The Top 30 Best Independent Rappers of All Time

Independent rappers are more than just artists; they’re entrepreneurs, pioneers, visionaries. The hip-hop game has always been about the hustle, the grind, the relentless pursuit of a dream. But there’s something uniquely potent about the independent artist’s journey, a path forged through raw talent, resilience, and an uncompromising vision.

It’s a legacy that goes back to the early days of the rap game, with independent pioneers like E-40 and Too Short slinging tapes from their trunks, building empires out in the Bay Area from the ground up. Then there’s Tech N9ne, the Strange Music king who has crafted a sprawling catalog without major label strings. Nipsey Hussle, may he rest in peace, took independence to a new level, selling mixtapes for $100 apiece, knowing his worth and never backing down.

Even the new school, artists like Chance the Rapper and Noname, have proven that major label backing ain’t a necessity for critical acclaim or commercial success — as they’ve paved new paths in the industry for subsequent rappers to come up and thrive.

So let’s get into it. From E-40 selling tapes out the car trunk to Chance the Rapper’s Grammy-nominated success, here are the top 30 best independent rappers of all time.

Honorable mentions:

Russ

Associated labels: Diemon, Columbia

Talk about DIY hustle, and Russ’s name shines bright. Starting off making beats at 14, he’d later engineer, mix, master, and write his own music, building a massive following through relentless self-released singles. His success is not just a testament to talent but a mastery of self-promotion and business acumen. While eventually signing with Columbia Records, it was his groundwork, independent mindset, and diehard fan base that gave him the clout to negotiate on his terms. Russ’s indie journey reflects the new age entrepreneurial spirit that’s shaping the game today.

Dom Kennedy

Associated labels: OPM (Other People’s Money)

From L.A. with love, Dom Kennedy represents the independent grind with his signature smooth flow. Unlike many, he stayed true to his independent roots, even when major labels were knocking. With the creation of his label, Other Peoples Money Company, Kennedy showcased not just artistic prowess but business acumen. He nurtured a dedicated fanbase through strategic drops and maintained creative control, something most artists only dream of. Dom Kennedy’s commitment to the indie hustle reflects an unwavering belief in self and a model that up-and-coming artists continue to look up to.

30. Mick Jenkins

Associated labels: Cinematic

Mick Jenkins, a thoughtful Chicago lyricist, has thrived in the independent scene, intertwining philosophy with intricate flows. Rather than bending to the commercial wave, Jenkins focused on his craft, releasing his music under the indie label Cinematic Music Group. His works like The Waters and Pieces of a Man solidified his reputation as a conscious rapper, attracting a fanbase that appreciated his authenticity. Even without the backing of a major label, Jenkins’ voice has echoed through the scene over the past decade, proving the worth of integrity and artistry in a saturated market.

29. Murs

Associated labels: Strange Music, Definitive Jux, Rhymesayers

Murs is synonymous with independent success in the hip-hop sphere. This man’s been doing it big on his own terms, breaking boundaries and setting standards. He linked up with Strange Music, one of the strongest independent labels out there, but never lost sight of his indie roots. The L.A. rapper’s collabs with 9th Wonder and his hand in founding the Paid Dues Festival have kept the indie fire burning bright. Murs represents that West Coast independent hustle, where swaggering mic skills meet business acumen. He’s a living testament to the power of the independent spirit in hip-hop, a force undiluted by the mainstream.

28. Skyzoo

Associated labels: First Generation Rich Music Group

From Brooklyn’s vibrant streets, Skyzoo emerged as a pure embodiment of independent artistry. His hustle ain’t no fairytale; it’s crafted from relentless work and an unwavering commitment to hip-hop’s essence. Standout albums like Music for My Friends and In Celebration of Us stand as testament to his lyrical genius and self-made success. Skyzoo doesn’t need major labels to define him; his intricate storytelling does that already. This man paints pictures with his words, no major label brush required.

27. Saba

Associated labels: Saba Pivot, LLC

Out of the heart of Chicago’s booming independent scene, Saba’s been penning his path in the industry. Dropping timeless projects like 2018’s Care for Me, Saba’s albums aren’t just commodities designed for mass consumption; they’re pieces of his soul, laid bare for listeners. There’s no compromise with Saba; he’s his brand, his business, his art. And don’t get it twisted, he’s making moves without a major label puppeteering him. This ain’t just hip-hop; it’s the pure, unfiltered voice of a generation, and Saba’s holding the mic, no strings attached.

26. Big K.R.I.T.

Associated labels: Multi Alumini, BMG, Cinematic, Def Jam

Big K.R.I.T.’s journey from the Magnolia State to the national stage has been a masterclass in independent grind. You think Def Jam was the beginning? Nah, K.R.I.T. had the South bumping before the majors even blinked. Mixtapes like See Me on Top and The Last King were all hustle, no handouts. While he spent almost a decade signed to Def Jam, the rapper’s time with the major label was marked by soulful lyricism and consciousness that defined him from the beginning. Even after his stint with the big leagues, K.R.I.T.’s return to independent roots with 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time and K.R.I.T. Iz Here kept the essence intact.

25. Elzhi

Associated labels: Fat Beats, Jae B. Group

Now, talkin’ ’bout Elzhi, you’re speaking on a Detroit legend who’s been crafting lyrical gems for years. Formerly a part of Slum Village, Elzhi ventured into the independent realm and became a symbol of unadulterated skill. Albums like “Elmatic” showcase his razor-sharp wordplay and storytelling prowess. He ain’t no major label puppet; instead, he thrives in the independent space, where his creativity knows no bounds. By staying true to his roots and retaining control over his artistic direction, Elzhi’s maintained a level of respect that few can match. Both J-Live and Elzhi, they ain’t just independent artists; they’re professors in the school of hip-hop independence, teaching lessons on how to move in a world that often forgets the essence.

24. Freddie Gibbs

Associated labels: Warner, ESGN, Str8 Slammin’

Freddie Gibbs, the street poet from Gary, Indiana, kicked things off with Interscope in 2006, only to get the cold shoulder from the majors. But instead of folding, Gibbs took to the grind, conquering the independent scene with certified heat. You heard Pinata and Bandana with Madlib? Those are symphonies from the gutter, no corporate touch. But here’s the twist, after laying down the foundation, particularly with the Grammy-nominated Alfredo, Gibbs inked with Warner Records in 2020. A full circle moment, back to the major labels, but this time on his terms. He built it from the mud, now he’s sitting at the high table.

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