It’s been a few years since the last Chicago Rappers/Artists List and there have been a plethora of artists that have made their presence felt on the hip hop scene since then. From mainstream successes such as Juice WRLD and Polo G to burgeoning underground artists like Duffle Bag Buru and Nnamdi Ogbonnaya, there are plenty of styles to be found here. With sounds ranging from hard hitting bangers to introspective experimentalism, Chicago has nearly every flavor of hip hop you could imagine and I tried to include a little bit of everything in this snapshot. Featuring entirely new artists from the last list, this selection of Windy City talent proves just how prolific and vibrant this musical community is. While it does have 100 Chicago rappers/hip hop artists, this list is by no means an all-encompassing look at the genre in the city and there are bound to be skilled artists I failed to mention.
On top of the list itself, I put together a playlist with my favorite track from each artist. Check out all 100 rappers/artists below, along with the playlist, and get in tune with what Chicago has been putting out.
This list has no repeats from the previous list. If your favorite Chicago artist isn’t on this one, there’s a very good chance they were on the last one.
This is in no particular order.
100 Rappers/Artists Playlist
Juice WRLD
If you haven’t heard of Juice WRLD yet, you probably haven’t been paying attention to hip hop much recently. The young Chicago artist has burst onto the scene and is one of music’s biggest rising stars with huge Billboard hits and collaborations with artists such as Future.
Polo G
Polo G is another rising Chicago star and has caught the attention of big publications such as XXL. With music full of true-to-life topics combined with high quality production and catchy vocals, Polo G has a well-rounded sound that is taking him big places.
Queen Key
With multiple hits under her belt already, Queen Key is poised to be one of the genre’s biggest artists. Fun music and bringing women to the forefront are both a big part of Queen Key’s image and they are both helping her reach a new level.
Calboy
Poised for the limelight, Calboy has been seeing his stock rise considerably thanks to his consistently dope music. From interviews with Billboard to an abundance of streams online, things are looking up for this skilled MC.
Duffle Bag Buru
From his high quality music to his strong presence on the Chicago scene, Duffle Bag Buru has been making a name for himself over the past year or so and people are starting to pay attention. With production from some of the city’s best beatsmiths, Buru has been making all the right moves and we expect him to be a staple in the underground in no time.
Lil Zay Osama
With multiple hits under his belt already, Lil Zay Osama is looking like one of the city’s best artists on the rise. Tracks like Changed Up and Pain are good examples of the music he provides and show how much talent he has.
ICYTWAT
To put it bluntly, Chicago is packed with talented hip hop artists. While the scene is crowded, ICYTWAT has proven to be a force in the Windy City thanks to his highly interesting, catchy music that is a divergence from the typical hip hop sound. Full of melancholy, extremely confident concepts, ICYTWAT has shown that he makes music he likes and it doesn’t matter if that’s different from what’s trending at the moment.
Dreezy
There are a few superstars already on the Chicago scene and Dreezy is definitely one of them. The Interscope signee was named the Princess of Chicago Rap and has put out multiple solid projects over the past few years.
Z Money
A Chicago vet, Z Money has been making waves for quite some time and has become a big figure on the scene. One of the city’s dopest and most recognizable artists, his presence is felt all over and has earned the respect he is given.
Stark Of Huey
One of the Westside’s most promising artists, Stark of HUEY has shown consistency with his music and continues to be a leader for HUEY Gang, a Chicago collective of aspiring MCs. His strong melodies and harmonies have helped set him apart from the crowd.
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AMIR TRIPP
Another talented artist from Out West, AMIR TRIPP has been making a name for himself through his robust, high quality music. With excellent flows, melodies, and production, Tripp’s music is definitely worth checking out.
Vantablac SOL
Being signed to Stank Face Records is a good sign an artist has a solid underground following. Vantablac SOL has just that and has been making the most of his loyal fanbase by touring with The Palmer Squares and dropping dope songs/visuals.
