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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.

KID NATIVE and Loose Tee – “SMOKE NICE”

May 30, 2025

Smoke them if you’ve got them, my dudes ✌️. “SMOKE NICE,” the latest stoner anthem from rappers KID NATIVE and Loose Tee is sure to fit right in with your 420 friendly playlists and elevate your elevated state. Loose Tee is vivid in his smoked-out lyricism, evoking a sight many of us are familiar with on his first verse with the line “Windows down, smoke roll out of them.” KID NATIVE takes the stick on the second verse and leans into the floatiness of the production – matching his flow with the relaxed but deliberate beat. This after an early Curren$y track is the ideal soundtrack for your next light up. Be sure to follow the KID NATIVE YouTube page and follow him and Loose Tee on Spotify. If you’re into discovering more underground rap artists, check out our Spotify playlist, updated every week.

Jason Isaac and flapslaps – “Out of Sight”

May 25, 2025

Chicago artists Jason Isaac and flapslaps are two fresh faces in the local lo-fi scene. Jason’s floating vocal deliveries cut through flapslaps’ dreamscape production style to create hypnotic heady sounds with their latest display “Out of Sight.” The new single from the artists is equal parts starry and grounded – the yin and yang intentional when Isaac raps lines like “I’m a paradox, I care a lot and I don’t.” slaps’ twinkling production takes you to another realm, one guided by Isaac’s confident delivery. “Out of Sight” slots in amongst your favorite lo-fi tracks – transport to the clouds in which these two artists reside. Listen to both of their output on Spotify, and if you like this track, catch our Emerging Hip Hop playlist where we compile our favorite new tracks on a weekly basis.

MK Zulu and Harry Gray – “Passport Baby”

May 25, 2025

DMV area artists and frequent collaborators Harry Gray and MK Zulu bring forth a soulful, suave single just in time for the summer. Their latest track “Passport Baby” combines accessible, R+B influenced rapping styles with a bouncy house influenced beat – complete with live instrumentation. Zulu’s a Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, notable for his talent on the trumpet. Gray’s a genre-bender known for mixing sound potions in a winning formula for his audience. Their specialties are on display with “Passport Baby,” which boasts a big chorus, a driving groove and that horn breakdown that’s gonna have you fluttering your fingers when you drive oceanside. Or wherever your passport takes you – maybe it’s a sea or a lake. Check out more from Harry Gray or MK Zulu on Spotify and if you’re into this sound, then hit up our Emerging Hip Hop playlist for new music posted each week!

Jayrad ft. Dalton Witt – “Type Shit”

May 21, 2025

Your head might knock off your body when the beat kicks in on this latest track from Arkansas rappers Dalton Witt and Jayrad. Their new single “Type Shit” features a vintage horn loop, knocking drums, and menacing flows that are perfectly timed for maximum damage. Dalton and Jayrad trade verses packed with threats, flexes, and one-liners that’ll quickly gain your allegiance. Close your eyes and you can picture yourself alongside these dudes drag-racing through the streets of Conway, AR on lines like “Skrt wanna race? Come and jump in the Hell Cat. New bitch is evil, she might got the hell cat.” The verses and beat go hard as hell and it’s a great song to crank the bass up on. Check out more from the guys on Spotify and listen to them another other up and comers in the scene on our Underground Hip Hop playlist. 

Loui$ Automatic – “Hypnotized”

May 17, 2025

Precision is the name of the game for Detroit’s Loui$ Automatic. The rising rapper is known for his live performances and nostalgic but forward-thinking sound. His latest effort, “Hypnotized” has crisp, accessible hip hop production and a smooth vocal performance that works for both hardcore and casual hip hop enthusiasts. The track details the mesmerizing effects of a dancer, who seems to draw the attention of everyone she comes in contact with. Radio-ready hook, top class production, and an easy-to-follow story – can’t ask for more from a single. Check out more from LOUI$ AUTOMATIC on Spotify – and take a look at the visuals for the track below. You can find LOUI$ on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist along other exciting new players in rap.

