The Denver hip-hop music scene has often been overshadowed by other music genres like rock, folk, and EDM. Why that is, we don’t know, but, the city’s tolerance for cannabis and psychedelics has drawn a flood of creatives, shifting the areas demographics toward a younger, more energetic group of artists and creatives.
This new refreshing dynamic has altered the musical landscape as well. A bevy of up-and-coming, super-talented hip-hop artists and rappers is strengthening Denver’s underground music scene like never before. More artists, new technology, plus Covid giving people the chance to really dive into perfecting their craft, there is no question that the music community is steadily revealing a new and more diverse side of the mile-high city.
With so much going on in the world of music, we’re excited to take time to showcase 10 Denver hip-hop artists who are blowing up the underground in a big way. The spirit of Denver’s hip-hop scene can’t be kept in the dark. The city’s artists share their knowledge, promote creativity, and inspire their communities through music, mentoring, and support. They are making the change they want to see in the world and we’re witnessing history along the way.
Trev Rich
Grammy-nominated Denver rapper and songwriter Trev Rich is at the top of his game in 2021. While the past year has put many musicians on hold, Rich remains unstoppable. His momentum was incredible right off the bat when, in 2016, he signed with Cash Money Records, home of superstars like Drake, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj. Then, his song “Elevate” joined tracks from Juice WRLD, Post Malone, and DJ Khalil on 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse.
This year, he released his latest album, Out The Dark, using a highly creative and completely new strategy that asked fans to be part of the process. And, it’s been an enormous success, thanks to his surplus of creativity and clear intentions. Says Rich, “Most just want to show how rich they are in their videos. I’m focused on creating art and working on my inner peace.”
Kid Astronaut
Born and raised in Denver, rapper Kid Astronaut blends soul vibes with pop highs for a delicious hip-hop sound that’s as creative and inspired as his lyrics are thoughtful and honest. Hailing from the RiNo art district, the co-founder of Denver artist collective CONSCIOUS CREATIVES has storytelling chops to match the greatest tale-spinners.
His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, and he’s given a talk at TEDx Boulder, joined the Warped Tour, performed in Europe, oh, and word has it he’s a time traveler. His dedication to transforming life into art has made him a beloved figure on Denver’s art and music scene whenever he’s from. Like his end-of-2020 3-song EP “The Alchemist,” the Kid is a true Colorado treasure.
The Reminders
Why have The Reminders gone unrecognized for so long? They are way too badass to be sitting on the sidelines. Not like they are, but they’ve managed to remain relatively low-key compared to some better known, less-talented artists. This dynamic duo did an NPR Tiny Desk Concert, played the Denver Nuggets halftime show, did a TedX performance, and performed on an SXSW feature by Sway’s Universe.
The fact that The Reminders haven’t attracted more of an audience is proof we live in a crazy world. The talent these two exude is beyond much of what gets radio airplay every hour, every day. Maybe they’re just too good for the masses. Or perhaps the public is just not paying attention. Either way, The Reminders should definitely hold a place of honor on your 2021 hip-hop playlist. Let the other poor fools miss out. Now you’re in the know.
Trayce Chapman
Trayce Chapman is lit in 2021! This Denver hip-hop artist has been an underground staple for half a decade, but it seems like he may have found a sweet spot. His most recent official video, “NASA,” is blowing up on YouTube, with over 43,000 views so far – almost reaching “The Flux” view count over the past full year and more than all his other videos combined.
Chapman’s creative soul has always burned brightly, but his tracks are really firing now. If his recent 2021 tiny desk concert audition earns him a spot on the show, he has a stellar chance of blasting to the top of Denver’s hip-hop scene and beyond.
Xiuhtezcatl
Planetary advocate, environmental activist, and Denver hip-hop artist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez holds an assemblage of performances and collaborations with artists including Jaden, Willow Smith, and Bassnectar. He’s shared global stages with high-profile persons like Bernie Sanders, Shailene Woodley, and Pharrell Williams. He has been featured by a long list of media channels, including Rolling Stone, The Guardian, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and so many more. He made the Times 100 Next, and he’s even been photographed by Annie Leibovitz. Now that’s clout.