Heffy
Sometimes an artist’s music just hits. Heffy’s sound has that vibe and he’s dropped some of the best music to come out of the city in recent memory. With loosies like Killing Prophets and Stay Sleep, Heffy clearly has what it takes to elevate to the next level.
Young Jasper
Coming through with a usually darker vibe, Young Jasper knows how to make some dope music. With multiple projects to his name and a handful of excellent, popular songs, Jasper is looking like another artist on the rise in Chicago.
Nnamdi Ogbonnaya
Hip hop is one of the most eclectic genres in the world and at times it can even be hard to define. Nnamdi Ogbonnaya makes things even more difficult to pinpoint with his highly fascinating, essentially genre-less music that ranges from rock inspired tracks to pop-art funkiness that seems to have a mind of its own.
HappyBirthdayCalvin
Co-signs from SoundCloud aren’t easy to come by, but they definitely help an artist explode onto the scene. HappyBirthdayCalvin’s track No Friends was promoted on SoundCloud and has introduced him to a plethora of new fans who are excited about his dope style.
D2X
Armed with a variety of styles and a knack for the mic, D2X has shown he can be a well known name in Chicago. Linking up with the likes of GLOhan Beats and working with other blogs like flowsfordays should help solidify his place on the scene.
Frsh Waters
One of the founding members of Pivot Gang, Frsh Waters came out of the gates firing a few years ago and has continued dropping rock solid music ever since. His music has a depth and realness to it that makes it east to connect with and gives a fully authentic feel.
Ness Heads
Certain artists have the it factor right off the bat. Ness Heads has proven to be one of those artists and her high quality, robust, catchy music is sure to make her one of Chicago’s brightest upcoming artists.
Elton Aura
Chicago is full of unique sounds, but Elton Aura might make the most fascinating music in the city. Intricate, distinctive vocals and ear catching, eclectic production are hallmarks of Aura’s style and have helped him make a name for himself on the crowded scene.
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Ro Marsalis
Consistency is an important aspect of being an artist these days and Ro Marsalis is one of the most consistent in the city. If it’s not high quality, Marsalis doesn’t drop it and his entire discography is filled with excellent songs.
Bianca Shaw
Being signed to any record label is a feat to celebrate, but Bianca Shaw signed to Taylor Bennett’s new label as the premier artist. Her uptempo sound and beautiful vocals are looking like they will make her a big name both in and outside of Chicago.
Austen Nobles
Austen Nobles has quickly become a staple in Chicago thanks to his high energy production and high quality music. With catchy harmonies and a robust style, Nobles is sure to be a big figure in the city.
Phor
Phor’s talents span beyond music and he may be best known for his time on Chicago Black Ink where he showed his tattooing skill. That isn’t to say his music isn’t dope too and he has a classic hip hop sound that is easy to vibe with.
Chris Crack
One of the most prominent figures in Chicago’s underground, Chris Crack has been putting in work for years. Often employing sampled loops, his music is very dope and has no superfluous sounds to distract from the message being spit.
Tatiana Hazel
Tatiana Hazel has the potential to be one of music’s biggest artists. Her sound is highly catchy and she pairs that catchiness with impressive songwriting and mesmorizing vocals that will keep listeners coming back time and time again.
Cosha TG
Big things look like they are on the horizon for Cosha TG. Solid vocal ability and a knack for finding dope beats have been part of the reason for Cosha’s recent ascent and we expect him to continue his growth going forward.
Meechie Greedy
If you’re looking for some straight up dope music, Meechie Greedy has got you covered. The Chicago rapper knows how to make catchy, high quality music that is easy to vibe to at any time.
Ausar
Introspection and honesty are front and center when it comes to Ausar’s music. These traits go hand in hand with his accomplished songwriting and his ability to put ideas into succinct, easy to appreciate songs.
Tink
After being named a 2015 XXL Freshman, Tink looked poised to take off. She recently put out a solid new mixtape (Voicemails) and continues to put out high quality music.
