Washington DC Rappers

List of top 20 DMV Rappers

Rappers from Washington DC may not have the popularity as artists in other cities, but the DMV still boasts a talented lineup of hip-hop artists, especially beginning during the 2010s.

While rap may be the more mainstream genre, some locals may have a preference for Go-Go music, which is a lively and distinctive sound that emerged in the 60s and 70s. It combines elements of various music genres, but is primarily characterized by funk music and Afro/Caribbean drums played by bands.

Even the streets have been embracing Go-Go music throughout the years, Whether it is rap artists mixing the Go-Go sound and rhythm or it is Go-Go bands singing and harmonizing as a representation for D.C.’s street culture. Now alongside Go-Go music, Washington DC rappers, and artists from surrounding Maryland and Virginia communities, have appeared as the faces of DMV music.

Top 20 DMV Rappers

3ohBlack

3ohBlack, hailing from the city of Washington, D.C., made his debut in the mid-2010s with hit songs like “All Talk,” “Mud” featuring Lil Baby, “Paper Cuts” with Gunna, and “Hollup.” He released the street classic project Who Want It in 2020, which put him and his music on the map.

Instagram: @3ohBlack and YouTube: 3ohBlack

Big Flock

Big Flock originated from Maryland’s Prince George’s County. Debuting around 2013, he has been an influential rapper in the local rap scene for over a decade. Throughout his career, Big Flock has released more than a dozen projects, establishing strong connections within the DMV music scene.

Instagram: @Big Flock and YouTube: Big Flock

Fat Trel

Fat Trel, hailing from E Street in Northeast D.C., made his debut in the early 2010s and has experienced both highs and lows throughout his career, including collaborations with industry legend Master P and periods of incarceration. He is known for tracks such as “My Bruvas,” “Russian Roulette,” “Rest In Peace,” “Look In My Eyes,” “Ni**az Dying,” “1800-Cal-Trel,” and more.

Instagram: @Fat Trel and YouTube: Fat Trel

Goldlink

Goldlink, who grew up throughout the DMV area from Washington, D.C. to Northern Virginia, is known for blending alternative sounds and styles. He made his debut in the early to mid-2010s and has released projects such as And After That, We Didn’t Talk, At What Cost, and Diaspora. Goldlink’s discography includes popular songs like “Crew,” “U Say,” “Zulu Screams,” “Herside Story,” and more.

Instagram: @Goldlink and YouTube: Goldlink

Lightshow

Lightshow, hailing from Southeast D.C., entered the rap scene at a young age, making his debut in the early 2010s. As one of the first DMV rappers to rise to prominence during that era, he has released notable projects such as Life Sentence 3 (2016) and Kalorama Heights (2017). Lightshow is also known for songs like “Now,” “Shoot For The Stars,” “Need A Lighter” featuring 21 Savage, “White Iverson,” and several others.

Instagram: @Lightshow and YouTube: Lightshow

Lil Dude

Lil Dude, who hails from Prince George’s County, made his debut in 2015 and quickly gained recognition with tracks like “Real Steppers,” “Many Men,” “Traffic,” “TNT,” “Like Me,” and “Linebacker.” His consistent output and distinctive style have made him a notable figure in the local rap scene.

Instagram: @Lil Dude and YouTube: Lil Dude

Lil Gray

Lil Gray, originating from Landover, made his debut in 2018 and brought a distinctive style to the scene of DMV rappers. While he is featured on the track “Money Problems,” he has also built a strong reputation with his own songs like “Sabertooth,” “Locksmith,” “Bullshit,” and more while not to leave out projects like 10B410.

Instagram: @Lil Gray | Youtube: Lil Gray

Lil Lo

Lil Lo debuted in the late 2010s and quickly made an impact with standout tracks like “Way Harder,” “Stake Out,” “Goat Flow,” and “Going Crazy.” Since his emergence, he has released over five projects, including Back and Better (2019), GOAT Mode (2020), and Who Am I (2025).

Instagram: @Lil Lo and YouTube: Lil Lo

Money Marr

Money Marr, originating from Washington, D.C., made his debut in the late 2010s and became known across the DMV with songs like “Cable Box,” “Whip Out The Stick,” “Trap Anthem,” and “Mix It.” Despite his success as a rising rapper, he is currently incarcerated.

Instagram: @Money Marr and YouTube: MoneyMarr

No Savage

No Savage, originating from Southeast D.C., has made a name for himself with standout tracks like “Reaper,” “Dirty 38,” and “Mood Switch.” He has also released several projects, including Life of a Savage, Life of a Savage 2, and Too Mobb, further establishing his presence in the DMV.

Instagram: @No Savage and YouTube: No Savage

Premo Rice

Premo Rice, hailing from Prince George’s County, Maryland, grew up in music and is known for his signature playa style. His laid-back and soulful rap sound has resonated with fans nationwide, leading to popular tracks such as “Players Anthem,” “Deep in my Bag,” “On Go,” “What’s Hannin,” “In The Shake Joint,” “Money Dance,” just to name few.

