Top Upstate NY Rap

(Top Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, & Buffalo Rappers)

In the shadows of hip hop music in New York City is the rising hip hop scene of Upstate New York, which includes the likes of Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo rappers, along with artists from smaller cities throughout the state. Along Interstate 90, a four hour stretch from Albany to Buffalo, resides the heart of today’s representation of rappers from Upstate New York, producing some of hip-hop’s top artists of today.

Within these communities, communities like the East Side of Buffalo, the South Side of Syracuse, the Uptown section of Albany, or the North Side and West Side of Rochester, consists of dozens of talented rap artists. Within the large batch of talent emerges a handful of Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse rappers that have created an opportunity for themselves to be seen and heard outside of the state of New York.

Top 12 Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo Rappers

38 Spesh

38 Spesh, a talented producer and rapper, has been active in the hip hop scene since the late 2000s, but gaining major recognition being alongside Kool G Rap. He made a significant mark with the release of the East Coast underground classic STABBED & SHOT 2 in 2014, and has continued to embody the essence of a true hip hop artist.

Instagram: @38 Spesh and YouTube: 38 Spesh

Armani Caesar

Armani Caesar, the first lady of Griselda Records, hails from Buffalo and has built a strong presence on social media. A veteran of the rap game since the late 2000s, long before female rappers became a mainstream trend, Armani has delivered standout tracks like “Diana,” “The Nasty Song,” “Hunnit Dolla Hiccup,” “Sike,” and more.

Instagram: @Armani Caesar and YouTube: Armani Caesar

Benny The Butcher

Buffalo’s own Benny the Butcher is a highly respected rapper and has been a core member of Griselda Records, but also his own entity in Black Soprano Family. Benny built his reputation through raw storytelling, architecting the true East Coast, New York sound of boom-bap into today’s era of hip-hop.

Instagram: @Benny The Butcher and YouTube: Benny The Butcher

Che Noir

Che Noir, a Buffalo native who debuted in 2016, stands out from today’s typical female rappers by upholding the tradition of true East Coast hip hop. Known for her genuine talent and lyrical prowess, she represents a refreshing departure from the mainstream trends often pushed in the industry today.

Instagram: @Che Noir and YouTube: Che Noir

Conway the Machine

Conway The Machine, a founding member of the Griselda collective, alongside his half-brother Westside Gunn and cousin Benny the Butcher, Conway has been key to bringing back the foundation of East Coast rap. Surviving a near-fatal shooting in 2012 that left him with facial paralysis, but Conway has been unapologetic as an artist.

Instagram: @Conway The Machine and YouTube: Conway the Machine

Elcamino

ElCamino, a rapper based in Buffalo, New York, stays true to his East Coast hip-hop roots with a signature boom-bap sound and notable ties to the Black Soprano Family. Since debuting in the late 2010s, he has released standout tracks such as “Mobile Phone,” “Josh Allen,” and more, further establishing his presence in the underground rap scene.

Instagram: @Elcamino and YouTube: Elcamino

Pardison Fontaine

Pardison Fontaine, the charmed rapper hailing from Newburgh, has consistently made headlines not only for his collaborations with top artists like Cardi B but also for his former high-profile relationship with Megan Thee Stallion. Since making his debut in the early 2010s, he has released several notable tracks, including “Backin’ It Up” with Cardi B, “Rodman,” “Peach” with City Girls, “In The Field,” and “Shea Butter,” among others.

Instagram: @Pardison Fontaine and YouTube: Pardison Fontaine

Rx Papi

Rx Papi, hailing from Rochester, New York, has made a name for himself by delivering a different form of trap music that serves as a soundtrack for hustlers. Since debuting in the late 2010s, he has become one of the hardest-working artists in the scene, consistently releasing numerous projects. His standout tracks include “12 Stout Street,” “The Root of All Evil,” “Still In Da Hood,” “4 Hour Drive to Elmira,” “Sum To Say,” among many others.

Instagram: @Rx Papi and YouTube: Rx Papi

RXKNephew

RXKNephew, hailing from Rochester, New York, made his debut in the late 2010s and has since brought his own unique swag, flavor, and energy to the Upstate New York rap scene. Known for being in a league of his own, RXKNephew has proven his distinctiveness on tracks like “American TTerrorist,” “Critical,” “Slitherman Vs Nephew,” and others, consistently delivering an alternative style that sets him apart in hip hop.

Instagram: @RXKNephew and YouTube: RXKNephew

Scorey

Scorey, a rapper from Syracuse, gained rap fans with his melodic flow while creating unique niche for himself in today’s Upstate New York rap scene. Signed to Chicago rapper Polo G’s label, Capalot Records, Scorey has gained popularity with songs like “Moods,” “Love Letter,” “Victim,” “Die Young,” “Rock N Roll,” and many more.

Instagram: @Scorey and YouTube: Scorey

Stove God Cooks

Stove God Cooks, a rapper from Syracuse, is recognized as an underrated artist known for his gritty yet witty wordplay, paired with the soulful sound characteristic of East Coast hip hop. He made his way onto the scene with his 2020 fan-favorite project, Reasonable Drought.

Instagram: @StoveGodCooks and YouTube: Stove God Cooks

Westside Gunn

Westside Gunn is an influential rapper, fashion visionary, and co-founder of the hip-hop collective Griselda Records. Known for his unmistakable high-pitched delivery and vivid street rhymes, Westside Gunn has played a large role in the resurgence of the traditional East Coast sound.

Instagram: @WestSideGunn and YouTube: Westside Gunn

Honorable Mention Upstate NY Rappers:

– Eto Instagram: @ETO and Youtube: Eto

– Tottywat Instagram: @Tottywat and YouTube: Tottywat

– Jamal Gasol Instagram: @Jamal Gasol and Youtube: Jamal Gasol

– Rigz Instagram: @Rigz and Youtube: Rigz

– Lil Wes Instagram: @LilWes and Youtube: Lil Wes

– Wiz Mack Instagram: @Wiz Mack and Youtube: Wiz Mack

– Dini Instagram: @Dini and Youtube: Dini

– Laflare 2x Instagram: @Laflare 2x and Youtube: Laflare 2x

– Taj Billy Instagram: @Taj Billy and Youtube: Taj Billy

– Lil Deebo Instagram: @Lil Deebo and Youtube: Lil Deebo

*If any artists are missing from the list email info@kltvltz.com or leave a comment!

Categorized in:

Rap & Hip-Hop

Tagged in:

East Coast Hip-Hop

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