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TLNTD
TLNTD has shown he has a musical sensibility that rivals anyone in Chicago. He has proven that he can both sing and rap with authority, switching between the two effortlessly on most of his tracks.
SoloSam
Starting your hip hop career while playing D1 football is a unique path to take but it’s paid off for Solo Sam. Quality is clearly Sam’s focus as he’s dropped song after song that shows off his impressive rapping ability and hasn’t missed yet.
Rich Jones
Having a memorable voice can be an important aspect of being a musician. Rich Jones has a voice that is distinct and calming, making his music soothing yet full of passion. Jones has worked with a variety of other Chicago artists as well, like L.A. VanGogh and Mykele Deville.
Kahrion
Full of introspective wisdom and an excellent songwriting ability, quality is the name of the game for Kahrion and every song he drops is deliberate and thoughtful. The West Side MC has a strong foundation at this point and continues to progress.
Tasha
TASHA is an artist who is cut from a similar cloth as musicians such as Noname and Jamila Woods. Her vibe is relaxing yet still touches on important, self-empowering themes that are easy to connect with thanks to TASHA’s soothing voice and mellow production. She also has her hands in other forms of art and has released some dope clothes as well.
Kiraly
Kiraly is one of those artists whose talent is apparent within seconds of hearing him rap. Armed with incredibly smooth flows and well timed melodies, Kiraly’s skill set is second to none among upcoming artists in the city.
Wasted Ju
Fascinating, genre-bending sounds are easily discovered in Wasted Ju’s music. Folksy art-rap with a focus on unique presentation have made Ju become a central figure in the alt-rap scene and he’s worked with some big up and comers artists such as Melo Makes Music.
Brittney Carter
One of the best pure rappers in the city has to be Brittney Carter. From her flows to her lyrics, it’s hard to match the prowess Carter brings to the mic.
King Von
While he may be locked up currently, King Von was on pace to become Chicago’s next big thing. With millions of hits on SoundCloud to a fanatic following in the city, Von’s future still shows promise despite his current situation.
Reeseynem
I first heard of Reeseynem a while before he linked up with Chance The Rapper for Where’s The Hook and he’s been dropping dope music ever since my first listen. He’s seen the attention he receives grow significantly since the Chance collab and we’re hoping that helps put him on the map.
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Sterling Hayes
Save Money member Sterling Hayes has been putting out thoughtful, often complex music for quite some time now. Personal lyrics and interesting production choices stand out in Hayes’ sound.
Sunde
Uniquely catchy music is easy to find when listening to Sunde. The Chicago artist vibrates talent and her music is some of the most immediately distinct and radiant to come out of the Windy City.
Roy Banks
Roy Banks might be a newer artist to the scene, but that doesn’t mean the talent isn’t there. With tracks like Hate On Me, it’s obvious Banks has what it takes to become recognized in the city and I look forward to seeing his growth in the coming years.
Mani Jurdan
Mani Jurdan has shown a conscious edge on many of his tracks yet still manages to pack a punch with his flow and production. The HUEY Gang member has been dropping lyrical content for a while now and he’s really stepped his game up recently.
Jarrett Rad
Jarrett Rad has been putting in some serious work over the past few years and it seems like he’s found his sound. Self described as a “pop-punk/rap” sound, Rad has honed in on his melodies and is elevating his music to a new level.
Memo600
Memo600 is another artist who has become a prominent rapper in Chicago in a relatively short time. His hard hitting style and raw, real lyrics make some pretty dope music and it looks like Memo will be one of the next big things from the city.
Samkul
Originally hailing from Africa, Samkul has since found a home on the Chicago music scene. His vibe worthy music and on point aesthetic look like they’ll make him and even more well known name in the city.
Dfree Da Vinci
Chicago’s South Side is full of talented artists and Dfree Da Vinci is another to add to the list. Precise flow and consistently dope music make Da Vinci a rapper worth keeping up with as he progresses his sound.