Pavy – “Another Chicago Girl”

May 10, 2025

Chicago hip hop artist Pavy is in a familiar spot on his latest track “Another Chicago Girl.” Pavy’s a natural storyteller – he first takes us to his youth when his maturity and relationship skills were still developing. It didn’t work for him and his interest then. The second half of the track brings us to current day. Now that he’s older – maybe it’s time to revisit this? Pavy’s certainly game to try. “Another Chicago Girl” explores rekindling that flame and does so with a killer hook that Pavy delivers immediately to start the song. Get a taste of his songwriting flair with this one. Check out more from Pavy on Spotify, and check him out among other exciting artists on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Kiwiliwi – “Rich Like Hallelujah”

May 10, 2025

Swedish rapper/producer Kiwiliwi unlocks a Chief Keef sample for his latest track “Rich Like Hallelujah.” A Gothic production atmosphere backdrops the single before Chiraq’s number one export steps to the plate – at least a sample of him does. An aggressive, irreverent verse from Finally Rich standout “Hallelujah” provides a carefree menace on verse 1.  Kiwiliwi plays his counterpart on the back half this track, coming in with a distinctly different energy for the track. On vocals he’s soft and careful, fluttering between autotuned singing and rapping as he feels out his position against Chief’s verse and the choir within the beat. Yung Lean fans will dig, Chief Keef fans get a nice memory – everyone wins. Check out the track on Spotify at Kiwiliwi’s profile or on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Red Velvet Papi, M3rce, & Junogloc – “Double Play”

May 6, 2025

Three emcees with NYC roots join forces to drop a tasty modern boom bap lick with this new track “Double Play.” New York’s Red Velvet Papi and M3rce, and Atlanta’s Junogloc are the minds behind the single – which elevates a chill beat into a full vibe with subdued deliveries and nonchalant flexes. I’ve never heard a less bothered rapper hit a line like “No matter how much you try, you can’t even front.” Each rapper brings a slightly different flavor to the mix, and the end result is a track that blends perfectly into your boom bap, smoking, and chill hip hop playlists. Check out more from Papi, M3rce, and Junogloc on Spotify. You’ll find them and more exciting new hip hop artists on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Tevin Williams – “PWFIRE”

May 6, 2025

Queens rapper Tevin Williams brings gets deep with the references on his Neptunes-flavored single “PWFIRE.” Shakers, shiny keyboards and a big hook anchor “PWFIRE,” where Tevin shows off his distinct rapping style and slick delivery. Tevin’s in his bag when the wordplay’s at its nichiest niche. “Shit that I reference got the nerd’s eyes wise” he raps after he drops an insane Sharon Enos reference. Googleable lines counter that early 2000s radio-friendly production style – it feels sweet on the ears. Thought maybe a Mystikal feature was coming around the corner. Check out more from Tevin on Spotify, where you’ll see him features on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist.

Anthony OKS – “Warning Signs”

May 4, 2025

Winnipeg’s Anthony OKS channels both Mos Def and Saukrates on his newest effort “Warning Signs.” Growth has been top of mind in Anthony’s latest works, and on “Warning Signs,” it’s omnipresent. On the track’s hook, he calls out “I just want to make me proud, my goal is to be better.” When the verses strike, Anthony trades off between being clearheaded and skeptical, mentioning “I hate rhetorical questions” as he ponders his personal and interpersonal relationships. The track also features heavenly harmonies from Anthony and featured artist Marisolle Negash.  Add it alongside your more thoughtful  R+B and hip hop playlists. If you’re digging Anthony OKS, check him out on Spotify alongside more great artists on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

The Master Mimic – “On Go!”

April 30, 2025

Mysterious emerging rapper The Master Mimic comes through with a KO on his first single – a relentless onslaught of bars titled “On Go!” Produced by Michigan beatmaker Enrgy Beats, “On Go!” is driven by its heavy bottom half, with accenting snares and a winding synth loop. Mimic finds countless pockets in the beat, hitting bars “Wilder than Deontay or LA Fires”as he switches subjects, targets, and punchlines with an effortless delivery. Sounding a bit like Zack Fox but influenced by the Detroit scene, The Master Mimic is definitely one to watch as his profiles add new tracks. Get in early. Listen to the Master Mimic on Spotify and check him out on our 2025 Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist. 

Howzen – “Blind Test”

April 24, 2025

Rising rapper Howzen’s parlayed his passion for drumming into a full-fledged hip hop hobby, showing off his talent on his latest track “Blind Test.” There’s not a vocal style Howzen won’t mix in — on “Blind Test” he’s singing, rapping, and using some tasteful autotune as he discusses his ancestors and his relationship with his faith. “Blind Test” respects the grind, as Howzen calls out on the chorus “All wanna know what’s next, but it’s about the mindset.” The track’s production includes some powerful string parts featuring violin and harp, supplemented by a floating gothic vocal sample. It’s a good motivational track for your grindset/mindset playlists. You can listen to more from Howzen on Spotify, Apple Music, or on our Rising Hip Hop Playlist.