It’s time to spin the records of our hip-hop and rap recommendations. These songs are at the cutting-edge of the genre from some of the globe’s best underground acts, so pay attention kids, you’re about to learn something.
From the first dusty drum knock, ‘Freedom?’ feels urgent and unfiltered. Featuring Coops, Fliptrix’s track is a hard-hitting boom bap statement that cuts straight through the noise. Paired with Forest DLG’s raw production with razor-sharp lyricism. Fliptrix delivers probing, research-driven bars that challenge power structures and question what freedom really means, while Coops matches the intensity with grounded, reflective verses of his own. There’s no posturing here—just truth, tension, and purpose. As a taste of the upcoming Elevation LP, ‘Freedom?’ stands as conscious hip hop at its most fearless and uncompromising.
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Featuring South London rapper Louis Culture, Ryder’s ‘Running Gums’ balances grit and tenderness with striking ease. Built on off-kilter drums, woozy textures, and soul-streaked samples, the production sidesteps rigid club formulas in favor of something looser and lived-in. Louis delivers verses that feel conversational yet cutting, threading humor through grief and growing pains. Their chemistry is natural, born from shared history and mutual respect, giving the track emotional weight without overstatement. There’s tension in every beat, but also warmth, like late-night reflection after long city shifts. ‘Running Gums’ captures a restless, human and quietly addictive from start to finish.
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‘Run Up Sum’ is a high-energy UK rap track fueled by hunger and determination. Blending gritty trap beats with grime influences, Mulii’s song delivers sharp flows and unapologetic motivation. Mulii raps about cutting distractions, staying locked in, and chasing success at all costs, making it a perfect soundtrack for workouts or late-night grind sessions. His Jamaican roots subtly shine through, adding depth to his Bristol-bred sound. The raw delivery and focused lyrics feel authentic, driven by real-life hustle rather than empty bravado. ‘Run Up Sum’ captures the mindset of perseverance, proving Mulii is carving his lane with purpose and fire.
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‘MAD VIGOR’ is a high-octane collision of two Northern California heavyweights, delivering a powerful message that health is wealth. Louis Davis, Jr. (aka Unconventional Loui) brings his signature independent grit to a self-produced beat that bridges Berkeley’s soul with classic BoomBap. Partnering with San Francisco lyricist Frank Stickemz, the track pulses with the hi-fi energy of the Bay and the lyrical sharpness of New York. It’s a conscious anthem designed to transform pain into strength, urging listeners to approach 2026 with relentless momentum. For fans of uncanny lyricism and authentic, street-bred wisdom, this is essential listening.
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Seantommy’s single ’93’ blends dusty piano loops and smoky sax lines with hard-hitting drums, creating a warm, old-school hip-hop palette that feels lived-in rather than nostalgic. His vocal sits front and center, steady and purposeful, carrying the emotional weight with a storyteller’s clarity. There’s grit in the percussion and space in the mix, letting every bar land with intention. Drawing from his English and Irish roots while shaped by Toronto’s scene, he sounds reflective yet driven, balancing conscious lyricism with head-nodding groove. ’93’ feels personal, grounded, and confident, a step forward for artist scoring narrative.
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Kicking off 2026 with a bang, emerging artist Mz delivers a high-octane statement with the new single ‘U DONT’. Blending the relentless aggression of gangsta rap with the sharp, conscious storytelling of icons like Loyle Carner and Eminem, Mz carves out a sound that is both personal and undeniably epic. The track is fueled by dynamic beats and an infectious energy that demands a volume crank. Mz proves to be a lyrical shapeshifter, moving from gritty, hard-hitting verses to rhythmic flows that bridge the gap between UK hip-hop and universal anthems. ‘U DONT’ is a warning shot from a rising star ready to dominate the landscape.
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In ‘With You’, 24-year-old artist Alex delivers a raw, visceral exploration of a toxic cycle. Born in Reading and now based in Cyprus, Alex masterfully fuses Contemporary R&B with the frantic energy of Trap and Jersey Club. The track dives into the psychological knot of a relationship that is objectively harmful, yet impossible to leave. Alex’s greatest strength is his vocal fluidity and his ability to transition between melodic singing and sharp rapping is so seamless it becomes indistinguishable. It’s a moody, high-stakes anthem that perfectly captures the addiction of the familiar, signaling a bold new era for the Cyprus music scene.
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MEME defies all genre boundaries with the genre-bending odyssey ‘FOOLISH RUNNING’. This is a sonic manifesto for the boundless and free-form artist. The journey begins in a psychedelic, spaced-out haze before diving into a heavy, introspective rap verse that demands attention. Just as you settle in, the track pivots into a punk-infused bridge, dripping with gritty guitar riffs and lush vocal harmonies. The finale is nothing short of cinematic, a grand symphonic outro where soaring choirs meet thundering 808s. It’s dark, epic, and refreshingly unpredictable. If this is a preview of the upcoming album STEADY, we’re in for a wild ride.
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In ‘The Calling’, OminousyL (Yukio Leo) delivers a poignant masterclass in cloud-hop, blending the skeletal beauty of lo-fi with the raw vulnerability of emo hip-hop. Self-taught and fiercely independent, the 24-year-old artist uses the track to navigate a deeply personal life story, specifically exploring the weight of loss and the struggle to maintain connection. The song is anchored by a haunting, stripped-back production that allows his healing to take center stage. Backed by XXXTentacion’s Bad Vibes Forever brand, OminousyL transforms his lived experiences into a tool for emotional intelligence, offering listeners a somber yet fulfilling anthem for their own journeys through the dark.
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PURPLE MELON 