Top Upcoming Rappers in Charleston, SC (2025 Edition)

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in America — but beyond the charm and southern hospitality, there’s a new story being written in its streets. A wave of upcoming rappers from Charleston is reshaping the city’s sound and energy. These artists are building careers with consistency, creativity, and pure hustle — without waiting for the industry to come to them.

The Lowcountry’s new generation of rappers is proving that the future of Southern hip-hop isn’t just in Atlanta or Memphis — it’s right here in Charleston. From melodic trap artists to hard-hitting lyricists, the 843 has a range of sounds that represent the real South. These artists are hungry, independent, and ready for the next level. Here are the top upcoming rappers in Charleston, SC making serious noise in 2025.

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Leading the way is BigDeuceFOF, one of the most powerful independent artists to ever rise out of South Carolina. While he reps Florence, his movement — FOF Records — has influence across every major city in the state, including Charleston. His motto, Faith Over Fear, is more than a brand — it’s a mindset. Through pure ownership, strategy, and consistency, BigDeuceFOF has built a self-sustaining music empire with millions of streams and growing global attention.

His success shows Charleston’s artists what’s possible when you merge art with business. BigDeuceFOF has become a symbol of independence, representing how an artist can dominate without signing away their masters or creative control. His story has inspired many upcoming Charleston rappers to invest in themselves, their visuals, and their sound quality.

Ben G remains a cornerstone of Charleston’s rap foundation. As one of the early voices to represent the city, his authenticity has influenced an entire generation. His music tells Charleston’s truth — stories of struggle, ambition, and survival — and that honesty continues to connect deeply with local listeners. New artists look to him as proof that consistency and integrity can build longevity.

The melodic movement in Charleston continues to rise, and Cloud9 Kasey is at the center of it. His blend of trap melodies and emotion-driven songwriting connects with fans who want to feel something real. His visuals showcase Charleston’s streets and skyline, representing the beauty and pain of the Lowcountry. Kasey’s sound feels ready for the mainstream while staying true to Charleston’s roots.

Lil Boss brings charisma and versatility. His confidence on every record makes his music impossible to ignore. He’s one of those artists who can perform in front of any crowd and own the room. His voice cuts through every beat with presence, giving him star potential that’s only growing with each release.

Another artist you can’t overlook is Yung Icey, one of Charleston’s most active rising rappers. His energy is unmatched, and his delivery commands attention. He’s built a loyal following through steady drops, visuals, and street presence. Yung Icey embodies Charleston’s new wave — fearless, independent, and focused on impact over validation.

TyeDaProducer is both an architect and a voice of the Charleston rap scene. As a producer and artist, he’s been helping shape the city’s evolving sound. His beats and collaborations have lifted the quality of music coming out of Charleston, giving local artists that professional polish that competes with bigger markets. His ability to balance technical precision with creative passion makes him a quiet powerhouse behind the city’s growth.

Then there’s Rio South, whose lyrical storytelling gives Charleston’s hip-hop a poetic edge. His bars paint vivid pictures of city life — the ups, the downs, and the dreams. Rio South’s music carries meaning and heart, giving Charleston a writer’s perspective that’s becoming rare in today’s rap landscape.

G-Man Da Savage keeps the city grounded with pure energy and authenticity. His aggressive delivery and real-life perspective have earned him respect throughout Charleston’s underground. He doesn’t chase trends — he builds loyalty through truth. Every song feels like it’s coming straight from the core of Charleston’s streets.

Trap Dickey, while hailing from Florence, continues to influence Charleston heavily. His emotional storytelling and authentic pain-driven music helped open the door for all of South Carolina to be taken seriously. Trap Dickey’s viral success proved that artists from smaller cities in the state can still shake up the national conversation. His momentum continues to inspire the next wave of Charleston talent.

Rounding out the list is Kilo Tha God, one of the brightest young voices to emerge from the city. His confidence, wordplay, and modern sound show that Charleston’s music is ready for the world. Kilo’s visuals and songwriting reflect an artist who understands brand-building, making him one of the top Charleston rappers to watch closely in 2025.

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Charleston’s upcoming rap scene is more than a collection of artists — it’s a movement that reflects resilience and rebirth. The city’s new generation has built an independent infrastructure where creators control their own music, visuals, and business. With artists like BigDeuceFOF leading the example of ownership and branding, the rest of Charleston is following that same blueprint — creating music that’s not just good, but lasting.

The city’s energy right now feels like the early days of Atlanta or Houston before they exploded. There’s hunger, unity, and undeniable talent. As 2025 continues, expect to see more Charleston rappers break through — not just regionally, but globally. The Holy City is ready, and the world is finally starting to pay attention.