Our beloved city of Charleston, South Carolina, isn’t necessarily known for its hip-hop scene, but it definitely does have its fair share of artists to choose from. Today I will be emerging from the Lowcountry, blending regional influences with innovative sounds to capture the attention of both local fans and national audiences. Here’s a closer look at some of the most promising talents shaping Charleston’s hip-hop scene.

Long Money Phil

Long Money Phil has become a prominent figure in Charleston’s rap scene. Known for his gritty lyrics and authentic storytelling, he paints vivid pictures of life in the Lowcountry. His music resonates with listeners who appreciate raw, unfiltered narratives. In his song ‘Trap on Front Street’ with fellow Charleston rapper NunButPlays, Phil claims he frequently traps off of Sam Rittenburg, showing his Charleston roots. Tracks like “Walk” and “In My City” showcase his ability to blend street tales with melodic hooks, earning him a dedicated following.

Yung Nate

Yung Nate stands out with his unique blend of melodic flows and introspective lyrics. Drawing inspiration from both Southern rap legends and contemporary artists, he crafts songs that are both catchy and meaningful. His ability to seamlessly merge melody with rap has garnered him attention beyond Charleston.

Who Manyo

Operating primarily in the underground/club scene, Who Manyo has cultivated a dedicated fanbase through platforms like SoundCloud. His experimental approach to production and delivery sets him apart from mainstream artists, being what some would call a ‘Carti clone’. Tracks like “Pape” have earned him some mainstream success, although somewhat limited. In his lyrical masterpiece “2Crazy”, Who Manyo writes,

“I be riding with the strap, 

the charger gray and black, 

I just need a plug, like the tire flat. 

21 bands, i’ve been past that, 

and i still got money coming on the cashapp”

Fellow Newspaper writer Zuriel Nyamutsaka has personal ties to Who Manyo, further emphasizing the rapper’s deep ties to his community. 

Osamason

Osamason, who hails from the trenches of Goose Creek, is one artist who has gained popularity rapidly in recent years. He has released numerous songs since 2023, and his latest album, Psykotic, released in October 2025, delves into the realm of “rage” rap, combining distorted beats (reminiscent of rock/hard rock) with intense/angry vocals. Tracks like “What’s Happening” and “FMJ” showcase his ability to incorporate different elements into his music. Despite some criticism for adhering to genre conventions, OsamaSon’s expressive delivery and innovative production have earned him a dedicated following.

Speaker Knockerz

Although Speaker Knockerz tragically passed away in 2014, his influence on Charleston’s hip-hop scene remains undeniable. Known for his melodic trap beats and introspective lyrics, he paved the way for many local artists. His tracks like “Dap You Up” and “Lonely” continue to inspire new generations of musicians.

NunButPlays

NunButPlays has garnered attention for his unique approach to remixing tracks. His rendition of Who Manyo’s “Pape” in the ‘ChopNotSlop’ style offers a fresh take on the original, showcasing his versatility and creativity. Collaborations with producers like iLLADELL further highlight his commitment to pushing musical boundaries and evolving as an artist. In his song “Letter to Whopp” NunButPlays claims he wore the same clothes for a week because he didn’t stop trapping.

Scottie Pimpen

Scottie Pimpen, despite having one of the best stage names, is an emerging artist whose dynamic flow and engaging lyrics have begun to capture the attention of hip-hop enthusiasts. While still building his catalog, his performances and collaborations indicate a promising future in the industry.

Glokkhouse R32K

Glokkhouse R32K brings a high-energy, intense trap style to Charleston. His tracks are characterized by heavy 808s and aggressive vocal delivery, and show his contemporary influences. As he continues to release new music, Glokkhouse R32K is positioning himself as a staple in the local trap scene.

01wavey

01wavey, similar to Who Manyo, operates mostly out of the underground/club scene, as well as making use of SoundCloud as his primary musical platform. His willingness to explore unconventional styles sets him apart from his peers, offering  a unique blend of electronically charged vocals. Tracks like “Waveform” or “Chicken” put his unorthodox production style on display. He also released a song titled “Letter to NCPD” which is an emotionally charged diss track aimed at the North Charleston Police Department.

The Charleston Hip-Hop Sound

While each of these artists brings a [somewhat] unique flavor to the table, they collectively contribute to a Charleston sound that is worth investigating. Their ability to blend traditional Southern influences with modern themes has created a distinctive musical identity for our city. As they continue to collaborate and innovate, Charleston’s hip-hop scene could possibly grow into a more nationally influential music scene. 

Special thanks to Magnet senior (and fellow newspaper writer) Zuriel Nyamutsaka, whose insight on this topic was greatly appreciated.