But his music is what really gets me. One would expect the director of Earth Guardians to promote peace, ecology, and positivity. Still, the gravitational pull of Xiuhtezcatl’s music surpasses any notions that may come to mind when the words activist and artist are uttered conjointly. Just listen to the teaser track and lead single from his new project, “Take It All Back,” and you’ll see what I mean. This is the sound of a true OG, for sure.
Mizta Sandman
Aurora-based rapper Mizta Sandman has boldly stormed the Denver underground hip-hop scene, blazing a path for those who come behind him with his uplifting spirit and no-holds-barred authenticity. It’s just a matter of time before Sandman’s rising star supernovas in the international independent rap game.
According to Billboard, this Colorado emcee isn’t just gathering a fanbase; he’s building a movement. Much more than just another rapper, Sandman’s soul speaks to those who have ears to hear the purity and truth in his stories. His distinctive voice and eclectic sound make him stand out in a crowd. And he’s one of the region’s biggest hustlers. With the work ethic of a professional artist, look for new tracks from this Mizta soon.
Top Flite Empire
Denver hip-hop artists King Tef and Hypnautic formed Top Flite Empire in 2009. With massive crossover potential and a radio-ready sound, their music bridges generational gaps and transcends specific demographic groups, appealing to hip-hop and rap fans across the board.
These guys are pro for sure, and they’ve been featured on Netflix, MTV, The Source, Vibe, and more the past few years. It usually takes around 10 years for music artists to break through, so it’s about time Top Flite Empire gets some solid recognition. No matter what kind of rap you like, you’ll probably dig these dudes.
Melz Staccz
Although she was born in Chicago, Melz Staccz left the Windy City and moved to Colorado Springs in 2013, where she’s been coming up in Colorado since dropping her first tracks in 2017. Before everything closed down, Staccz was booked with live performances every weekend. Now, she is getting Rocky Mountain high in 2021.
With a trio of new tracks released over the spring, she’s getting close to cracking the magical 100k views marker on YouTube. Although she was just a baby when hip-hop hit its heyday, her music channels classic Missy Elliot vibes, and that’s a GOAT no one can mess with. Does Melz Staccz have what it takes to match that kind of status? I’m not sure, but she’s got tons of talent and potential, and her music is definitely worth a listen.
LKeys
LKeys, aka Rashon Butler, has a low-key, smooth flow that’s powerfully effective at bringing clarity to his content. Back his bars with super-sick beats and high-end production, and you get a distinct, versatile sound that’s catchy as all get-out.
This Denver hip-hop artist has been grinding away in the underground scene for a while. But his music is really picking up speed now, with 10 percent of his total 77k YouTube views coming in over just the past month. The practice has polished his style over the years, and with a lineup of premieres already in place for summer, LKeys can open previously locked doors in 2021.
Aux Dior
We covered Denver rapper Aux Dior in 2019, and in 2021, his musical chops are more vital than ever. His newer tracks sound more cohesive, and it seems he’s been able to pick his own sound out of the myriad musical styles that have influenced his own art.
Swirling overloaded background instrumentals that fought to top his bars have been replaced by darker, gruffer sounds punctuated by deep, distorted beats that stay in the background and complement rather than compete. Like, the super-bass kind that can blow cheap speakers in a few seconds. Dior’s classic angst remains, but it sounds more authoritative and mature. Dior is growing up, and his music is maturing in all the right places too.
Did we miss anyone? We’re always working to find the newest and hottest underground artists to feature on our site. Feel free to reach out to us directly via email for any inquiries about featuring an artist.
If you are an artist seeking promotion, visit our Marketing Page for more info on the standard marketing packages we offer. Follow our Lowkey Fire playlist on Spotify for new trending underground hip-hop, rap, and R&B tunes daily.
