Stevie G: Our underground rap scene on the rise 

While mainstream hip-hop has largely fallen off a cliff after its commercial peak a few years ago, the grassroots of the genre is in great shape. One of the most interesting developments in recent years has been the rise of the scene here in Ireland.

I’ll give a brief history in a moment before outlining just a few of the new names you need to be checking out!

The underground hip-hop scene here goes back to the late 80s and early 90s and legendary crews such as Scary Eire made way in the 2000s for artists such as Rob Kelly, Urban Intelligence, Costello, Nu-centz, Collie, Messiah J & the Expert, Lethal Dialect, The Animators, GMC, Bony, Ophelia and many others. Rejjie Snow and Rusangano broke through in the 2010s and ever since Ireland has had big success both here and even abroad.

God Knows, Murli, Sweetlemondae, Jafaris, Denise Chaila, Jafaris, JyellowL, Kojaque, Kneecap, Leo Miyagee, Alex Gough, Nealo and others had broken through by covid, and ever since we’ve had A-92, Curtisy, Bricknasty, Deathtoricky, Tracy, Elzzz, Sugaboo, Buckshot, Fortune, Ahmed, with Love, Reggie, Khakikid, Sello, Offica, Celaviedmai, Skripteh and many more.

Today I’m gonna quickly give you a few more names that you might want to check out. Ireland is on the rise, and as Khakikid and others blow up abroad, it’s worth remembering, the next wave of great artists are playing gigs regularly right here right now. These are only a handful of the new wave, it would be impossible to name them all in a short piece. Hopefully it will turn you on to a new artist or two!

Jimmi Jambons

Straight outta Bandon, this young rapper has well crafted tunes that he produces himself, and he’s a great live performer.

Gomie

Galway’s finest, Gomie is another incredible presence on stage, and one of Ireland’s best lyricists. Again, expect high energy levels. He has just dropped the impressive Fail We May.

Celine

Who needs Cardi and Ice Spice and Megan? We’ve got Celine. Some blazing singles and fiery bars, best demonstrated on the classic Ick from a couple of years ago.

MC Bucky

There’s so much talent in Cork at the moment, and the Kabin’s MC Bucky is one of my favourite lyricists and rappers. He’s got something to say!

Torby

One of the many Irish language rappers making waves right now, Torbeezy is from up north. Check out his track Disco, it’s as if Dr Dre spent a weekend in north Belfast.

Theju Iyer

Cork’s Madlib! Currently studying in Limerick, this guy is one of the most prolific producers on the island, and he can spit sick bars too!

Beddyminaj

Cork youngster who is blowing up fast. Again, a huge workrate lies behind an MC whose momentum is taking him to stages here and beyond. Key mover in the Irish underground, Beddyminaj has major motion right now.

Tiny

He’s been rapping at the Kabin since he came out of the womb, and alongside local legends such as Jamie the King, he has helped put Cork’s northside on the map. He has just released a great EP and he is great live too.

KMT

This young lady is effortlessly floating through numerous genres at the moment, making synth heavy music that has huge potential

Bgboi

Ireland’s new wave is stacked right now, and this youngster’s recent August release So Bg is full of bangers.

Goldie Bronson

A great songwriter and singer, Goldie has matured a lot in recent years and his new music really needs to be heard. Again, a Cork artist that needs more listeners.

Traynor

A talented young MC who is at the heart of the scene here in Cork, if you like grime he is your man.

Flexx Carter

Waterford rapper Flexx Carter has been active lately too, and he has just collaborated with Cork poet Daragh Fleming and singer-songwriter Patrick Dowling on the powerful Hope.

Mad Micko

The Dublin underground is in good health and this member of our own D12 crew is banging out the tunes.

Wallfella

Another Dub who is smashing it, this guy is another brilliant MC with a killer delivery over dope beats.

Youngiz

The drill scene here has gone back underground, but there’s still some great talent out there, and Youngiz is one of the finest.

Danzino

Probably more of a singer really, but the music is informed by hip-hop culture, and Danzino floats smoothly between afrobeats, soul, rap and if you like Kaytranadas grooves you’ll love this guy.

Earfzilla

“Dublin’s best secret” won’t be that for long, and he’s already blown up, with melodic raps gliding over trap/rage/cloud grooves. He’s already delivered classics such as Backroads and hennyinmytea.