Kansas may not immediately come to mind as one of the top hip-hop destinations in the United States, but the state’s rap scene has a rich history and a vibrant present-day culture worth exploring. In this article, we take a closer look at the history of Kansas hip-hop, notable artists and groups, the local scene, and what the future holds.
The history of Kansas hip-hop
Early beginnings and influences
Kansas hip-hop has humble roots, with early influences stemming from other regions. In the 1980s, artists such as Run DMC, LL Cool J, and N.W.A. were gaining popularity and inspiring aspiring rappers across the country. In the 1990s, the West Coast and East Coast were the centers of the rap scene, with gangsta rap, conscious rap, and alternative rap dominating the airwaves.
In Kansas, groups like Killa Tribe, Ill Dimension, and Bomb Bap Squad began to emerge, incorporating elements from the broader hip-hop movement while also adding their flavor to the mix. DJs such as DJ Ice, DJ Donnell, and DJ Chetan were instrumental in bringing hip-hop records to clubs and parties, keeping the scene alive and growing.
The rise of local talent
Despite the challenges of starting a hip-hop career in the Midwest, several Kansas artists began to make a name for themselves in the early 2000s. One of the most successful is Tech N9ne, who founded the Strange Music record label and has released numerous albums that have achieved critical acclaim and commercial success.
Other artists such as XV, Dizzy Wright, Krizz Kaliko, and Stevie Stone have also gained recognition for their unique styles and contributions to the Kansas hip-hop scene. Many of these artists found their claim to fame through SoundCloud and other streaming services, which have leveled the playing field and given more opportunities to artists in smaller markets.
One of the defining characteristics of Kansas hip-hop is its diversity. While some artists draw on the traditional sounds of East and West Coast rap, others incorporate elements of jazz, blues, and country music into their beats. This unique fusion of styles has helped to set the Kansas hip-hop scene apart from other regions and has given it a distinct flavor that fans have come to appreciate.
Another important factor in the growth of Kansas hip-hop has been the support of local businesses and organizations. Many record stores, radio stations, and concert venues have played a key role in promoting and showcasing local talent. In addition, community events such as block parties, open mic nights, and rap battles have provided a platform for up-and-coming artists to showcase their skills and connect with fans.
Despite the challenges of being a hip-hop artist in a smaller market, many Kansas rappers have been able to find success by staying true to their roots and building a strong fan base. By embracing their unique sound and incorporating elements of their local culture into their music, these artists have been able to carve out a niche for themselves in the broader hip-hop landscape.
Looking to the future, the Kansas hip-hop scene shows no signs of slowing down. With new artists emerging all the time and established acts continuing to push the boundaries of the genre, the future looks bright for this vibrant and dynamic community.
Notable Kansas rappers and hip-hop artists
Tech N9ne
Tech N9ne is one of the most significant and prolific rappers to come out of Kansas. He has been active since the 1990s and is known for his intricate rhyme schemes, complex flow, and energetic live performances. His music often touches on personal struggles, relationships, and social issues.
With over 20 albums released, Tech N9ne has built a substantial fanbase and is one of the few independent artists to have their music certified gold and platinum. His record label, Strange Music, has also been successful, signing other Kansas artists and supporting their careers.
XV
XV is another Kansas rapper who has made a name for himself on the national stage. His music often features nostalgic themes, introspective lyrics, and smooth delivery. Some of his most popular songs include “Awesome,” “That’s Just Me,” and “When We’re Done.”
XV has released several mixtapes and albums and has collaborated with other artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, and B.o.B. Although he has not achieved the same level of success as Tech N9ne, XV remains a respected and influential artist in the Kansas hip-hop scene.
Dizzy Wright
Originally from Las Vegas, Dizzy Wright has deep ties to the Kansas rap scene. He has released several albums and mixtapes and is known for his uplifting and motivational lyrics. Some of his most popular songs include “Can’t Trust Em,” “Floyd Money Mayweather,” and “State of Mind.”
Dizzy Wright has collaborated with many other artists and frequently tours, sharing his positive message with audiences across the country. He is also a member of the rap collective Funk Volume.
Krizz Kaliko
Krizz Kaliko is a rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his versatile style and unique voice. He has released several albums and mixtapes and has worked closely with Tech N9ne and other Strange Music artists.
Krizz Kaliko often incorporates elements of rock, R&B, and funk into his music, creating a sound that is both fresh and nostalgic. Some of his most popular songs include “Anxiety,” “Spaz,” and “Unstable.”
