After hearing Flo Milli and CHIKA, I knew I had to dive deeper into the Alabama hip-hop style and culture. And after finding out that YBN Nahmir and Mick Jenkins are also from Alabama, I knew this state was full of some serious talent.
While it’s hard to pinpoint one style or subgenre to Alabama hip-hop, the talent doesn’t fall short. If anything, there’s a surprise with each one of these extremely talented Alabama rappers. Here are ten rising or prominent artists from the state that are worth tapping in with.
10 Alabama Rappers You Should Be Supporting
CHIKA
Montgomery
CHIKA is the most dynamic musician coming out of Alabama. She skillfully intertwines her melodic vocals with powerful rap verses. She has become a Gen Z icon with her socially conscious and impactful messages, and her talent and personality couldn’t have been hidden for long, especially with all of her viral moments.
In 2019, she got signed to Warner which led her to an extremely successful release of her debut album “INDUSTRY GAMES.” Just like all of her music, this album holds a strong message hidden inside attractive hip-hop beats. This project is all about not playing games with the music industry and summing up her eventful 2019. In 2020, she was included in the XXL Freshman Class, as well as being nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist.
I had a lot of trouble turning CHIKA’s music off. Two songs that went straight to my playlist were, “DESIGNER” and “FWB.”
Translee
Huntsville
Translee has long been apart of the Alabama hip-hop scene. He uses hip-hop as a platform, with his lyrics sending a message of eloquence that liberates listeners all over. His goal is for his music to get people through hard times in this crazy world. His 2016 track, “Lost in the Sauce” brought him to the mainstream.
Though he’s been dropping music since 2014, his 2018 project “Freedom Summer” really shows his progression and versatility as an artist. This project is full of real talk and beats that delight the ear. After being taken in by T.I. to be apart of The Hustle Gang, Translee knew his talent was validated. His single “Catch This Wave” featuring T.I. showcases his lyrical abilities and capability of keeping up with huge artists.
Lil Bam
Avondale
If you can’t guess by the name, Lil Bam embodies Alabama rap. A steady charismatic flow over sly beats that really sneak up on you. You’ll catch yourself bobbing your head to almost every one of Lil Bam’s tracks. His slight southern accent shines through his witty lyrics, throwing out bars like “I’m with the reaper like Billy and Mandy.”
His 2018 hit with Lil Baby, “Rapper & Trapper” launched him into a successful career, with many projects coming after. In 2020 he released two albums both raking in millions of streams. The highlight being his project, “Airport Baby” which reps his Avondale roots, a town that isn’t known for much but their airport.
NoCap
Mobile
NoCap prides himself on staying outside of the box, creating music that doesn’t quite compare to anyone else. NoCap is no doubt one of the hottest rappers coming out of Alabama. With consistent hits, NoCap proves he’s on a steady rise.
His 2019 single “Ghetto Angels” proves that vulnerable lyricism connects with listeners more than anything, reaching 10’s of millions of streams. This track also proves that he doesn’t need anyone to assist him on the track to create a hit, and consistently proving that throughout his whole discography. Although his style enhances others when collaborating on a track together. He proves this on his song “Count a Million” with Lil Uzi Vert.
TLE Cinco
Birmingham
TLE Cinco may as well lead the Alabama trap scene with his fluid trap anthems. His 2018 hit “All The Money” brought him to the mainstream after being reposted by WorldStarHipHop. This carefree track may not have a deeper meaning other than spending and getting more money, but it proved the appeal of this simplistic style.
TLE Cinco was quickly discovered and signed by 300 Entertainment, home of rappers like Young Thug and Shy Glizzy. If you’re looking for straightforward lyricism delivered with excitement on hype beats, you’re going to want to click shuffle on TLE Cinco.
Rylo Rodriguez
Mobile
Rylo Rodriguez is one of the most exciting rappers coming out of Alabama. He blends hip-hop with elements of mellow R&B and even rock. His track “Yesterday” presents a laid back guitar riff with bass booming throughout the whole song. All tied together with a unique, mildly melodic flow. Rylo’s beats are just as exciting as his vocals and lyrical content, balancing each other perfectly.
There’s no surprise that the two hottest rappers coming out of Alabama collaborated. Rylo and NoCap’s joint mixtape “Rogerville” gained a lot of attention in 2019, and set Rylo up for a strong release in 2020 for his project, “G.I.H.F.“
Luh Soldier
Birmingham
Luh Soldier is best known for his 2019 freestyle that went viral on Instagram. He didn’t stop there with proving his lyrical abilities. Luh Soldier released project after project within the past couple years. With 6 projects all reaching millions of streams, Luh Soldier is on a steady rise to the top. And with Cinematic Music Group behind him now, there’s no stopping him. His track “What Happened” is audible evidence of his effortless flow and rhythm. His song “NAW FR” shows how well his style enhances other rappers.
OMB Peezy
Mobile
OMB Peezy has been rapping longer than most. Coming from a family full of musicians, he began rapping at age 12. OMB Peezy perfected his Southern rap-influenced craft young, making waves before the age of 20. After his 2016 hit, “Lay Down” he caught the attention of Nef the Pharaoh who passed his music on to E-40. This led to being signed to E-40’s label 300 Entertainment/Sick Wid It.
Now that he’s living in California, you can hear the West Coast influence shining through in a lot of his songs. Especially on his tracks, “Lay Down” and “Doin Bad.” It’s intriguing to hear southern rap on top of a West Coast beat.
DaDa1k
Birmingham
It’s not often you hear a gritty voice with such soulful vocals. DaDa1k creates a style of his own, sticking out as one of the hottest emerging rappers coming out of Alabama. He shows his dynamic style throughout his whole discography, with techniques that cross limits. Tracks that stuck out the most were “War Ready” and “Bruno,” going straight to my playlist.
His versatile style allows him to hop on any kind of beat. This gives him endless potential for collaborating with other rappers. While he doesn’t have many big collaborations on record, it’s not long before rappers all over the country will discover him. Once discovered, DaDa1k is guaranteed to explode.
HoneyKomb Brazy
Mobile
HoneyKomb Brazy seems to be a bit of a mystery, though he’s been in the headlines many times. We’ve seen him go through stints in jail and even his grandparents being tragically murdered in their own home. He implied on Instagram it could be his own fault for getting them caught up in his mess. HoneyKomb Brazy has been through a lot and uses hip-hop as a way to get the weight off him. His natural lyrical ability shines through his intricate yet effortless flow. Proving this on his 7-minute-long track, “That’s The Intro (Freestyle).” His 2021 album “1067” is a must-listen.
Though there aren’t many huge rappers that have come out of Alabama, the ones that have, prove that it’s possible for these small town artists. This list proves that Alabama has a promising hip-hop scene, and it won’t be long before we see the next Gucci Mane or Yung Bleu.
Check out the playlist!
If you know of any other Alabama rappers who should be on a list like this, please comment below with your recommendations and/or reach out directly with music via email (info@respectmyregion.com).
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