Instagram: @Premo Rice and YouTube: Premo Rice

Q Da Fool

Q Da Fool, a native of Prince George’s County, started his career as a member of the Pakk Boyz Gang before branching out as a solo artist. Debuting in the mid-2010s, he has since risen to become one of the DMV’s most recognized rappers. He is known for popular tracks such as “Catch Up,” “Fell In Love,” “Win,” “Wit My Rounds,” “Real,” “Into It,” and more.

Instagram: @Q Da Fool and YouTube: Q Da Fool

Rico Nasty

Rico Nasty, hailing from Prince George’s County, emerged in the mid-2010s with her unique and energetic rage rap style, first gaining attention through a series of mixtapes. She has released notable projects such as Sugar Trap 2 (2017), Nasty (2018), Nightmare Vacation (2020), and Las Ruinas (2022). Among her most popular songs are “Smack A B****,” “Poppin,” “OHFR?,” and more, making her one of the top female rappers in the industry.

Instagram: @Rico Nasty and YouTube: Rico Nasty

Shabazz PBG

Shabazz PBG is a DMV artist from Seat Pleasant in Prince George’s County and was a member of the Pakk Boy Gang. He made his debut in the mid-2010s, releasing standout tracks such as “Shells” with Lil Uzi Vert, “Kevin Durant,” “If You Need It,” “Destruction,” and more.

Instagram: @Shabazz PBG and YouTube: Shabazz PBG

Shy Glizzy

Shy Glizzy, hailing from 37th Street in Southeast D.C., was one of the most prominent rappers of the 2010s. Throughout his career, he released over a dozen mixtapes and albums, building a strong presence in the rap game. While he has singles such as “Like That” with Jeremih and Ty Dolla $ign, Shy Glizzy is especially known for his street anthems, including “White Girl,” “First 48,” “Free The Gang,” and “Awwsome,” among others.

Instagram: @Shy Glizzy and YouTube: Shy Glizzy

Wale

Wale made his debut in 2008 with the classic Mixtape About Nothing. He eventually signed with Maybach Music Group and went on to release several successful projects, including Ambition (2011), The Gifted (2013), and The Album About Nothing (2015). Throughout his career, Wale has delivered numerous hit songs such as “Lotus Flower Bomb,” “Bad,” “Matrimony,” “On Chill,” “Ambition,” “My PYT,” and more, solidifying his reputation as one of the top hip-hop artist of the 2010s.

Instagram: @Wale and YouTube: Wale

Will Tha Rapper

Will Tha Rapper, hailing from Southeast D.C. and Capitol Heights in Prince George’s County, made his debut in 2014. He is best known for hit songs such as “Pull Up Hop Out,” “Trappin Ain’t Dead,” “Discreet,” “DRACO,” and more.

Instagram: @WillThaRapper and YouTube: Will Tha Rapper

Xanman

Xanman, coming out of Landover, Maryland, made his debut in the late 2010s, becoming one of the DMV’s top grinding artists. He is known for songs like “PINK,” “Gucci Down,” “Point,” “Midnight,” “Foulin The Plug,” “Im Trynna Yeah,” and many more. Xanman’s relentless hustle has landed him among the top artists in the DMV.

Instagram: @Xanman and YouTube: Xanman

Young Moe

Young Moe, originally born in Egypt but raised in Alexandria, Virginia, made his debut in 2013 and has collaborated with artists such as Kevin Gates, Chief Keef, Fat Trel, and NoCap. He is known for standout tracks like “My Soul” and “Look In My Eyes,” which have contributed to his growing reputation in the rap scene.

Instagram: @Young Moe and YouTube: Young Moe

Yung Manny

Yung Manny, who began his music career as a teenager, debuted in 2017 and hails from Prince George’s County. He quickly gained popularity with tracks such as “Moana,” “You Can’t Stop The Rain,” “All My Guys Are Ballers,” “MURDAMAN!,” “Clap For Em” featuring Flo Milli and Sada Baby, and “Bitcoin.”

Instagram: @Yung Manny and YouTube: Yung Manny

Honorable Mention Washington DC Rappers:

– Goonew Instagram: @Goonew | Youtube: Goonew

– Kelow Latesha Instagram: @Kelow Latesha | Youtube: Kelow Latesha

– Semihomie Instagram: @Semihomie | Youtube: Semihomie

– Baby Jamo Instagram: @Baby Jamo | Youtube: Baby Jamo

– Baby Fifty Instagram: @baby fifty | Youtube: baby fifty

– Schlish Instagram: @Schlish | Youtube: Schlish

– JG Riff Instagram: @JG Riff | Youtube: JG Riff

– Gleesh Instagram: @Gleesh | Youtube: Gleesh

– Cheecho Instagram: @Cheecho | Youtube: Cheecho

– Mererackz Instagram: @mererackz | Youtube: mererackz

– Kayvo Instagram: @Kayvo | Youtube: Kayvo

– GlockBoyKari Instagram: @GlockBoyKari | Youtube: GlockBoyKari

*Make sure to leave a comment or email info@kltvltz.com for missing artists or anything related to DMV hip hop.

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