In our last article on Independent Rappers to Check out, we were only able to cover 10. This post would touch on 20 more that are actively using the internet and other creative means to develop and sustain a career in music.
The artists in this post are non-mainstream non-trap hip-hop artists, and those mentioned in our previous post aren’t mentioned here, so if you feel some artists were left out, check out our previous post here or leave us a message on Twitter or Instagram and don’t forget to follow us
Here we go in no particular order;
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1. Ransom
Brooklyn Born Jersey City raised rapper Ransom is among the recent wave of rappers that have been in the industry since the early 2000s but caught their break in the 2010s. Since his critically acclaimed album “A History of Violence” in 2016, he’s being on a roll, most recently with his Big Ghost LTD produced “Heavy is The Head”.
2. RJ Payne
Another rapper who’s been around since the early 2000s who’s just getting his much-deserved respect is RJ Payne. RJ is arguably the most punchline-heavy rapper out now, destroying almost anyone brave enough to feature him.
3. Tobe Nwigwe
Tobe Nwigwe hasn’t just built a music career, he and his team have built a vibe. With standout music videos, costumes, and styles, they’ve been able to independently amass a huge following and respect from legendary artists like Blackthought, Bun B, and Royce.
4. Lord Jah Monte-Ogbon
Charlotte rapper began seeing more widespread success in January 2021 after a PitchFork feature on his video, even though he’s been grinding locally for years. His recognition is long overdue which is evident by listening to his music.
5. Hus Kingpin
Hus and the godfather Roc Marciano come from the same Long Island town, and it can be heard from their music. He’s one of the most recognized among the new wave of underground hip-hop artists.
6. Armand Hammer
This NY duo of Billy Woods and Elucid has been bubbling under since 2013. Now with their latest, The Alchemist produced project “Haram”, they are finally on a much bigger stage.
7. CJ Fly
Brooklyn Rapper and Producer CJ Fly is a founding member of Joey Bada$$’s Pro Era. He’s been able to consistently build his brand and gain recognition outside of Pro Era.
8. Rome Streetz
The 35-year-old London-born, New York-bred rapper has been consistent enough dropping over 10 albums in 4 years and getting the legendary DJ Mugg’s attention, which led the pair to release a collaborative album.
9. The Opioid Era
This Virginia trio of individual veterans describes their music as hard, dark, and illegal. Ambassador Rick, Grunge Gallardo, and King Kong Gotcha not only spit correct, but their bars are also entertaining.
10. Dark Time Sunshine
This critically acclaimed Seatle-based alternative hip-hop group comprising of Onry Ozzborn and Chicago producer Zavala has been on a hiatus since 2012 but came through this year with the album “Lore”.
11. Your Old Droog
The Ukrainian-born Brooklyn rapper has been making heads nod since 2014 and has kept up at it. He’s one of the most notable of the recent wave of underground artists, and has been approached by some of the biggest labels, but chose to remain independent.
12. Mach-Hommy
The elusive Haitian-American rapper from New Jersey has built an exclusive brand that allows him to charge $300-$3000 for his work. Most recently, “Pray For Paris” was executively produced by Griselda’s Westside Gunn.
13. Tha God Fahim
Atlanta native Tha God Fahim has dropped about 70 tapes so far, with a joint album with Your Old Droog being one of the most recent.
14. Pink Siifu
Pink Siifu and Fly Anakin have been creating dope work and have caught the attention of fellow artists and hip-hop heads alike. They both have a solid body of work and seem to have so much more to offer.
15. CRIMEAPPLE
New Jersey native CRIMEAPPLE is most definitely one of the most impressive rappers out now. Dropping excellent project after project, this verbal acrobat’s music should be paid attention to.
16. Fly Anakin
Fly Anakin and Pink Siifu have been creating dope work and have caught the attention of fellow artists and hip-hop heads alike. They both have a solid body of work and seem to have so much more to offer.
17. Navy Blue
Sage Gabriel Carlos Atreyu Elsesser (born January 31, 1997), also known as Navy Blue, is a regular-footed American skateboarder, rapper, and record producer is responsible for one of the most impressive albums in the past year. “Song of Sage: Post Panic” is a must-listen.
18. Flee Lord
This protegee of Prodigy of Mobb Deep is one of the grittiest out. Pushing beyond the loss of his mentor, Flee Lord has been able to make a consistent impact which has made him one of the top underground artists out now.
19. ElCamino
The Buffalo native, as well as Navy Blue, are some of the youngest on this list. Nevertheless, their music has equal energy and relevance with their older peers. The success of Griselda shone some light on this talented rapper/singer as he was discovered by Westside Gunn. His life story provides him with enough content to keep bringing the heat.
20. Smoke DZA
Smoke DZA isn’t new on the block. He’s been relevant as long as Big K.R.I.T and has remained so.
21. 38 Spesh
Grinding through music since the late 2000s, 38 has been able to transcend to a producer and music exec while still dropping gems through multiple collaborations as well as solo efforts.
Conclusion
The more artists we discover, the more posts we’ll write, so make sure to leave a comment and follow us on Twitter and IG, and also check out our Merch on Amazon.
You can also check out our previous post here.