This was a big year for the underground music industry, especially for lesser-known artists that have risen to fame on platforms such as TikTok—where entire fan bases have erupted over the countless artists in the underground space. Here is a look at some of the most influential artists from 2024.
14. Autumn!
Benjamin Clarence Phillips—also known as Autumn!—released “You Never Was Mine” in July 2024, which was highly anticipated due to a mediocre drop earlier in the year. However, fans were ultimately left unsatisfied, describing the album as lackluster and nothing new. After releasing the album, Autumn kicked off a tour that ended in Dec.
13. Jace!/iayze
Jace Lavoer Salter—more commonly known as Jace! or iayze—has been less successful in 2024 than other years. Often being the laughingstock on multiple social media platforms due to the experimental instrumentals used in the four albums he dropped this year. Specifically, in the song “556,” he used unserious-sounding horns that made the song impossible to be listened to in a serious manner. However, due to these situations, he has never been less relevant, and fans speculate that he will rule the soundscape of 2025.
12. SlimeGetEm
The DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area has never had a breakout rapper before, until now. SlimeGetEm—who’s real name is currently unknown—propelled the once only locally known DMV style of rap to the masses of the internet with the unique usage of bass and addictive melodic flow. His trance-like flow and melodic beats keep listeners hooked. The four albums he released this year—while they had good songs—they were criticized as being too repetitive overall. However, his growth this year gives hope for continued popularity into 2025.
11. Skilla Baby
Trevon Gardner—active under the name Skilla Baby—released two albums this year after rising in popularity online for his high-tempo sound and melodic flow. His new flow and style of music has allowed him to keep up with the rest of the underground industry since his initial rise to fame, receiving praise online for not being stuck in his old sound. After this largely successful year, he is scheduled to go on tour in 2025.
10. Rich Amiri
Elijah Policard—also known as Rich Amiri—had a successful 2024. After releasing his breakout single “ONE CALL” in late 2023—which rose to TikTok fame and propelled his career— he was praised for its unique, distorted sound. In 2024, he released the album “WAR READY,” which took the sound of “ONE CALL” and developed it into a genre-changing concept. After going on tour in the latter half of the year, 2025 looks to be promising for the growing artist, due to his now large following and ever-changing sound.
9. BabyTron
James Edward Johnson—better known as BabyTron—saw a rise in attention in the underground rap scene with the release of “Bin Reaper 3” in Jan. The mixtape received praise for its rapid-fire punchlines and quirky humor, with tracks such as “SRT” and “Tron Season” catching fire among fans and social media users for the clever lines and catchy hooks.
8. 1oneam
Zenon Castillo—known as 1oneam—steadily gained recognition with his distinct atmospheric style. He dropped only one album in 2024, “One Life,” which received a deluxe edition, titled “One Death.” This album polarized fans, some criticizing his airy voice and incoherent lyrics, while others praised the nostalgic sound of the album. He is known for creating a blend of emotional and introspective music with a unique edge, growing his following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
7. Summrs
Deante Adam Johnson—known by most fans as Summrs—dropped two albums this year titled “NIGHTFALL” and “B4DARAVEN,” and went on his first headlining tour. His lyrical verses blended with new-age plugg-n-b style beats resulting in his own unique sound. This has been one of the highlights of the 2024 rap scene, with many other artists adopting a similar style.
6. Glokk40Spazz
Alexander Gabriel Quezada—known by his stage name Glokk40Spazz—is one of the most promising talents in the underground industry. With his raw lyrics and hard-hitting beats remaining unreplicated by the rest of the underground. He dropped four albums this year, including “After TTBR,” which was highly anticipated as it was his first album release after more than 7 months. His releases this year received very positive reviews for the wide variety of beats selected and the clever wordplay in his lyrics.
5. SoFaygo
Andre Dontrel Burt Jr—known professionally as SoFaygo—rose further into the mainstream with his highly anticipated mixtape “Pink Heartz,” which he released in April. The project included tracks “Stay Awake” and “Greed,” both of which received a great deal of attention from his dedicated fanbase for the perfectly paced flow and satisfying electronic instruments. His sound—a mix of melodic rap with smooth production— makes him one of the most promising figures in the melodic trap scene.
4. Nettspend
Gunner Shepardson—also known as Nettspend—saw a massive rise in popularity, fueled by the release of singles and a position as the center of many memes on platforms such as TikTok. Influenced by other underground artists before him, Nettspend’s sound is highlighted by catchy beats and memorable lines that keep listeners coming back for more. His debut mixtape—which he released in early Dec.— received praise for the fast-paced sound and entrancing vocals from surprised critics.
3. Protect
Ricky Shanklin—also known as Protect—is a rapper that has silently developed his own sound in 2024, gaining a large cult following on the internet. While 2024 was his debut year, the three projects he released showcase an ethereal sound that has yet to be topped, due to its ability to hook the listener in and its wide appeal. The up-and-coming rapper seems to have a lot in store for him, mostly because of his unique sound and unreplicated production.
2. OsamaSon
Image Courtesy of Atlantic Records
Amari Deshawn Adham Middleton—known professionally as OsamaSon— saw his largest growth yet in 2024. In Feb. 2024, he released the deluxe version of his debut album “Flex Musix,” which was highly rated by fans and critics alike. The album was praised for the complex production as well as the addictive vocals. He also kicked off his first tour this year, which ended in late Nov. Additionally, OsamaSon became one of the center figures of the TikTok underground culture. With users posting about his music and anticipating potential drops, he now has a cult-like following on the internet.
1. che
Chase Shawn Mitchell, previously known as Cheromani, has had a very large year in terms of growth. Now under the new name che, he has released one album this year titled “Sayso Says.” It was critically acclaimed and is on a pedestal for being one of the best underground albums of the decade. Along with three other single releases, che has had a year where less is more.