Latest Posts

Nikmoody and Blvff – “explain it all later”

October 17, 2025

Nikmoody and Producer Blvff are two rising Long Island artists are putting the area on the map for hip hop. Their latest collaboration “explain it all later” boasts a driving rhythm from Blvff, taking influence from Arabic music in a similar manner to the excellent work Clipse did earlier this year. Nikmoody is relentless on the microphone, as the track features a spree of one-liners as he weaves between sports, LI and pop culture references. On the chorus, he’s tapping into his wiseguy Italian roots on the cheeky chorus where he asks (and expects) his listeners to trust him while he handles business. “Explain it all later” appears on Nik’s latest EP It’s not done yet, freshly available where you listen to music. If you’re digging “explain it all later” take a peek at these artists on Spotify. You’ll also find them on our Rising Hip Hop 2025 playlist — updated every[...]

Roy Flush – “Buggin’ Out”

October 13, 2025

The Eastside of Buffalo continues to produce some of the most compelling artists in the 716. One of our favorite new acts is rapper Roy Flush, who brings a street sensibility to each of his bars. “Buggin’ Out” is one of his recent highlights. It’s a great track to explore Roy’s mindset and his experiences, as each line drips with authenticity. Verses describe his connections within the prison system, intimidation with a purpose and the gravitational pull of the streets.  A voice representing a conscious asks Roy on the hook about his behavior, and his poignant response is essentially that it’s just the way things have to be. Roy’s anchored on the beat by a melancholic soul sample that really grounds Roy’s street diary. Its sweetness counters Roy’s aggressiveness and creates a perfectly well-rounded sonic experience. Give it a spin below. Check out Roy’s latest run of singles on Spotify.[...]

Lex Leosis – “theweeds”

October 13, 2025

Blossoming Canadian rapper Lex Leosis takes 3 beats to to (re)introduce herself on her latest single, “theweeds.” Formerly of rap trio The Sorority, Lex has spent the last half decade perfecting her solo sound, and now that she’s on the other side of COVID and other health scares, she’s ready to take her sound worldwide. “theweeds” has three distinct sections, separated by instrumental changes from produced Harry Jay as well as Lex’s own narration. Her aggressive flow, confidence between the bars and tenacious one-liners combine for a highly engaging experience — especially when Lex combines her rapping with singing accents. You can find “theweeds” on our New and Rising Hip Hop playlist on Spotify — be sure to check out the music video for this track too, and get a taste of Lex’s poise and presence on the mic.

Trizz + AC3Beats – “On My Mama”

October 12, 2025

It doesn’t matter the problem – LA-area rapper Trizz is gonna have an answer for it. For his latest track, the Inland-empire emcee links up with another local artist in producer AC3Beats, who’s crafted a distinctly West Coast sound. Trizz’s flow is as calm as a California breeze, taking his time in meshing with AC3’s beat while he gets his solutions to life’s issues in order. On My Mama” describes his cool demeanor whether he’s inviting someone outside to settle a score or packing heat in the front seat. This track is an ode to the cool California gangster, and Trizz has the perfect attitude for the job. Check out the visuals for “On My Mama” down below, and check out these artists on Spotify (Trizz and AC3Beats) to discover more from their discography. “On My Mama” appears on our Emerging Hip Hop 2025 playlist — updated every week with[...]

flow.fx, Oriiginelle, and Milaa – “inhale_exhale”

October 11, 2025

German beatmaker flow.fx has found a delightful pairing with his singing countrymate Milaa and rising Eswatini hip hop artist Oriiginelle. The three join forces for the engaging, ethereal and tranquil new track “inhale_exhale.” The two female vocalists split duties here, offering encouraging if not spellbinding advice, as they beacon you closer and encourage you to breathe. Verses smoothly transition between singing and rapping as flow.fx’s drums pace you forward through the swirling sirens of the backing vocals. It coalesces together perfectly into one breath. Give “inhale_exhale” a listen on our Rising Hip Hop playlist, and give these artists a look while you’re there.