WemmyMo
Coming from a musical lifestyle, growing up playing drums and keyboard, Wemmymo has an ear for good music. His influences are wide ranging and help create robust, vibrant songs that keep listeners coming back for more.
Michael Anthony
With connections in both St. Louis and Chicago, Michael Anthony of THEMpeople has two cities paying attention to him. Slow, poetic, often spoken word-esque music is what Anthony is all about and he provides some interesting sounds along the way.
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El Hitta
Hard rhymes and an off-kilter style help define El Hitta’s sound. While he may have come up recently, his music seems influenced by the likes of DMX as he provides that rough and raw style.
Stefan Ponce
While he may be a producer, Stefan Ponce has put out some of the best music from Chicago over the past few years. Working with the likes of Chance The Rapper and Childish Gambino have put Ponce on the map and he keeps showing he has more to offer with each drop.
Appleby
Less hip hop and more singer-songwriter, Appleby creates relaxing soundscapes that feel like a summer breeze. His soothing cadence matched with ambient instrumentals make his music perfect for lounging in a hammock or other calming activities.
Christian JaLon
From JaLon’s poetic delivery to the jazzy, incredibly well balanced production she often finds herself on, it’s clear she knows how to make timeless music. There are no trends being followed here, no gimmicks, no fluff, just great music that won’t sound outdated even 10 years from now.
Musa Reems
If anyone knows how to spit it’s Musa Reems. The burgeoning talent knows how to hit some very solid flows and brings dope lyrics to support his timely cadence. His consistency is also something that has helped set him apart.
KAINA
Highly engrained in the local Chicago scene, KAINA has been making connections and putting out solid music for a while. These Days News called her a “true student of the scene” and her depth of knowledge and activity has made her one of Chicago’s rising stars.
Xone White
Anytime someone works with Squeak Pivot, you know they have something worth listening to. Xone White has worked with Squeak as well as a variety of other notable artists and has been a force on every track. With smooth, crisp R&B sounds, it’s hard not to vibe with Xone White.
Akenya
With sounds ranging from jazz to world music to pop, Akenya has the musical chops to have a long, impactful career. Her work with Noname has taken her across the globe and given her invaluable experiences that are escalating her status even further.
Ace Da Vinci
Born into a musical family, Ace Da Vinci shows musical talent and passion for his craft. An introvert at heart, Da Vinci puts all of his emotions into his art and considers his music “an audio journal.”
S7EAZE
S7EAZE is all about the energy. With consistently brooding production and an aggressive style behind the mic, this Chicago MC has been gaining attention because of his bombastic style.
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Wil Akogu
A divergence from the typical Chicago sound, Wil Akogu blends poetry, hip hop, and soul to create vibrant musical landscapes that are vivid and electrifying. Akogu has found a lane for himself and I’m looking forward to seeing where his unique sound takes him.
Marko Stat$
Every once in a while I’ll hear just one song from an artist and know I’ll be listening to them for quite some time. Marko Stat$ had that effect on me when I first heard his track Jubilation and from that moment on I’ve been following his music.
Josi Green
Josi Green made a name for himself in Chicago and is still influential on the scene, but has since moved to Houston. He sees himself as an artist that cannot be pigeonholed and can make lyrical, conscious music or pop-inspired tracks.
Chai Tulani
Chai Tulani self coined his musical style as “soul hop” and it is a fitting moniker for the diverse sound he produces. Influenced by singer-songwriters such as Bob Marley and Tracy Chapman, Tulani has created thoughtful, high quality music that will keep him around the game for a long time.
Frank Leone
Songster Frank Leone has found a lane with his soothing, often melancholic music that is heartfelt and personal. Every song he drops seems to be a gem and it looks like he has some dope music in store for the rest of 2019.