Stevie Stone
Stevie Stone is a rapper and songwriter from St. Louis who has made a significant impact on the Kansas hip-hop scene. He has released several albums, including “Rollin’ Stone” and “2 Birds 1 Stone.”
Stevie Stone’s music often incorporates hardcore and gangsta rap elements, but he also displays a versatility that allows him to collaborate with artists from other genres. He has worked with Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, and other Strange Music artists, as well as luminaries such as Busta Rhymes and Krayzie Bone.
Kansas hip-hop groups and collectives
The Regime
The Regime is a rap collective from the Kansas City area that includes notable artists such as Rich the Factor, Skatterman, and Yung Spitt.
The Regime is known for their smooth flows and impressive lyricism, as well as their dedication to the local scene. They have released several albums and mixtapes and have collaborated with other Kansas artists as well as national acts.
The Outland Camp
The Outland Camp is another collective from the Kansas City area that includes artists such as Carvetti, Stik Figa, and Reach. They are known for their introspective lyrics and alternative sound, which incorporates elements of jazz, soul, and electronic music.
The Outland Camp has released several albums and mixtapes and has collaborated with other Kansas artists and national acts. They have also performed at festivals such as SXSW and A3C.
The Abnorm
The Abnorm is a Wichita-based hip-hop group that includes members such as Skratch Makaniks, Gambit, and CKeys.
The Abnorm’s music often features raw, hard-hitting beats, and aggressive delivery. They have released several albums and mixtapes and have collaborated with other Wichita artists and national acts.
The Krown City Movement
The Krown City Movement is a rap collective from Topeka that includes members such as Gnu Pham, FadeTheBlackk, and AWaxx.
The Krown City Movement’s music often incorporates jazz and soul samples, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and futuristic. They have released several albums and mixtapes and frequently perform in the Topeka area.
The Kansas hip-hop scene
Venues and events
Kansas has several venues that cater to the local hip-hop scene, including The Granada Theater in Lawrence, The Riot Room and Uptown Theater in Kansas City, and Barleycorn’s in Wichita.
There are also several events throughout the year that showcase Kansas hip-hop talent, such as The Middle of the Map Fest, the Krown City Fest, and the Love Garden Hip Hop Fest.
Local radio stations and podcasts
Several radio stations in Kansas play hip-hop music, including KPRS-FM in Kansas City, KS, KICT-FM in Wichita, and KJHK-FM in Lawrence.
There are also several hip-hop podcasts produced in Kansas, including The Company Man Show, The Real Raww Show, and The Barricade podcast.
Record labels and studios
In addition to Strange Music, there are several other record labels based in Kansas that focus on hip-hop music, including Black Clover Records in Wichita, Violet & Iris Records in Kansas City, and Claiborne Studios in Topeka.
There are also several studios located throughout the state that offer recording, mixing, and mastering services to local hip-hop artists.
The future of Kansas hip-hop
Up-and-coming artists to watch
Although the Kansas hip-hop scene may not be as well-known as other regions, there are still many talented artists coming up through the ranks. Some of the up-and-coming artists to watch include:
- Joey Cool
- Zarin Micheal
- Bizzy Bee
- Yovy
- AK NMG
These artists are all making their mark on the Kansas hip-hop scene, and their unique styles are sure to catch the attention of fans and industry insiders alike.
The impact of streaming and social media
With the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, the barriers to entry for aspiring hip-hop artists have lowered significantly.
Kansas artists are now able to reach a much larger audience than ever before, and the potential for success is higher than ever. However, with so much competition, it can be challenging for artists to stand out and be heard.
Collaborations and cross-genre influences
As hip-hop continues to evolve and expand, collaborations with artists from other genres are becoming more common. Kansas artists have already started exploring these possibilities, with Tech N9ne collaborating with musicians such as Serj Tankian and Slipknot’s Corey Taylor.
The potential for Kansas hip-hop artists to collaborate with other musicians from the region, such as blues and jazz musicians, is also worth exploring. These collaborations could result in unique and exciting sounds that blend the best of both worlds.
In conclusion
Despite not being one of the traditional hip-hop hotspots in the United States, the Kansas rap scene has much to offer. From Tech N9ne to XV, The Regime to The Krown City Movement, there is an abundance of talent and creativity waiting to be discovered. With the help of streaming platforms and social media, the future is bright for Kansas hip-hop, and we can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