Stella Standingbear – “Mmhmm”

October 8, 2025

Rising rapper and award-winning Lakota artist Stella Standingbear has a lot to celebrate . Since her multiple wins at 2023’s Indigenous Hip Hop awards, Stella has shared the stage with Trippie Redd, gone viral with her music on social media platforms, and even made waves with a memorable showcase of her ancestry and culture in her On the Radar freestyle performance, accompanied by traditional dancers. Bear’s latest track, “Mmhmm” is a nice capstone to all she’s accomplished in recent odds, and is a great new entrant to the celebratory subgenre of hip hop. On a DJ Mustard-esque beat, Stella remembers where she came from, and takes a beat to breathe in all of her recent accomplishments. Her wordplay and storytelling still cut through this catchy beat, culminating in a fitting chorus, “I need a round of applause, I went and beat all the odds.” If you’re digging Stella, check her out[...]

Wild East Radio – “wilder than who”

October 8, 2025

The fellas at Wild East Radio are offering something for every rap fan: High quality bars, interesting and varied flows, and a great relationship with their production. The NYC trio each bring a distinct energy on their latest single, “wilder than who,” leaving us listeners with the age old question, “who’s getting wilder than these guys?” Each rapper’s delivery perfectly adds to production that ebbs and flows between sparse and banging. A couple of piano notes and a smattering of drums sound huge when paired with these guys. Add “wilder than who” to your high energy playlists. “Wilder than who” appears on 2025’s Reset I EP – and the good news for fans of this track is that they crew just dropped a Reset II for your ear teeth to chew on. Checkout “wilder than who” on our underground hip hop playlist, updated every single week.

JRoberts – “Celtic Connoisseur”

October 4, 2025

Worlds collide often for rising rapper JRoberts. The Irish-born, Toronto-based artist never strays far from his influences as he’s delivered a steady output of street conscious hip hop throughout recent years. His latest track, “Celtic Connoisseur” highlights what sets him apart as an artist. Fueled by his roots, his demeanor, and his desire for success, JRoberts has built out his own lane and it’s up to you whether you’re in on his journey. His gruff rapping delivery does little to put you at ease, comfortable with the places he’s been and paths he’s crossed. Soulful producer Imperetiv is behind the beat for “Celtic” offering up an expertly chopped sample for JRoberts to muse over. “Celtic Connoisseur” appears on JRoberts recent Shamrocks and Machine Guns project. If you’re feeling like more of JRoberts, check him out on Spotify. While you’re there, take our Underground Hip Hop playlist for a spin and[...]

Pablo Eskobear – “Found You”

October 2, 2025

Grand Rapids beatmaker Pablo Eskobear channels his drumming ability with his knack for finding interesting samples on his lovely new instrumental love song “Found You.” Crate digging served the Bear well on this one. “Found You” is built around a vintage soul love song, chopped into a slightly wonky, heavily evocative instrumental. Pablo plays with both the sample and the drums underneath it, adding, subtracting and manipulating them right when you feel settled in. Maybe it’s in the same way that love keeps you on your toes. Press play and listen to what he pulls out of this sample. If you’re interesting in hearing more production from Pablo, be sure to check him out on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our hip hop playlist where we feature interesting artists in the underground scene.

PB Mogul – “Funhouse”

October 2, 2025

Utica’s PB Mogul is a rapper best known for his gruff delivery and Upstate-street sense. He last graced our pages with the gritty trap anthem “20 on the Stove,” seeing a feature from WNY’s 38 Spesh. His latest, “Funhouse” is 100% PB, 2:48 minutes of venom as he chews up fashion posers, weak rappers, and anyone else he finds within his ironsights. The beat features the trappiest trap snares you’ve ever heard, and that subject is well known to PB too as he references the quality of his work by how happy his customers were testing it out. The best storytellers in rap have truth behind their words, and that’s certainly a core feature of the PB Mogul output. If you’re into this new PB track, check out more of his on Spotify. While you’re there, give our Hip Hop playlist a listen, where we feature new and up and[...]

