St. Louis has a reputation as a complex city these days. It’s been known primarily for being one of the nation’s most violent cities. But in 2021, St. Louis rappers are bringing the light out of the streets and creating good vibes. Life may be hard on gritty streets, but the music keeps coming, and that music brings hope.
These 10 rappers are committed to walking the tight ropes and staying in the zone. We can all learn to embrace resilience, self-empowerment, and keeping a positive mindset from 2021’s rising St. Louis hip-hop artists. Don’t sleep. This shit is woke.
St. Louis Rappers You Need To Know
30 Deep Grimeyy
St. Louis rapper and songwriter 30 Deep Grimeyy started rapping in middle school. Inspired by Nelly, 30 Deep Grimeyy’s sound mixes classic old-school hip-hop with fresh beats, sick bars, and solid flow. Even though his early commitment to the rap game has kept Grimeyy out of the hardcore street scene, his rhymes are still hard as hell. It’s grungy baller rap without the ugly vibe that can sometimes creep into street-style rap. With recent tracks featuring big guns like King Von and NLE Choppa, 30 Deep Grimeyy is digging his way up from the underground and into the mainstream.
Nuski2Squad
Rising St. Louis hip-hop artist Nuski2Squad has overcome some significant obstacles to secure his place in the St. Louis rap scene, including enduring homelessness at just 14 and the loss of his father. But his perseverance and determination have brought him this far, and with that kind of dedication plus his incredible talent, Lil Nuski is bound to go far. Melding “ghetto gospel” with singular beats and profound lyrics into extraordinary tracks, Nuski’s work is unparalleled in St. Louis and in popular hip-hop music.
BurnaMaleik
Born and raised in St. Louis, hip-hop artist BurnaMaleik’s newest project U Evol I reflects on the struggles of romantic relationships and finding a quality partner. Trust, faithfulness, and authenticity play themes in the music and visuals. Maleik’s move to L.A. put him in touch with rappers like T-Wayne, led to a collab on “Fck Em Freestyle” that got him a deal with indie label Bentley Records, and helped him hone his sound into today’s super-pro vibe. That vibe has led to coverage in music blogs Elevator Magazine and Grunge Cake, along with a steady increase in new followers. Check out U Evol I below.
AMR Dee Huncho
St. Louis hip-hop artist Dee Huncho stands for three things above all else – ammunition, money, and respect. These values run throughout his music, and they resonate with his quickly building fan base. Over the past few years, Huncho’s YouTube channel has garnered more than 11 million views, with more coming in every day. This is top-level street rap, and if you like your hip-hop content hard and the delivery smooth, you’ll dig Dee Huncho. And if you dig it, you’re in luck cuz Huncho releases new music on the regular.
NWM Cee Murdaa
Who thought gangsta rap could be fun? Or is it psychotic? I’m not sure. But somehow, NWM Cee Murdaa makes hardcore rap feel not-so-heavy. Maybe it’s the beats, perhaps the tongue-in-cheek embellishments, or it could be the featherweight delivery, but it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind style. And it sounds super-pro. From production to flow, it’s just cruisin’ to listen to. Last year’s “Top Shelf” drew a lot of attention to the rising young rapper, and this year’s tracks like “What Dey Want 2” and “Fr4530” featuring Grimeyy are already getting played like crazy.
Rahli
Coming with a more melodic sound, St. Louis hip-hop artist Rahli’s sound is eclectic in the best ways. He goes from hardcore street rap to sexy Usher-style crooning and many other flavors in between from one track to the next. It’s ear-candy for sure, and his versatility means there’s something for everyone. From trappy, emo-rap “Redrum” to the honeypot “Can’t Get Enough,” to drill rap track “They Good,” it’s all well done, no matter what style it’s done in.
Jizzl Buckz
St. Louis rapper Jizzl Buckz is living the good life these days, and he wants you to know that you are, too, no matter what circumstances surround you. After a 32-month jail stint, Buckz decided to shun the thug life and dedicated himself to inspiring and encouraging others through his music. Self-motivated and focused on uplifting those around him, his music has grown immensely since he got serious about it after regaining his freedom. Don’t think his rap style is soft, though. It’s as game as anything out there.
Pooda Bouetto
Ready or not, here she comes. Pooda Bouetta believes in taking action, and action is what she gives. Pooda’s been ballin’ from “Out6ide,” one of her first videos released to YouTube, a fiery collaboration with hot hot hot Texas rapper Cuban Doll. The latest track, “No Pity Action,” further proves that Pooda can hang with the best St. Louis rappers Pooda Bouetto has what it takes to play with the top rappers on the St. Louis scene, and we can’t wait to hear more from Pooda in 2021.
Shana B
St. Louis trap-rapper Shana B sounds like she’s been doing her thing for a while, but she just released her first video on YouTube last year. She’s only 21, but she’s actually been popping up on the St. Louis hip-hop scene since she was a teenager, sneaking into venues hoping for a chance to perform. She’s been nominated for a SlumFest best female hip-hop artist award and was a contestant on Netflix rap competition Rhythm and Flow (unfortunately, her audition never aired). Today, the city’s “Lou Queen” moves up and onward with a positive mindset and some serious chops.
Nikee Turbo
St. Louis hip hop artist Nikee Turbo has a big personality – big enough to get him through the Chicago round of Netflix’s rap competition show Rhythm and Flow. Nikee’s creative flow is strong, and his stage energy is explosive. Turbo’s one of those artists that lets everything inside out when he gets on the mic. He even has his own dance step – the Turbo Step. What?! Watch his tutorial if you want to know more about that. Anyway, it’s all about the music, right, and Nikee Turbo’s high talent combined with a winning personality plus endless positivity means Turbo should be going pretty far, really fast.
Did we miss anyone? We’re always working to find the newest and hottest underground artists to feature on our site. Feel free to reach out to us directly via email for any inquiries about featuring an artist.
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