If you have been looking for some great indie hip-hop, We have some recommendations for you. It’s a selection of upcoming indie hip-hop artists’ releases for updating your summer playlist.

Hip-hop has changed from what it was in the 90s and early 00s. But there are great artists out there though – if you know where to look and what to listen for.

We are happy to introduce you to our playlist of fresh independent hip-hop which will make your music list more diverse and more packed with amazing tracks that you can use to listen to on your mobile devices or to make the party soundtrack for a special occasion.

It’s not just mainstream hip-hop that is good, there are lots of great independent artists out there making hip-hop music that is worth giving a listen to. For folks like the producers from PopHits.Co, who have been in the industry for a while, it’s their job to let us know some of the artists on their radar.

You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about the artists by scrolling down the page.

1) MARS VALENCIA – Forgive Me

If you want to listen to some great indie hip-hop, check out MARS VALENCIA‘s Forgive Me.

This EP is a great example of alternative R&B-style hip-hop. Of the 6 tracks, our favourite song is Intermission and we are sure you will not regret checking it.

The artist is based in the United Kingdom, London, and his music is just as diverse as in his home city. His lyrics are emotional and heartfelt, but he also knows how to have fun on the mic—looks like love songs but the EP is all about the dark-mood lyrics which are especially catchy.

If you’re looking for a rapper who can sing his heart out while still talking about real life, then MARS VALENCIA is your guy. His voice will make your heart melt and your head nod along with the beat. Check it out and follow the artist on Spotify!

2) CRAIG VILL – The Most Notorious Poet Laureate

So you’re looking for some classic sound hip-hop to listen to but you are tired of the same old rapper celebrities. Well, look no further than CRAIG VILL‘s The Most Notorious Poet Laureate.

Afrobeat style rap and a trap vibe with male vocals are all here in this EP from Philadelphia-based artist CRAIG VILL. You’ll be hearing the classic sound, but it’s modern, anthemic and has some auto-tune effects without making it plastic—and even some great melodic tunes are thrown in for good measure.

The 10 tracks are full of history with meaningful lyrics, but our favourite is “Soul of a Poet” which has not only nice lyrics, a super danceable beat but also great R&B-style backing vocals.

If you’re looking for some new music to keep you company on the road or just want something new to play on your headphones at work, check out CRAIG VILL’s The Most Notorious Poet Laureate today and follow him on Spotify!

3) DATKID SMOOVE – Last Year Was Hard 4 Me

Let’s be real: 2021 has been a rough year. The only thing that’s gotten me through it is the music. And if you’re like me, you’ve been looking for some new hip-hop to listen to—and boy, do I have the perfect album for you.

First of all, DATKID SMOOVE is based in Las Vegas, so you know he’s got some serious swagger going on. His new album, Last Year Was Hard 4 Me, is full of super-catchy tunes that are sure to get stuck in your head for days.

The best part? It’s not just hip-hop—it’s also trap-style and high-quality rap! So if you like all three of those sub-genres separately, this album will definitely be up your alley. The EP is a collection of 7 great tracks, but the song Moon is our favourite, and we recommend you try it out.

And on top of all that good stuff? this album has got some serious male vocals going on here—so if you’re into that hip-hop music that makes you move your whole body (I know I am), then this album is definitely worth checking out! Now watch his music video and follow the artist on Spotify.

4) SWOVE DOMAS – Listen

If you’re into trap vibes, hip-hop, and rap, you’ll love this new track from SWOVE DOMAS. The Houston-based artist is one of the most exciting hip-hop artists out there right now—and his latest single, Listen, is a perfect example of why.

“Listen” starts off with a heavy trap beat that’s sure to get you hyped for your next workout before transitioning into an intense verse from SWOVE DOMAS himself. We just loved it and it’s worth checking his previous release too.

Listen has got everything: male vocals, US-based influences and of course great talent delivering an awesome hook. If you’re looking for some great indie hip-hop tracks out there for your listening pleasure (or just want to discover some new music), check out Listen today and follow the artist on Spotify!

5) FRANKLIN AND BELL – The Weekend (feat. Fiya Mayne)

So many great indie hip-hop tracks out there for your listening pleasure, this is the “grooviest” one.

I recently came across FRANKLIN AND BELL‘s single The Weekend (feat. Fiya Mayne) and I’m so glad I did—it’s got all the ingredients of a perfect pop hip-hop song: anthemic beats, danceable grooves, commercial appeal, and a super-groove that will get you moving.