Westside Gunn – HEELS HAVE EYES 2

October 2, 2025

Westside Gunn always delivers what he promises. Back in his pushing days on the seedier sides of Buffalo, that was crack or another illicit substance. Throughout his steady rise to the top of the rap game, it’s been addicting gun impersonations, endless pro wrestling references, and depictions of high fashion items that you’ll never own yourself.    Throughout a decade of increasing notoriety, the Griselda member’s collaborative CV includes the likes of MF DOOM, Danny Brown, Tyler, the Creator, and Rick Ross alongside some of the greatest beatmakers we’ve had going (Alchemist and DJ Premier to name a couple). Gunn and Griselda’s status has grown, but their essence remains the same – Buffalo scenes and faces have graced the covers and lines of countless pieces from the group through the years, with at least one significant project dropping every single year since 2016.    Gunn’s high workrate continues through 2025,[...]

d$hip – “SLID’N THRU”

October 1, 2025

Up and coming rapper d$hip was sent to “take over the underground” on his latest track “SLID’N THRU.” With relentless flow and swagger, d$hip brings a contagious energy that works on any style of instrumental. This time around, producer STUDIO5’s spun up a dance-y, sample-heavy beat with driving pianos and swirling strings that d$hip finds effortless comfort flowing on. As the beat evolves, d$hip digs in. His vocals could be a freestyle with the charisma he brings – impossible to practice or rehearse. Give it a listen for yourself and see what playlist if fits into. If you’re feeling more from d$hip check him out on Spotify where you’ll find a smattering of recent singles. While you’re there, take a look at our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist – it’s updated every single week with exciting new artists.

Jordan Burgett – “bellies of the beast”

September 29, 2025

Listener beware: The griminess of the beat in this latest single from Cedar Rapids rapper Jordan Burgett will rearrange your face for the day. “Bellies of the Beast” is a little bit of “NOSEstalgia” with a war-ready chorus. It’s an instant classic instrumental for your minimalist, gritty, grimy playlists – and Burgett’s game lyrically, too. He’s not impressed with the industry he’s seen in his chase for acclaim, and he matches the energy of the beat in telling you why. If you’re feeling Jordan, give him a listen on Spotify. While you’re there, take our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist for a spin – it’s updated every single week with fire new tunes from artists like Jordan.

Lucid – “Idk what you expect”

September 28, 2025

Wichita rapper Lucid brings the soul from unlikely places on his latest track “idk what you expect.” Built around pulsing piano and a stirring soul sample, this single is 1:55 of tight, freestyle-flavored hip hop.  Lucid challenges the listener and the person on the other side of his pen to understand his psyche. How do you create artful music without motivation? How can you find love without seeking substance? These are some of the questions Lucid words out in his quick-hitter — perfect to mix into your hip hop head playlists, heavy on bars and poetic verses. If you dig what you’re hearing from Lucid, give him a listen on Spotify. While you’re there, check out our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist -updated weekly with exciting new rappers like Lucid.

Hardbody Jones – “Lariat”

September 25, 2025

Canadian artist/engineer/DJ Hardbody Jones knows what goes into quality tracks, and his latest effort “Lariat” applies the lessons he’s learned to form a silky-smooth, expertly-produced hip hop single. The studio owner brings some production tricks with him, as “Lariat’s” font half is build on a seemingly straightforward sample (I’m sure it’s more complicated than that), before layering in some chops, snares and bass drum that get your head nodding and face scrunching. Lyrically, BODY is honest, earnest and reflective. He’s also frank and funny as fuck. Thoughts like “It’s hard to keep livid” are matched with “if my bitch got a weak fit, then I’m livid.” Personality is packed into each bar and soul swells in each beat of the rhyme. “Lariat” is the first track on Hardbody’s freshly released project I Guess I’ll Be Okay – take that for a spin if you’re digging what you’re hearing. If you want to[...]