Luke Titus
After dropping Aside Of Love it became clear Luke Titus was a musical force set to make a name for himself in Chicago. His unique vocals combined with thoughtful compositions help him stand out among the crowded scene and he’s also caught the ear of some of my favorite artists such as Ravyn Lenae and theMIND.
Brian Fresco
Brian Fresco first got recognition a few years back thanks to his dope music and Save Money affiliation. The Chicago MC has grown with the scene over the past few years and it’s been impressive to see how far he’s come.
Roy French
Presentation is an important aspect of building an aesthetic and Roy French adds a psychedelic flair to things that always keep them fresh. Minimalist, idea fueled music is French’s specialty and it often sounds like he puts his ideas straight onto wax with no filter.
Mykele Deville
He may be a talented musician but Mykele Deville is much more than that. The poet, actor, author, and teacher wears many hats and does so with style. His work has appeared on major platforms such as NPR and the Chicago Tribune and he is set to become one of Chicago’s most respected artists.
QVRS
The current wave of Chicago artists/rappers is immense and people like QVRS are what make it so dynamic. Touching on topics outside of the norm, QVRS puts passion into his music and it makes for some catchy, well produced songs.
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Sydny August
The city’s North Side has been getting more and more attention thanks to artists like Sydny August. The Chicago songstress has performed at classic venues such as Double Door and The Metro and continues to show the city just how talented she is.
Brill
The Save Money team has deep roots and artists like Brill are a part of their electrifying ecosystem. The R&B crooner has the singing chops and smooth style to make a name for himself on a larger scale than just Chicago.
Realest JBone
It can be easy to get lost in the shuffle with the abundance of artists in Chicago, but Realest JBone has made connections and music that should change that soon. Working with the likes of Mvjor and Meechie Greedy helped him land a Fetty Wap placement and it looks like he has more to come soon.
Morocco Brown
Employing a creative flow and a sound that loosely resembles some of Chicago’s finest such as Chance The Rapper, Morocco Brown has been on the come up for the past few years. His personal lyrics and interesting sound are things to check out when listening.
LEGIT
Some artists drop music all the time, others focus on perfecting their projects before releasing them. LEGIT is a part of the ladder group and that focused nature has helped him unleash fantastic full length projects such as Maudlin.
Schenay
Taking a fresh twist on R&B, Schenay has found power in her vulnerability and uses those emotions to make heartfelt, passionate music that resonates with anyone who hears it. Be on the lookout for Schenay to become a key figure on the Chicago music scene.
Vic Spencer
Chicago has a vibrant underground scene and Vic Spencer probably belongs on the Chi-town underground Mount Rushmore at this point. His fame is well founded thansk to his songwriting and musical ability and he’s worked with prolific artists like Chance The Rapper and Future.
Lulu Be.
When she’s not making music she is the studio manager at Classick Studios which is also where she met producer Lanre who crafted the bouncy afrobeat infused production on her track Rude Tings. Her excellent mix of musical genres is sure to push her sound to a very broad audience.
Roo$ki
Roo$ki has been one of the most well known names in Chicago’s underground for some years at this point, and there’s good reason for that. His brooding style and work with some of the most prominent producers in the city have made him a go-to artist on the scene.
AlifortheGo
It’s dope to see artists become part of such a strong community and AlifortheGo has collaborated with dozens of Chicago’s burgeoning artists. This sense of partnership has brought Ali to the forefront of the bubbling underground scene in the city.
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Matt Muse
Part of Young Chicago Authors, an amazing organization focused on teaching writing and poetry, Matt Muse has brought his influence beyond just releasing music. That being said, the music he does drop is always high quality and highlights Muse’s self love and confidence.
ShowYouSuck
Fun music is, well, fun to listen to and ShowYouSuck makes very fun music. With a focus on positivity and recognition from large platforms such as Red Bull and Complex, this engaging, charismatic Chicago artist has nowhere to go but up.
