo Boy Band finally having a moment? Even during the prolonged periods of poptimism, nostalgia, and the heyday of music blog publication darlings Brockhampton, we can’t recall a boy band-y boy band demanding much coverage around the 716. But maybe the time’s upon us.   99 DEGREES, the debut project from Western New York pop rap group DON’T WATCH TV, is powered by Y2K influence. Sometimes it’s Pharrell (any iteration of Pharrell), and sometimes it’s One Direction, but it’s always a familiar energy. DON’T WATCH TV may not be a familiar name, but the group has been laying the groundwork and crafting their sound between Buffalo and Rochester in recent years.    Nic, Hirco, C3die and Austin Kelley each bring a growing local fanbase to the project, which is fair to call a collective as well as a boy band. C3DIE and Hirko serve as the primary vocalists[...]

Abitight ft. CasaGrown – “To and Fro”

September 11, 2026

Chicago rapper Abitight’s got an ear for the essential elements of timeless hip hop tracks. His latest single, “To and Fro,” gets to crossing them off right out the rip. Within the opening 30 seconds, we get a skit, scratches, a horn drop and some breakbeat drums. The vocals are delivered sing-song and lighthearted, as we hear about missed connections and keeping it moving. All together, we get some storytelling to compliment those quintessential hip hop sounds. Abitight’s an alumnus of Chicago hip hop band Abstract Giants, but now focused on his boom bap output with city conglomerate Greenlights Music. This track is one of several highlights from Abitight’s August project, Samples from the Menu.  If you’re feeling “To and Fro,” you should check out more from Abitight and his collaborators on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our Best Underground Hip Hop of 2026 Playlist and find other tracks[...]

rapper yung king colo promotes new "pop out" single

Yung.King.Cole – “Pop Out”

September 9, 2026

Rapper Terrel Tarantino – aka “Yung.King.Cole” knows the power of a strong hook. The NYC emcee boasts Upstate NY roots and leans hard into the highlight of his new track. On his latest single, “Pop Out,” Cole relentlessly blazes forward with his earworm hook across a whirlwind 2 minutes. His lines are a tour de force, as they power through the typical breaks and find a new endpoint within the production. And when you crave it, the hook hits again. His flow is an idiosyncratic style that sorta meshes with what we’ve heard over in Detroit recently. Production here is percussive-heavy and plays a complementary role to Cole’s frenetic style. If you’re interested in hearing more from Cole, make sure you check out his output on Spotify. While you’re there, give our Best Underground Hip Hop of 2026 playlist a spin – you’re sure to find some fresh artists for[...]

PLASTIC-P – “HE’S DEAD, JIM”

September 5, 2026

We’re suckers for references over here at buffaBLOG HQ. “HE’S DEAD, JIM,” the rising single from alternative rapper PLASTIC-P, interpolates the iconic catchphrase from StarTrek’s Dr. McCoy to propose some ideas that you might find interesting. Just asking questions, really.  P is relentless on his mic, continuously hammering line after line at a rapid pace with minimal lung breaks. Conspiracy-laced imagery is a pillar of PLASTIC-P’s output, both in lyricism and album artwork. It makes for an interesting experience no matter what, as a bar reveals itself to be a double entendre about who killed Kennedy, for example. My highly informed take? It was the driver. “JIM’s” production deserves a nod here – heavily focused on an old-school sample with an undercurrent of dynamic bass hits. If you’re feeling it, check out PLASTIC-P on Spotify. While you’re there, give our Best Underground Rappers of 2026 playlist a listen to discover[...]

rapper montae harris

Montae Harri$ – “70/30”

August 28, 2026

One thing haters can’t hate is a flipped soul sample. Broward County rapper Montae Harri$ knows this. His latest track, “70/30 (2Serious)” is an open letter to people in his (recent) past who weren’t ready to celebrate his success. The opening 20 seconds sit in the beauty of the sample, and once he has our attention, Harri$ gets to venting. Yeah, once the 70/30 ticket split started to hit, so did the jealousy. Harri$’s smooth, assured delivery complements the vibrant soul vocals that steady the track, as does the venom that accompanies the pleasantries. Eyeballs-wise, “70/30” gets the ‪MACH5VISUALS‬ treatment, which sees Harri$ vaulted through diferent filters and art styles, adding some stickiness to an already-catchy track. You can hear more from Harri$ on Spotify, where he’s also featured on our “Best Underground Rappers” playlist that we update every single week.

Keya1r – “Fish Tales”

August 26, 2026

The “art of storytelling” has been a genre-defining characteristic of hip hop since the golden age, and it’s great to hear a fresh one in 2026. “Fish Tales” from Philadelphia rapper Keya1r spins the tale of a date (or 3) going sideways. Keya1r’s sharp pen is able to drop lines that satisfy both the listener and his Puerto Rican honey. “It’s hard to spell menu without me ‘n u.” I’m blushing. Press play on this track and see the fate of our fearless, red-blooded hero. “Fish Tales” appears on Why Not? – the latest project from Keya1r with themes of taking chances, serendipity, and rolling with the punches when times get tough. Listen to it right over here on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our Best Underground Hip Hop of 2026 playlist, updated every week to feature artists like Keya1r.

Saakeli – “Soft Corners”

August 24, 2026

A smooth bassline in a hip hop instrumental track might be the most satisfying sound in the genre. “Soft Corners,” from technologist and producer Saakeli, prominently pairs an acoustic upright bass sound with tender guitar and artfully chopped vocals for a lush and emotionally ambiguous sound. Choose your adventure with how this makes you feel, as the stringed instruments evolve, weave, and settle in for a nice head nod. If you’re feeling Saakeli, make sure you check out the full back catalog on Spotify. You can check out “Soft Corners” and other exciting taste and beatmakers on our Jammy Study Beats and Instrumentals 2026 playlist that we just started up. Find your next favorite producer.

