In the wake of all things Gucci and YOLO, these indie rappers have emerged from the shadows to drop nukes on the competition with ill lyrics and heavy beats that'll shake your headphones.
1. Joey Bada$$
This Brooklyn native has been under the limelight for some time now with hits like "Christ Conscious" and "Paper Trails." Originally named Jo-Vaughn Virginie, Scott is better known as Joey Bada$$. His rhythms and beats revolve around political and social issues that provide a layout for his fire. He’s probably in my top five favorite rappers as of now.
Song to check out: "Escape 120" ft. Raury
2. Earl Sweatshirt
Good Ol’ Earl. This young punk was held back from rap for some time due to his own mother. Sent to a boarding school in Samoa, Earl would return to birthplace of Hip Hop, teaming up with Tyler the Creator to form Odd Future. Nevertheless, it was Earl’s album "Doris" and "I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside" exhibited Earl’s massive vocabulary, portraying a unique indie style of Hip Hop.
Song: "Knight" ft. Domo Genesis
3. Mick Jenkins
Alabama born Jayson Jenkins would move to the south side of Chicago and find his passion in rapping, expanding on political and social issues as seen through his past life. He provides a story over an indie beat, and is personally one of my favorite rappers out there.
Song: "The Waters"
4. Run the Jewels
Most of you know these guys. Their violent flow and beats can give someone a headache or even tick them off, but that’s exactly why their fans love them. From the minds of Killer Mike and El-P, these guys don’t mess around. And they want the world to know that. They have a distinct style of music, like a grungier EDM song with a heavy bass and ill lyrics.
Song: "Rubble Kings Theme (Dynamite)"
5. Isaiah Rashad
Please come out with another album. Unlike Run the Jewels, Isaiah Rashad is more for a low key kickback rather than party music. Hit the play button, and enjoy the sweet serenade from this young gun.
Song: "Shot You Down" ft. Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q
6. The Underachievers
If you’re looking for a psychedelic trip that’ll take you through some adventure of sorts… then this is for you. That’s really all I can say. (Stay in school, kids.)
Song: "Herb Shuttles"
7. Lil Dicky
If you don’t know Dave Burd, then IDK what to say to you. Go look him up? IDC, it’s a free country. But lemme educate you on this Jewish rapper. Yeah, he’s Jewish. His rhymes are hilarious and his flow is crazy. With only one album out, his technique and unique style has been accepted by many young adults, reviving Weird Al’s hilarious lyrics with an insane beat.
Song: "Too High"
8. Pell
Pell doesn’t sound like a rapper’s name, but don’t be fooled. Jared Pellerin, now known as Pell, is a New Orleans homeboy with another indie style of rap. Great music to hangout to, his flow and beats are mellow yet vibrant with many social themes and issues people go through on a daily basis.
Song: "Eleven:11"
9. Vince Staples
From Long Beach, California, this West Coast rapper provided us with one of the most prominent albums of 2015, "Summertime ‘06." His flow really does flow with the beat. His ability to tell a story with a West Coast style of music can brings back nostalgia.
Song: "Norf Norf"
10. Johnny Polygon
John W. Armour straight outta… Oklahoma. Rappers come from all over the place, and this trippy psychedelic artist can paint a picture through a weird, yet distinct form of rap. With most rappers spitting bars about politics and going from 0 to 100 real quick, this rapper chose a different take on rap. Bringing in themes and subjects from drugs to video games, this rapper can paint a story starting with smoking too much marijuana to then end it with Santa Claus riding a velociraptor… He’s good at rapping is what I’m trying to say.
Song: "Lovesick"
11. Ishdarr
Milwaukee’s very own. A young lad with an ambition to be one of the greats (like every other rapper) kinda has like this Chance the Rapper and Mac Miller vibe. His beats aren’t like most rappers, but his lyrics and beats are a mix of Johnny Polygon’s indie music, with Pell’s lyrics. It’s a good mix if you ask me.
Song: "Too Bad"
12. Raury
Raury Deshawn Tullis, known as just Raury, is the definition of indie rap. Just listen to his music and you’ll understand.
Song: "Devil’s Whisper"
13. Freddie Gibbs
Fredrick Tipton grew up in Gary, Indiana, one of the worst places to live in the world. I used to drive past that place all the time. But the hard life didn’t stop Fred here. No, instead he chose rap as means to escape the hell he grew up in. Chill beats and ill lyrics is what this gentleman is all about.
Song: "Harolds"
