20 Bandcamp Artists Worth Checking Out

Iman Omari

Photo: Bandcamp

Every track on this Los Angeles born-and-bred’s Vibe Tape +++ (2) is pure fire. Cuts such as “Use2luva” and “CrzyWay” set him apart from anything you’ll hear on the Top 40.

Co$$

Photo: Twitter

After releasing a string of albums last year, this 2DopeBoyz alumnus doubles-down on his criminally slept-on album, I Used to Lust H.E.R.. A close affiliate of Blu, the Leimert Park-based rapper has been quietly assassinating tracks for years now. Get familiar or get left behind.

Money Mitch

Photo: Bandcamp

Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York’s own Money Mitch is a fast-rising name within the Hip-Hop world. After building his fan base while living in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Mitch has since created a lane for himself with his distinctive lyrical flow and witty wordplay. His latest, 1992, follows Mitch on an adventure throughout the county of Kings.

Zayd Malik

Photo: Twitter

Trained in rap by the founding members of Tha Outlawz, the real life godson of Mutulu Shakur actualizes the rebel without a pause on his latest album, The Vanguard. Full of vitriol and firebrand lyrics, Zayd Malik raises the Shakur name high and creates his own path to greatness.

The Tay

Photo: Bandcamp

Not to be confused with the legendary Rappin-4-Tay, these Detroit musicians and purveyors of Pink Syrup are their own brand of entertainment. Or should we say, @Dormtainment?! The 313 Hip-Hop mavens craft strong sonic sensations with their latest offering, which you should check it out if you know what’s good for you!

Top$

Photo: YouTube

Long Island, New York’s own may not be so jokingly a part of the “Rob Ford Gang,” but his style contains the youthful energy that is powering East Coast Hip-Hop. His latest effort, HELLO?, aims to ask the culture the question, “Are you ready for something new?”

Tiron & Ayomari

Photo: Bandcamp

These two have been mainstay fixtures in the growing Californication scene, yet haven’t been able to crack into the mainstream. Their most recent effort, The Wonderful Prelude, is purely for the dreamers. If you loved their A Sucker For Pumps album, be sure to check this one out to see what you’re missing.

Amiri

Photo: Bandcamp

The skillful South Carolina rapper deserves all the appreciation when he delivers such art as his This Is Part Time album. As a part of Kevin Nottingham’s HiPNOTT recording label, Amiri delivers enough breaks to have your neck seeking medical attention when the album’s done playing.

Clear Soul Forces

Photo: Bandcamp

These four rappers from the City of Motown aim to bring back soul to the culture of Hip-Hop. E-Fav, L.A.Z., Noveliss, and producer/rapper Ilajide are purebred rhyme animals who spout socially conscious poetry over Golden Era-esque beats. Their last effort was a collaboration with Kooley High titled Freq Freq, and if you’re into 21st Century backpack rap then cop this one ASAP.

Pete Cannon & Dr. Syntax

Photo: Twitter

This UK duo managed to cut out a strong 2013 for themselves with a host of albums. But their latest, Killer Combo!, aims to blow up their stock amongst global Hip-Hop fans. As the former distinguishes himself as a strong frontman (for The Mouse Outfit), the latter continues to create tracks for UK artists and the likes of Action Bronson.

BOOTY FADE

Photo: Bandcamp

The popular Dallas duo has taken a local hairstyle and turned into a cultural phenomenon. Booty Fade, a collaboration between DJ Sober and PICNICTYME, has doubled-down on uptempo styles created by New Orleans and Baltimore, and smashed dance floors worldwide with a Texan appeal. Their self-title EP is worth the price being offered, simply for such song titles as “F**k Like A Stripper” and “Buss It (One Mo ‘Gin)”.

Alkebulan

Photo: Bandcamp

If you haven’t ever picked up a book, you’d be impressed to learn that Alkebulan is a powerful and ancient name for Africa meaning “land of the original man”. The Atlanta, Georgia rapper is a dynamo producer and songwriter who posses a vivid flow and a strong social consciousness. His Nibiru X album is powered by songs such as “Ankh” and “Recognize A God”, that would even make Kanye West stand and salute.

Brock Berrigan

Photo: Bandcamp

Like a mechanic who loves his tools, Brock Berrigan’s life is littered with musical instruments. A Garage Band wunderkind, the producer-rapper is able to create smooth soul samples laced with thumping snare drums and goofy sound bites. His abstract sense of skill wonderfully beguiles his richly detailed compositions. If you haven’t witnessed his Four Walls and an Amplifier yet, then you’re missing out on this man’s wonderful gift of creation.

Shizzy Mack

Photo: Bandcamp

Philadelphia’s own Shizzy Mack has producer skills in addition to tough bars reflective of his upbringing. For those looking to enjoy the former, check out Shizzadelph, which boasts 19-instrumentals for your rhyming pleasure.

The Doppelgangaz

Photo: Bandcamp

Also known as The Ghastly Duo, this New York duo has amassed loved from the likes of Joey Badass and funk-lord Dam-Funk. Their latest effort, Peace Kehd, boasts 19-tracks of high-quality music and if you’re about that life, you’ll cop it as soon as you can!

Antwon

Photo: YouTube

With the advent of SEO-styled rap songs, Antwon is one of the most intriguing artists to rise upon the Internet. His music is full of pure adulation and joy that makes you feel like he’s just having more fun than everybody else in the game. His “1 Million Limos” cut from In Dark Denim is one lyrical statement that this California rapper is about that exuberant life that you can believe in.

Supastition

Photo: Twitter

If you’re into music that has real world consequences, doesn’t demean women and neglects glorifying violence against Black men and women, then Honest Living is for you. Rapper Supastition doesn’t hail from a major market city, which means his lyrics are influenced directly by what goes on with him — no ad placements allowed. Check him out and find out why he’s so appreciated on the Bandcamp / independent scene.

Oddisee

Photo: Bandcamp

Dividing his time between Washington, D.C., Brooklyn, N.Y. and the rest of the world, producer-rapper Oddisee is one of the most under appreciated talents in the Hip-Hop scene. His Tangible Dream album, which contains the dope track “Yeah & Nah,” will put your ears into a Cobra Clutch. Equally awesome is the cut “Yeezus Was A Mortal Man,” as Oddisee has a lot to say and has the sick production to go along with it.

THEEsatisfaction

Photo: Bandcamp

This R&B/Hip-Hop duo from Seattle might not be aiming for the pop charts, but at the rate they are going they could be the next act to check for. THEESatisfaction consists of rapper Stasia “Stas” Iron and singer Catherine “Cat” Harris-White. Their high-quality effort, And That’s Your Time, is a sonic delight which finds listeners zoning out to their collective creativity. Purely worth the money!

Anti-Lilly & Phoniks

Photo: Bandcamp

This rapper-producer duo of Anti-Lilly and Phoniks serve as inspirations to the game with their brand of dope music. Their Stories From The Brass Section is full of ill bars and crispy beats that’ll make you smack your sister in the face with a tuba.

Who are some other Bandcamp acts that you’re listening to? Leave your thoughts below!