Key hubs include Boise's Treefort Music Fest (a major platform for local talent), community programs like the Rap America Project, and grassroots collectives. This expanded ranking builds on verifiable streaming metrics (where available), live performance history, industry connections, community impact, and the notoriety of artists who were making waves before Idaho’s scene drew wider attention, recognizing those who helped lay the foundation for the state’s growing reputation. Many artists operate independently, with success measured in regional dominance, festival slots, and cultural resonance rather than billions of global streams. 10 Idaho Rappers
25. Bri Breezy
A rising Boise-based artist known for her smooth delivery and regional appeal.
24. Ja Muzaki (MZK)
A raw talent often described as a “voice for the broken” within the Ada County scene.
23. Vito OT
A Boise Christian rap artist using music as therapy, steadily building a promising sound.
22. Neighborhood Banks
An up-and-coming Boise artist making waves with street-conscious lyrics and a strong underground following.
21. LP Certified
A modern Boise-area voice blending melodic flows with street-informed songwriting and growing regional traction.
20. Cartiae
An experimental heavyweight and one of the most critically acclaimed figures associated with Idaho,
19. Taos
Known for raw, emotionally grounded delivery and a strong underground presence within the evolving 208 sound.
18. FOETRolli
An emerging artist gaining momentum for his distinctive tone and modern production choices.
17. WKND CLIQUE
A movement and force in the local scene, known for launching and supporting artists such lead by Hip Hop Artist Lyricallashea and Devin B.
16. TNYG
An introspective lyricist blending street wisdom with philosophical depth.
15. J Brown
A prolific artist known for smooth, melodic delivery and consistent releases of memorable hip-hop. Also once a Bay Area Native
Honorable Mentions
Superior 1, Ready Starr, CookieMonster208, Skilly Waves, Joey Bravo (Lyrical Sound Demon), The Grooveline Conductors, Mill Bill, IceTre, Kaotik Kado, Alec Whiteley, Hyrthinking, Neal Rigg, Sai Phi, YP, Sketchy Waze, SillAY, Ace Flo, Sportinlyfe7, Undefined, Spicoli Blaak, Dre Supreme, Ce-iLLa, Everglades Boss, Riv Musix, 33Deep, Konquest, Derry Shirt, BlackMike722, H-Void, Magg 1, Big Poopa, Dose One, Traa, SaINt Michael Etc.
14. DINO
The underground artist of native descent who recently started working with DoggFace208 bringing a strong, lyrical approach and expanding presence in the Eastern 208 scene.
13. Yari Vuitton
A rising Idaho artist with a growing influence and fanbase, known for blending modern sounds with local 208 authenticity.
12. MJD
An underground artist bringing a strong, lyrical approach and expanding presence in the 208 scene.
11. John Bond
A Northwest artist gaining traction for his distinctive style and lyrical versatility, representing Boise’s evolving hip-hop landscape.
Powerhouse Tier (Ranks 10-6)
10. Kurtis Hoppie
A Christian rap artist who has garnered attention for his contributions to the regional hip-hop sound.
9. Madisun Proof
A leading name in conscious rap and soul-fusion. Her status is solidified by her role as a consistent headliner for New Outlets / Treefort Music Fest and her advocacy-driven platform, which resonates deeply with the Boise creative community. She’s also the lead MC in a shared all female group ‘Them’
8. JQ Vialpando
A strong regional presence balancing underground credibility with expanding Northwest recognition.
7. Ylti
A Northwest-influenced artist with a unique sound and a growing fanbase in the 208 area.
6. Lundy
A regional powerhouse known for his versatile style and steadily growing presence across Idaho’s hip-hop scene.
Elite Tier Lyricist & Notoriety / Top 5 (Ranks 1–5)
5. Wins
The leader of Idaho’s new-school conscious rap movement.
4. Zero Wan-Kenobi
Widely cited as the state’s lyrical powerhouse,
3. J Dixon
The undisputed underground leader of the ‘gritty’ 208 sound.
2. Doggface208 (Nathan Apodaca)
A cultural icon turned music artist, leveraging millions of followers and high-profile collaborations, including a feature from Snoop Dogg.
1. Hakeem Prime
The current leader in independent commercial success with his signature blend of R&B, Hiphop & Pop. With over 12 million total streams, including 8 million on his debut album, and a high-tier performance résumé opening for XXXTENTACION, T.I., and Russ, Hakeem Prime stands at the top of Idaho hip-hop. 🔗 https://www.hakeemprime.com/ Though Hakeem has been active since his success of his song “Slip Up” back in 2015 which garnished over 2M+ Videos Alone. Every State’s Rapper Mount Rushmore
Idaho's scene thrives on independence, community (e.g., Treefort, Rap America Project), and diversity—from conscious to experimental. In 2026 and 2027, expect more cross-Northwest collaborations and festival spotlight as artists like Madisun Proof and Hakeem Prime push boundaries. For deeper dives, check Treefort lineups or local platforms highlighting the 208's underrated talent.
