With Charlotte sitting in the center of the East Coast, we have a unique mix of styles from New York to Miami and everywhere in between.
The city’s diverse population, consisting of both newcomers and generational natives, has contributed to one of the most expansive arrays of rap styles in the country.
In no particular order here are 10 of the notable hip-hop artists coming out of Charlotte:
Da Baby
Charlotte-born Da Baby stormed onto the hip-hop stage with several mixtapes in 2014 before his debut album, “Baby on Baby,” catapulted him to international stardom.
After releasing several mixtapes between 2014 and 2018, he rose to mainstream prominence with his debut album Baby on Baby (2019), which included the Billboard Hot 100 top ten single “Suge”.
His style, drawing from a rich palette of influences like Future, Lil Wayne, Missy Elliot, and Ludacris, celebrates the city’s eclectic mix.
Dennis Reed Jr.
Dennis is a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, rapper, producer, teacher, and inspirer out of Charlotte who’s introduced President Obama on stage in Charlotte, toured with Fantasia, and performed live for Oprah Winfrey.
His group Dennis Reed & GAP performed with New Kids On the Block, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and were featured on the GRAMMY Award-winning project, Oh Happy Day: An All Star Musical Celebration.
He’s also been featured on America’s Got Talent several times with his local non-profit Inspire the Fire, and most recently with his group Sainted Trap Choir.
Deniro Farrar
Another Charlotte native, Deniro Farrar, first made waves in 2010 with his mixtape debut, followed by four studio albums and ten EPs.
Known for his gripping voice and contemplative lyrics that often touch on racial matters, political activism, and philosophical themes, Farrar stands out for his focus on consciousness and healthy living, promoting meditation and physical well-being.
704Chop
704Chop, hailing from Charlotte, may have slowed down in releasing new music recently, but his impact on the hip-hop industry remains unquestionable. Over time, he has collaborated with notable names like Q.C. (Quality Control) from Atlanta and fellow artist DaBaby, solidifying his reputation in the field.
His projects, including “Broken Soul” and “Carolina Superstar,” have garnered acclaim from both fans and music critics. In particular, his hit tracks “Loyalty Means Everything” and “Flawless” have not only resonated with listeners but have also firmly established his standing in the music world.
Stunna 4 Vegas
Starting his career in Salisbury, North Carolina, Stunna 4 Vegas became a household name in the underground hip-hop scene. His successful collaboration with Da Baby on “Animal” led to his signing with Billion Dollar Baby Entertainment in 2018.
His debut album, “Big 4x,” reached number fifty on the US charts in 2019.
Rich Dunk
Rich Dunk’s rap is best characterized by its dark and twisted nature. A collaboration with Da Baby on “Blame It On Baby” boosted his career.
Fresh out of high school, Dunk’s music quickly went viral online, securing his place as one of Carolina’s brightest emerging stars in hip-hop.
BIGBABYGUCCI
Originating from Charlotte, BIGBABYGUCCI has carved a distinctive niche in the rap industry with his unconventional style, setting himself apart from other Carolina rappers. His breakout moment came in 2019 with the chart-topping hit “Drop Top Lexus.”
Making his debut in 2016, BIGBABYGUCCI has been a force of continuous creativity and perseverance. He has churned out a plethora of mixtapes, EPs, and singles over the years, each release underscoring his unwavering dedication and tireless hustle within the competitive music landscape.
Shawn Scrilla
Up-and-coming artist Shawn Scrilla is shaking up southern hip-hop with his intense lyrics and deep beats.
Born in Rock Hill, he’s caught attention through recent collaborations with Da Baby and is one to watch in the coming years.
Lute
Beginning his career with Charlotte rap group Forever FC, Lute later embarked on a solo journey, signing with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records.
His sound, a blend of soul, old-school hip-hop, and trap beats, exhibits a modern flair while staying true to hip-hop’s essence.
Fred Durst
Raised in Gastonia, North Carolina, Fred Durst gained fame as Limp Bizkit’s frontman. The band’s nu-metal style, which fused aggressive rap with hardcore guitar and drums, was emblematic of the late 90s.
Durst’s guttural vocal screams and grimy raps add to his hypnotic and distinctive style.
Charlotte’s rich and varied musical landscape, influenced by an array of artists and cultural threads, is a testament to its position as a hub of creativity and innovation.
The city continues to shape the national hip-hop scene, promising exciting developments and new talents in the years to come.
Who’s your favorite artist from Charlotte?