The underground rap and hip-hop scene in Philadelphia is blossoming, and local producers are finally receiving the recognition they deserve.
Amari Newman, the creator of Sleepwalker Entertainment, a project that documents the underground hip-hop community, emphasizes the vital role producers play in modern music.
“I feel like producers are more important now than they’ve ever been,” Newman stated. “People are listening to the sound and beat and how it makes them feel.”
The city has a rich history of musical talent across various genres, and this legacy continues with a new generation of producers making waves in the industry.
“I think of names like F1lthy, BNYX, Q3, and Maaly Raw as prime examples of Philadelphia’s burgeoning talent,” Newman remarked.
In the digital age, social media has become an essential platform for producers. A single track can gain momentum through simple exposure, such as being featured in an Instagram reel or going viral through a dance challenge accompanying the beat.
However, the journey for lesser-known producers isn’t as straightforward.
Quinton Johnson, better known as Qnorapname, shared insights on the struggle for local talent to garner attention.
After experimenting with beats in 2017, he only began focusing on his production in 2020.
“It is unfortunately harder for local talent to get noticed, but making yourself noticeable is a skill in itself,” he told Metro.
Despite challenges, he believes Philadelphia boasts a wealth of producers who are continuously crafting innovative music.
Qnorapname’s latest project included collaborations with local artists like Q3, Lungs, Fatboi Sharif, Vic Spencer, Sekwence, and Teller Bank$.
He describes his production style as instrumental, sample-based experimentation, typically featuring mid-tempo beats filled with unconventional sounds.
To stand out in a saturated market, Qnorapname advocates for community engagement.
“The only way to get recognized is to immerse yourself in the scene—attend more shows, meet like-minded individuals, and collaborate,” he explained.
He notes the need for genuine relationships rather than shallow networking, asserting that authenticity is crucial for success in the local scene.
Additionally, Qnorapname sees potential for inspiration from Philadelphia’s punk scene, which thrives on community support, even in underground settings.
“Punk shows can be highly energetic on a mundane Wednesday night in a basement because people rally behind the local scene as a whole,” he observed.
While social media acts as a useful tool to expand reach online, Qnorapname cautions against becoming overly reliant on it.
He highlights the necessity for producers to build strong relationships offline and to foster a culture of mutual respect where credit is given to all contributors in the creative process.
For Qnorapname, the concept of collaboration is vital. He hosts a monthly beat-making event called Flipabeatclub at Cratediggaz Records, allowing producers to connect and showcase their work.
“It’s kind of crazy when a beat gains attention and people credit the artist for its success, forgetting that it was the producer who laid the groundwork,” he pointed out, hoping for a shift in audience perspective.
Another local producer, Triniviv, approaches music through a unique lens.
He emphasizes the importance of space within his production, crafting beats as carefully constructed musical sentences that draw from diverse influences including jazz, funk, and hip-hop.
“I believe Philly is evolving melodically and rhythmically without a doubt,” Triniviv remarked.
He describes the current period as a musical renaissance for the city, attributing this growth to collaborative efforts that push Philadelphia’s sound forward.
Triniviv points to the blending of experimental elements from various genres as the defining trajectory for Philadelphia’s musical future, bringing together a tapestry of influences that reflect the city’s vibrant artistic community.
With local producers making their mark in this evolving landscape, Philadelphia’s underground hip-hop scene is on the verge of a new chapter, one that celebrates the symbiotic relationship between artists and the producers behind the beats.
image source from：https://metrophiladelphia.com/philly-underground-producers/
