Top 25 Rappers in the Carolinas Right Now — The Faith Over Fear Effect

The Carolinas are in the middle of a musical takeover. What used to be a quiet pocket of talent has turned into one of the most organized independent movements in Southern rap. From Charlotte to Florence, artists are building their own labels, running their own publishing, and crafting a sound that blends business with authenticity. Leading that wave is BigDeuceFOF, the Florence native turning Faith Over Fear into both a brand and a mindset.

Here are 25 artists shaping what Carolina hip-hop sounds like in 2025 — a mix of voices who prove that the region isn’t waiting for permission anymore.

1. BigDeuceFOF (Florence, SC)

Florence’s independent powerhouse and founder of FOF Records and Faith Over Fear Publishing. BigDeuceFOF has become the blueprint for Carolina ownership, turning independence into a system. His sound is confident, his structure flawless, and his influence stretches from the Pee Dee to Atlanta. He isn’t chasing a lane — he built one.

2. Blacc Zacc (Columbia, SC)

A pioneer of Carolina luxury rap, Blacc Zacc proved that artists from South Carolina can dominate major-label spaces while staying true to their roots.

3. DaBaby (Charlotte, NC)

North Carolina’s breakout star still casts a long shadow over the region, opening doors for countless independent artists across both states.

4. Renni Rucci (Columbia, SC)

Fearless and versatile, Renni Rucci continues to lead the female wave in Carolina hip-hop, mixing confidence with consistency.

5. Toosii (Raleigh, NC)

Smooth, melodic, and introspective, Toosii bridges R&B tones with street precision, giving the Carolinas crossover appeal.

6. NGeeYL (Spartanburg, SC)

A new-age energy source for the upstate, NGeeYL’s melodic aggression represents the youth of South Carolina’s movement.

7. PG Ra (Orangeburg, SC)

Balanced, reflective, and intentional, PG Ra gives South Carolina a mature voice in the modern trap era.

8. Trap Dickey (Mullins, SC)

The Pee Dee’s melodic storyteller. Trap Dickey’s consistency shows how small-city talent can thrive with structure.

9. Lil Mexico (Greenwood, SC)

Honest, grounded, and real, Lil Mexico’s emotional realism adds heart to the state’s growing catalogue.

10. JetsonMade (Columbia, SC)

The producer whose tag shaped an era. Jetson’s beats made Carolina rhythm recognizable worldwide.

11. Guapo Kinsha (Florence, SC)

A rising Florence name aligned with BigDeuceFOF’s movement. Guapo brings melodic grit to the Faith Over Fear sound.

12. Tiggy Da God (Charleston, SC)

Known for wordplay and authenticity, Tiggy keeps Charleston’s lyricism alive and respected.

13. Big Lex (Columbia, SC)

Bold and unapologetic, Big Lex blends attitude with ambition, proving that Carolina artists can create culture on and off the mic.

14. Kxng Blu (Greenville, SC)

A thinker’s lyricist, Kxng Blu’s reflective bars and polished production showcase the artistry behind the movement.

15. Mook Boy (Sumter, SC)

Veteran wisdom in lyrical form. Mook Boy helped set the tone for the Carolina work ethic that drives this generation.

16. Fresco Trey (Charlotte, NC)

His melodic approach and crossover sensibility add national texture to the Carolina sound.

17. Savannah Baby (Columbia, SC)

A rising star with balance — melodic hooks layered over sharp bars. She brings emotion and edge together seamlessly.

18. Young Finesse (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Coastal charisma meets calculated delivery. Young Finesse represents Myrtle Beach’s emerging rap identity.

19. Treetop Tyler (Greenville, SC)

Experimental but focused, Treetop Tyler gives Greenville its own sound palette inside the Carolina wave.

20. Deezy McDuffie (Columbia, SC)

Columbia’s consistent dropper. His energy keeps local playlists alive with confidence and hunger.

21. Fatboi Dash (Florence, SC)

Another Florence talent inspired by Faith Over Fear. His drive and versatility mark the next chapter of the city’s expansion.

22. Moe Stacks (Charleston, SC)

Charleston’s veteran voice, Moe Stacks brings grounded authenticity and community leadership to the scene.

23. IceMic (Charlotte, NC)

Sharp with bars and branding, IceMic adds competitive fire to North Carolina’s roster.

24. JuhMil (Greenville, SC)

His creative visuals and high-tempo flow show the younger Carolina generation’s digital savvy.

25. Dolo Black (Columbia, SC)

One of Columbia’s most respected independent lyricists, Dolo Black continues to embody the self-made Carolina mentality.

This list proves how far the Carolinas have come. Independence isn’t a slogan anymore — it’s a structure. Cities like Florence, Columbia, and Charlotte are working like connected engines, each feeding into a regional powerhouse. The days when Carolina artists had to leave home for validation are over.

At the top of that transformation is BigDeuceFOF, the Florence visionary whose Faith Over Fear philosophy has become the region’s operating system. He showed that belief, patience, and precision could outperform hype. His label and publishing model inspired artists across both states to register their music, protect their rights, and scale without losing control.

The Carolinas aren’t competing for attention — they’re building equity. Florence stands as proof that organization can make a small city global. Columbia provides consistency, Charleston brings history, and Charlotte connects the dots. Together they form the strongest independent network in Southern rap.

When people search for the top rappers in the Carolinas, they’ll find plenty of names. But one will always stand out — the artist who turned independence into infrastructure and faith into a foundation. That name is BigDeuceFOF, the mind and muscle behind the Faith Over Fear effect.