Latest Posts

MATTFOU – “Truth Be Told Again pt. 2”

August 10, 2025

Indie artist MATTFOU takes a break from his fuck ‘n rock outfit HÆDNUT to drop a study beats/conscious hip hop track that sounds right at home in your Nujabes playlist. Paced by piano and trumpets, “Truth Be Told” is a seamless entrant into these genres. MATTFOU’s lyrics focus on empowering the collective willpower while uplifting the next generation. On the hook, he raps “truth be told, we don’t break, even when the world tries to raise the stakes,” and closes out the song with more of this mindset: “I don’t rap to floss, I rap to breathe, to remind the next child what their soul can be.” My favorite conscious hip hop tracks are the ones that are focuses on the greater good – ones that non-hop hop heads can drop in on and see the quality of songwriting. That’s what MATTFOU’s done here, and he’s also done it on[...]

IAMJALEO – “Call Out”

August 4, 2025

Alternative hip hop artist IAMJALEO knows his worth. His latest release “Call Out” narrates the all-too-familiar sense of feeling undervalued. Through the lens of his less-than-satisfactory 9-5, IAMJALEO discusses how the time and energy suck away valuable time from creating art. Despite the temptation of calling out (as hinted in the song name and hook), paying rent and actually funding artistic passions keeps IAMJALEO and countless others clocking in when their heart and mind couldn’t be elsewhere. Their outlet becomes venting through art, which does benefit us listeners when it’s this well done and creative. “Call Out” boasts a backdrop of jazzy guitar runs and a chorus way more engaging than the job IAMJAELO likely crafted it during. If you’re digging, take a listen to more of his work on Spotify and check him out on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist, updated every single week with dope new[...]

Statz – “SATURDAYS WITH JOE” ft. Dez Luciano

August 1, 2025

Harlem’s Statz builds on his family legacy with his latest effort, “SATURDAYS WITH JOE.” The grandson of a 1950s doo-wop singer, Statz has an ear for soulful melodies and certainly put them to use with the production on this cut. “JOE” is built off of lovely simple sunburst vintage loop, sounding like something Party Supplies or Harry Fraud would have dropped closer to the mid 2010s. Statz and featured artist Dez Luciano offer their philosophical advice on the way people should approach life. Take this one for a spin and pick up some streetwise musings while you cruise through an orange summer evening. IF you’re digging Statz, check out more from him on Spotify. While you’re there, take our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist for a spin – it’s updated with new artist every single week.

iced – “oh, you mad?”

August 1, 2025

Canada rapper iced stays cool in the face of bombastic bass – creating a memorable new single up north with his recent release “oh, you mad?” Built on a meth-fueled xylophone synth line and heavily distorted bottom half, iced brings suitably unpredictable balance. His flows run from frenetic to nonchalant and playful to menacing. Take “oh, you mad” for a spin and add this to your car playlists to test out those speakers your parents got you for Christmas. If you’re interested in more from iced, take a look at his Spotify page, where you’ll find a few other 2025 highlights from the artist, including the singles “LIL BOY” and “EXPOSED.” While you’re there, take a listen to our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist, where you’ll find more exciting new artists every single week.

ZooDeVille – “Get it Tatted” ft. Adam Flowers, Pistol Mcfly, and Jonah Levine

July 23, 2025

ZooDeVille channels early 2010s blog rap to create a fresh, commercial-ready sound on their latest single “Get It Tatted.” Some of my favorite days spent circa 2013 were crawling the pages of DJBooth.net hoping I’d see one of the era’s mainstays repackaging a hot indie rock crossover into the hook for their next single. But in 2025, ZooDeVille, Adam Flowers, Pistol Mcfly, and Jonah Levine don’t need Empire of the Sun or Darwin Deez to drop an indelible single to build a pop rap single around. An earworm chorus that could have been Fueled by Ramen is generated in house by Zoo, and each artist adds in something accessible that makes “Get It Tatted” one of those feel good tracks you can mix in with a running playlist or a pregame and greet either inclusion with a smile. Some of the references are a little too new age for me[...]

MooreBeats – “Upside Down” (ft. LONG LIVE PHOENIX + O.H. BAGS + RealTime + The Commissioner + Z U L U + THEREALMFDOT)

July 23, 2025

MooreBeats is an up and coming old school hip hop producer who’s soulful beats give him more of an architect feel than your conventional beatmaker. His latest single, “Upside Down,” is a timeless, soulful boom-bap cut with such an approachable sound that he got 6 emcees itching to hop on it. Between LONG LIVE PHOENIX, O.H. BAGS, RealTime, The Commissioner, Z U L U, and the THEREALMFDOT, we get a full spectrum of rappers with conscious bars, charismatic deliveries and flows that don’t stop evolving. Give this track an add to your playlists that prioritize the art of sampling and the art of pure unadulterated bars. “Upside Down” appears on MooreBeats Team2025 project, featuring original instrumentals from MooreBeats and a full roster of exciting underground hip hop artists. Take it for a deep dive and come out with a couple new artists in your rotation. Check out MooreBeats on Spotify and[...]

Tebi Rex – “not with a fizzle fr”

July 23, 2025

The Irish duo of Tebi Rex (Max Zenga and Matt O) add another notch to their belt of momentum-building singles with their latest effort, “not with a fizzle fr.” Kicking off with angelic harmonies, “fizzle” evolves into a genre-bending, pace-changing track with elements of indie folk to coalesce with the duo’s alternative hip hop tendencies. Delicate piano, soul-searching saxophone and a grounding breakbeat each take their turn at the center of the production on the track. Vocally, Zanga and O take their turns embracing the light (potentially fleeting) that life’s given them to this stage, with harmonized, considerate singing vocals. Give this song a listen and decide for yourself what type of playlist it’d best serve – your ears will be happy regardless of what you decide. Check out more from Tebi Rex on Spotify, where they’re adding quality, high-performing releases to the growing Irish Hip Hop scene. While you’re[...]

Doza – “Keep it Down”

July 19, 2025

Los Angeles rapper Doza interweaves his Filipino and West Coast roots with his latest single, “Keep it Down.” Jumping directly into a verse, Doza name drops GOAT’d Filipino boxes Manny Pacquiao, California, and Dodgers/Japanese pitching legend Hideo Nomo seconds into the track. Doza’s references are sharp, but his commitment to the craft cuts deeper. “Keep it Down’s” hook begs those who aren’t taking him and his craft seriously to hush their tones so he and his art can control the dial. Production-wise, this track is built off off a classic 90s boom bap beat with at little bit of West Coast flavor — letting Doze feel right at home. If you’re digging Doza, check out more of his work on Spotify. While you’re there, check out him and other awesome up-and-coming artists on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist.

$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[...]