They are three great musicians and their work is impressive. The rhythm is incredible, the vocals are smooth and lush, and it has a pop vibe to it without being too mainstream. The main singer is an American male rapper called Fiya Mayne, and there are very nice R&B female vocals too, which made the song even more enjoyable.

FRANKLIN AND BELL is an independent band based in Crawley, England. They’re definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for some new indie hip-hop tracks to add to your playlist, and follow the artist on Spotify!

6) MR SUNSHINE – High Ground Mixtape

The hip-hop scene is in a great place right now. There are so many independent artists, like MR SUNSHINE, that are creating fantastic music for rap fans to enjoy.

MR SUNSHINE is a Portuguese artist who has just released his EP High Ground Mixtape. The EP is an incredible display of Boom Bap and soul backing vocals, with some great and nostalgic rap. It brings six tracks and “Take It Away” is our favourite.

It has a cinematic vibe that makes you feel good while listening to their sound featuring a rocky male vocal, and very sexy female vocals on the mix that makes everything retro and just perfect.

The EP contains some hip-hop tracks that have a rock style but still have the contemporary sound you expect from modern-day hip-hop artists. If you’re looking for new music to listen to on Spotify then check out MR SUNSHINE’s High Ground Mixtape!

You can also follow him on Spotify and Instagram to keep up with all his latest releases and news about upcoming projects!

7) HEAVEN X – Leaders

HEAVEN X released his new single, “Leaders,” and it’s a banger. The track is a mix of boom-bap, lo-fi hip-hop, and hip-hop beats with a touch of R&B thrown in for good measure. The track’s got a strong US influence that’s evident from the first verse to the last hook.

The song passes the idea of a spiritual journey, also related to self-love and acceptance—two things that are hard to come by when you’re dealing with depression and anxiety. It’s been written from personal experience, so it’s raw, real, and relatable!

What’s the story behind the single? Leaders is a homage to revolutionaries, spiritual figures, and music artists that define hip-hop culture and higher consciousness. The video features archival footage interlaced with performance scenes of Heaven X shot onsite in Orange County, CA by Alex Stoica.

If you’re looking for some new indie hip-hop tracks out there for your listening pleasure, check out “Leaders” by HEAVEN X and follow the artist on Spotify today!

8) NIKMOODY – BMT

If you’re looking for a new hip-hop track to get your head banging, you might want to check out NIKMOODY‘s BMT. This emo-rap song is an anthem that has all the elements of a great punk rock song, still being a great hip-hop banger:

It’s a big mix of feelings. It’s fast-paced, it’s got a catchy beat, and it has male vocals that are both gritty and emotional. It’s like listening to an emo-rap version of a rap song and is also nostalgic.

It’s got a very catchy chorus and the lyrics are both uplifting and cynical at the same time. If you like your hip-hop with an anthem feel, then this is definitely one for you!

The artist is based in the United States, Long Island, NY, and he’s got a lot of great tracks on Spotify. He’s also got some great previous releases—watch his music video, check him out and follow the artist on Spotify today!

9) DANN DIB – Crazy World

If you’re looking for some new indie hip-hop to chill out to, we’ve got a suggestion for you.

DANN DIB just released a single called “Crazy World,” and it’s everything you could want in a summer track. The production is LoFi style, with R&B vibes and a hint of soul music. There are also some sweet vocals from both male and female artists—so even if you’re not into rap or rapping, this one will still be right up your alley.

This is the kind of song that reminds you to take it easy and appreciate what’s going on around you—and if that doesn’t sound like the perfect summer anthem, we don’t know what does! So check out DANN DIB on Spotify and follow along as he keeps making more great music!

10) J.JUICE – Lingo

If you’re looking for a new indie hip-hop track to bump in your car, get ready to be hooked. I know it sounds cliche, but it’s true: J.JUICE‘s Lingo is like nothing else out there right now.

It’s got a commercial pop style, with a comedy vibe and a hip-hop dance feel that will have you dancing and doing choreography every time you listen to it. Lingo, lingo, lingo!

The lyrics are super catchy, so catchy that you can’t stop singing “Lingo, lingo, lingo” for the rest of your life. The beats are super invitations to dance together and you can’t resist them.

If you haven’t noticed yet, this guy has a voice made for rapping for comedy! If you like your rap with a little bit of swagger and attitude, look no further than this single from J.JUICE. Check it out and follow the artist on Spotify!