The1FS – “Convoluted Blue Dream”

August 23, 2026

Producer, visual artist, and composer The1FS weaves each medium into his hip-hop production. His “Cognitive Vandalism” style often pairs his fresh instrumentals with visuals from cultural staples like Tony Hawk Pro Skater and Invincible – creating an elevated, smoke-friendly aesthetic. The title and bong rip to kick off this track is another indication. The1FS linked up with frequent collaborator and emcee Moonchld Washington, who never met a flow he couldn’t conquer. He weaves rhyme schemes in and out of 1FS’ twinkly production with smoothness that comes from chemistry. Rich violin and full drums pace the track and allow you to settle into the warm textures. Make sure you check out The1FS work on Instagram to get the full effect. “Convoluted Blue Dream” is just a taste of what’s available on streaming as well – check it out on Spotify and click around if you’re feeling it. It’s also featured on[...]

Pablo 978 – “The Devil’s Got a Chauffer”

August 19, 2026

Sometimes you buy a book just because the cover is cool. Same deal with a CD or record with interesting artwork. A song title in the digital age does it for me. “The Devil’s Got a Chauffeur” from experimental rapper Pablo 978 hit the mark for me. Pablo’s roster of vocal stylings ranges from demonic to schizophrenic, all times an appropriately bad influence for the listener. Equal parts Quasimoto and Retch, Pablo’s lyrics are snarly and menacing. The beat is an understated relay of keys that give an appropriate path for Pablo to trudge on. Add it to your underground hip hop playlists. If you’re feeling “Devil” give it a rip on Spotify. You’ll also find it on our Best Hip Hop of 2026 playlist – we update it every single week with great up-and-coming artists.

Darkadejo – “100pre Salvaje”

August 7, 2026

Tell your friends you started listening to a really dope Nicaraguan surfer-turned-rapper. Rising artist Darkadejo took a break from his surfing career to drop one of the hardest tracks these ears have heard this year. “100pre Salvaje” or “Always Wild” for my gringos out there, boasts a brooding bassline and abandoned factory percussion, combining for a notable unchill aesthetic. Darkadejo’s delivery is packed with nonchalant menace, and the random drones, bangs, whizzes, and sirens that pepper the beat give you a steady unease. You don’t need to understand Spanish to feel like you should be looking over your shoulder. If you dig “100pre Salvaje” give it a listen on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our Best Hip Hop of 2026 playlist, where we feature underground sounds like Darkadejo and introduce you to dope under-the-radar artists.

Marvillous Beats – “Home at Last”

August 7, 2026

Accomplished violinist Marvillous Beats is carving out his own lane, merging his classical training with contemporary sounds. His output boasts both covers in this style and original work, such as his latest track. “Home at Last” is a textural adventure, led by his saccharine lead violin melody and anchored by percussive hip hop beats. Each listen offers a new layer to unveil, as you gain appreciation for whistles, choral samples and guitar strums that build a full and fulfilling listening experience. I’d personally pair it with some wine and a view of the city. “Home at Last” is featured on Marvillous’ latest project, CHILLED VIOLIN 2, where the artist continues to coalesce tradition with contemporary. Listen to past and future from the violinist wherever you listen to music.

Brice Blanco – “Cheap Thrills”

August 4, 2026

Authenticism and introspection drip from the latest work from Houston-born, LA-based rapper Brice Blanco. His new track “Cheap Thrills” explores the complicated disconnect between gratification and fulfillment, backed by warm, tactile instrumentation. My personal favorite part in this track is the lively percussion – they sound both live and hand-played, and serve as a human fabric for Brice’s tales of vices. He finds the cross-section between the “whys,” be them “indulgence [or] emptiness” If you’re digging Brice’s sound on “Cheap Thrills,” be sure to check out more of his work on Spotify. While you’re there, give our Best Underground Hip Hop of 2026 playlist a spin. You might find your next go-to track in there.

Big Brody Ode – “Lost & Found”

August 3, 2026

There’s something about a posse cut that locks me in every time. Who has the best line? Sickest flow? Most memorable verse? Each listen offers a new take, someone new at the top spot. We’ve got a new one to explore here from Toronto rapper Big Brody Ode. ” “Lost & Found,” originally released as a bonus track on Ode’s debut mixtape, moves quickly from emcee to emcee, as each of them quickly settles into the laid-back jams of producer Drum Fu. If you’re into the “Kool Aid and Frozen Pizza” instrumental, you’re definitely going to rock with this one. Anyway, there are two handfuls of artists to sort through here, each offering a different take on this summery tune. Give it a listen and choose your favorite. “Lost & Found” features a slew of talented underground and rising artists; make sure you click around the credits on Spotify. While[...]

ISHMAEL – “NEW PICASSO”

July 30, 2026

He’s got a style all his own, but this new track from Rochester-rooted artist ISHMAEL is reminding us of someone. “NEW PICASSO” is properly named, as both ISHMAEL’s vocal delivery and production choices draw parallels to a certain Pablo-influenced emcee during his less offensive, more acclaimed era. The Kanye influence comes through in the varied vocal stylings, varying from aggressively in-your-face to delicate autotune falsetto. Its production through-lines are exciting as well, with powerful bass lines countered with a chorus of heavenly harmonies. An extended outro brings it home, gradually punctuating one of the elaborate and impressive hip hop structures we’ve heard so far this year. If you’re feeling ISHMAEL give him a listen on Spotify. While you’re there, peep our Best Underground Hip Hop of 2026 playlist updated with vibrant new artists every single week.