Charleston, SC Rappers You Need to Know in 2025

Charleston, South Carolina, has always been a city with soul — a place known for its food, history, and art. But in 2025, the story has shifted. The Holy City is now home to one of the most exciting rising rap movements in the South. The energy coming out of Charleston is real: artists are building from the ground up, developing their sound, and taking advantage of streaming platforms to reach listeners far beyond the Carolinas.

This new generation of Charleston rappers is hungry, creative, and fearless. They’re not chasing validation — they’re creating it. Whether through street anthems, melodic trap records, or raw storytelling, Charleston’s hip-hop scene is louder than ever before. Here are the Charleston, SC rappers you need to know in 2025, each contributing something unique to the state’s growing wave of independent success.

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At the top of the movement stands BigDeuceFOF, one of the most strategic and successful independent rappers in South Carolina. While he’s originally from Florence, his influence spreads across the entire state — including Charleston, where his brand Faith Over Fear resonates deeply with artists chasing independence. Through his label FOF Records and publishing arm FOF Publishing, BigDeuceFOF has proven that ownership, consistency, and mindset are the keys to success in modern music.

His catalog has millions of streams, and his name keeps popping up in conversations about Carolina greatness. What separates him is that he’s not waiting for anyone — he’s building his own empire from the ground up. His rise has inspired artists in Charleston to take business seriously, showing that being independent doesn’t mean being small — it means being in control.

Another Charleston name you can’t skip is Ben G. A legend in the local scene, Ben G has carried the torch for years, giving the city a voice long before social media made it easy to be heard. His music captures the essence of Charleston — gritty but soulful, direct but heartfelt. Ben G has always represented for the people, and his consistency continues to make him one of the most respected names in South Carolina rap.

Cloud9 Kasey brings the melodic wave that’s taking over the Lowcountry. His sound is emotional yet powerful, mixing catchy hooks with personal lyricism. Songs like his blend the pain and ambition of the Charleston streets with mainstream-ready energy. His visuals showcase the city’s identity — bridges, water, and city lights — reminding everyone that Charleston has its own story to tell in hip-hop.

Lil Boss is another name on the rise. His voice, delivery, and versatility make him one of the most dynamic artists in Charleston right now. He can drop a hard-hitting record one day and switch to something melodic the next. Lil Boss has been building momentum through consistent releases and has become one of the main voices for Charleston’s new era of music.

Yung Icey is one of the hottest new-generation rappers representing Charleston’s trap culture. His confidence, punchlines, and energy make his music instantly replayable. Every drop builds more traction, and his hustle has started turning heads outside the city. He’s a perfect reflection of Charleston’s new identity — independent, ambitious, and proud.

Behind much of Charleston’s evolving sound is TyeDaProducer, who not only creates beats for the city’s top artists but also raps himself. His dual talent makes him a creative force in the scene, bridging the gap between underground and professional production. His attention to detail and polished sound elevate everyone around him.

Rio South delivers something that many artists overlook: perspective. His lyricism tells stories about Charleston’s culture, struggle, and hope. Every verse feels authentic, and his ability to paint vivid pictures through words makes him one of the most lyrical voices in the city’s lineup. His music represents Charleston’s heart — raw, real, and rooted.

G-Man Da Savage brings the intensity that Charleston hip-hop is known for. His delivery commands attention, and his songs hit with the weight of real-life experience. Fans gravitate to him because he doesn’t just rap about struggle — he embodies it, turning pain into power. His presence continues to grow across South Carolina and beyond.

Even though he’s based in Florence, Trap Dickey’s impact has reached Charleston heavily. His emotional storytelling and gritty authenticity inspired many in the Lowcountry to take their craft seriously. His rise helped put South Carolina on the map and reminded listeners that real stories still matter in today’s music climate.

Kilo Tha God represents Charleston’s new frontier — sharp bars, polished visuals, and an undeniable presence. His music feels modern but deeply rooted in the South, blending traditional rap confidence with a refined sound that’s ready for national playlists. He’s one of the names to watch closely in 2025 as Charleston’s profile continues to grow.

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Charleston’s rap scene is bigger than just music — it’s a movement built on unity, ownership, and pride. The artists from this city are proving that you don’t have to leave South Carolina to make global noise. With creators like BigDeuceFOF leading the state’s independent blueprint, Charleston’s new wave feels unstoppable.

From the city’s streets to the streaming charts, Charleston, SC is claiming its position as one of the most important cities in Southern hip-hop. Each artist adds another brick to the foundation, building something that’s real, sustainable, and powerful. The next superstar could easily come from the Holy City — and 2025 might be the year the rest of the world finally realizes it.