SoLo The Dweeb
Multiple dope projects have made Solo The Dweeb one of the artists to lookout for in the next few years in Chicago. His highly energetic style and full bodied production are just two of the things Solo has going for him as he continues his ascent.
ValSouth
ValSouth’s music is full of melodic vocals and hard hitting beats, the Chicago MC knows how to make catchy music that is easy to hit repeat on. With multiple projects and a slew of dope loosies, ValSouth has become a staple in Chicago’s underground.
Adot
Chicago’s underground wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Adot. His often nonchalant, grumbling type flow gives him a distinct sound and has allowed him to work with many of the city’s best artists.
CalidB
The African influence in Chicago music is clear if you know where to look. Calid B makes his inspiration clear and it allows him to put out some truly great music. His music is constantly filled with passion and a look at the bigger picture.
BJRNCK
A somewhat mysterious artist, BJRNCK has linked up with big artists such as Chance The Rapper and has dropped some great music of her own. While it’s been a while since she released anything, it looks like she’s back with a new single titled Good On My Own. part of At The Studio Records, I’m sure you’ll be hearing her name more and more very soon.
KoVu
From sharing the stage with big names such as Vic Mensa, Waka Flocka, and Tory Lanez to dropping smooth music, KoVu is a rock solid artist. His sold out shows and lively performances are also making him more well known in the city.
Will Is Chillin
Another Stank Face Records signee, Will Is Chillin’ has been putting out lyrical content for a handful of years now and continues to grow his underground following in Chicago. His honest lyrics and skill on the mic have helped him attain a solid fanbase.
EthosIII
There aren’t too many artists like Ethos out there these days. While many artists focus on making catchy tunes, Ethos uses his artistry in a powerful way with a style that reminds me of Gil Scott Heron, employing poetic and pointed lyrics that convey strong messages.
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Mikey Dinero
Even though he only has a few tracks currently out, it’s clear Mikey Dinero has some serious skill as an MC. His work with other newcomers such as Young Jasper also shows that he has the necessary connections to make big waves.
Bekoe
The leader of iLLANOiZE, Bekoe’s presence in Chicago is undeniable and he’s been leaving his mark through his music and knowledge of the city’s scene for years. Paying attention to Bekoe is a good way to stay in tune with a lot of talent in the city.
Marcus Nogood
When it comes to Chicago artists who have shown some nice progression over the past few years, Marcus Nogood is a name that should be mentioned. Consistent output and collaboration with other Chicago musicians have put Nogood on the map and we expect his reputation to continue to grow.
Marky McFly
Perseverance and regular output make it easy to be a fan of Marky McFly. His work with producers such as Chicago legend C-Sick make it clear that other important people in the city feel the same way.
Sy!
Sy! has been putting in work lately, dropping a handful of dope videos and songs. His diverse sound, ranging from personal, introspective tracks to fun bangers, has helped the Chicago artist get his name to a wider audience and we are looking forward to more from him.
Da$htone
Chicago has a lot of dope hip hop and Da$htone has been putting out some jazzy, melodic vibes that are worth checking out. Their track, Frozen, featuring L.A. VanGogh and Manasseh, is a relaxing, soulful track with some great introspection.
Cory Rhymal
Time and effort often pay off and Cory Rhymal has been putting in both for a while. From collaborating with some of the city’s best such as Qari and Jean Deaux to working with producers like Luke Almighty and CEO Beatz, Rhymal knows who to call to make something dope.
Monica Rose
Dreamy music is always interesting to listen to and Monica Rose brings listeners on a journey through fantasyland with her music. While she only has one project out now, it is quite impressive.
Jah Shanti
Jah Shanti is further proof as to how eclectic the Chicago music scene is. Less hip hop and more afrobeats, Shanti’s music provides relaxing, often uplifting sounds that are unique from most other artists in the city.
Stan Sono
Stan Sono has all the makings of a future superstar. From a pop-appealing sound to some already very popular songs, Sono is looking like he willhave a long and prosperous musical career.
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