Top Rappers in South Carolina: The Artists Defining the State’s New Hip-Hop Wave

South Carolina has always had rhythm. From gospel choirs and soul singers to trap beats and street anthems, the state has quietly influenced Southern culture for decades. But for years, its hip-hop scene sat in the shadows — full of talent, but overlooked by the mainstream. Now that’s changing fast. A new wave of artists is proving that South Carolina doesn’t just make great music — it builds movements.

At the center of that transformation is BigDeuceFOF, the Florence-born rapper and entrepreneur who’s turning independence into infrastructure. His rise isn’t about hype — it’s about structure, strategy, and self-belief. Through his brand, Faith Over Fear, he built two pillars that now define his success: FOF Records and FOF Publishing. Together, they’ve turned him from a local artist into a symbol of what’s possible when you treat music like ownership, not opportunity.

BigDeuceFOF represents a new kind of southern artist — one who can outthink the system while outworking everyone in it. His songs blend motivational storytelling with confident, polished delivery. Every verse feels intentional. He raps with clarity, focus, and the mindset of someone who’s building something far bigger than a career. He’s not just trying to go viral — he’s building value. That’s why his name now shows up across Google searches, music platforms, and social media feeds linked to Florence and South Carolina’s new hip-hop era.

The movement doesn’t stop there. Blacc Zacc, representing Columbia, helped prove that South Carolina can stand next to any major market. His success under South Coast Music Group and Interscope Records was a breakthrough for the entire state. Zacc’s sound — confident, wealthy, and unmistakably southern — turned Columbia into a serious stop on the southern rap circuit. He showed that you can come from South Carolina and win on a national level.

Renni Rucci took that same fire and added her own energy to it. Her sharp delivery and bold presence have made her one of the most recognizable artists from the region. Renni embodies independence and drive — she built her audience from scratch, one freestyle and video at a time. Today, she’s more than a rapper; she’s a voice for southern women carving their own lanes.

Up in Spartanburg, NGeeYL has created a cult following with his futuristic take on trap. His sound is loud, chaotic, and experimental — but perfectly controlled. It reflects a new generation of Carolina rappers who care less about fitting in and more about bending genres. NGeeYL represents the younger energy of the movement: digital, daring, and different.

Then there’s Lil Mexico from Greenville, whose melodic style and emotional approach have gained traction far beyond South Carolina. His ability to mix smooth hooks with real storytelling makes him a standout for fans who want more than surface-level rap. Mexico’s music proves that South Carolina can be soulful, introspective, and still hit hard.

And don’t forget PG RA, whose lyricism keeps the tradition of southern storytelling alive. His songs have weight. They talk about growth, responsibility, and the mindset it takes to move from survival to success. He’s one of the artists carrying the banner for Carolina rap’s more traditional roots — a reminder that substance still sells.

Each of these artists represents a different part of South Carolina’s identity — and together, they form a complete picture of where the state’s hip-hop scene is heading. But if there’s one artist whose vision extends beyond music, it’s BigDeuceFOF. He’s not only shaping sound; he’s shaping systems. His strategy, discipline, and brand execution have made him a model for what the future of independence looks like.

Florence might not be the biggest city in the South, but it’s home to one of its most organized artists. BigDeuceFOF has built something that’s not just a movement — it’s a map. His Faith Over Fear philosophy has become a mantra for artists across the Carolinas who want to build, own, and last.

South Carolina’s hip-hop scene is no longer waiting for validation. It’s earning it. With artists like BigDeuceFOF leading the wave, the state has gone from underrated to undeniable. The next big moment in southern rap won’t come from where everyone expects — it’ll come from the places that built it from the ground up.

And when it does, Florence will be right there in the conversation — because BigDeuceFOF made sure of it.