Yo, You Wanna Know Who Rocks the Mic in Philly? We Got You Covered
Philly, the City of Brotherly Love, breeds more than just cheesesteaks and Rocky wannabes. This concrete jungle also boasts a rich history of thumping beats and slick rhymes. We're talkin' rappers who can weave tales of the streets like Charles Dickens with a boombox.
So, grab your headphones (or crank the speakers, we don't judge), and get ready to dive into the world of Philly rap royalty.
What Rappers Are From Philadelphia |
From the Old School to the New Skool
We gotta start with the OG's, the pioneers who paved the way. Schoolly D dropped gangster rap anthems back in the 80s, while DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (yep, that Will Smith) were bringing a party vibe. The Roots brought the live instrumentation and conscious lyrics, proving hip hop could have some serious soul too.
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
Fast forward a few decades, and Philly's still churning out hitmakers. We got the smooth stylings of Meek Mill and the melodic trap anthems of Lil Uzi Vert. Tierra Whack is a genre-bending queen, dropping mind-blowing one-minute tracks that leave you wanting more.
But that's not all, folks! Philly's got a deep bench of talent, from underground lyricists like AR-Ab to spitfire femcees like Lady B (hold up, we gotta respect the women who paved the way too).
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
Philly Rap: It Ain't Just About Grit
Sure, Philly rappers can tell you a story about the struggle, but they can also have fun. We got the party anthems of Freeway and the smooth R&B-infused rhymes of G. Love & Special Sauce.
The point is, Philly rap is as diverse as the city itself. You want soulful introspection? We got you. You want party bangers to blast in your ride? We got you covered there too.
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
So How Do You Get Yourself a Slice of This Philly Rap Pie?
How to Spot a Philly Rapper in the Wild:
- The Cheesesteak Reference: It's practically mandatory. Lyrics about Pat's or Geno's? That's your Philly connection.
- The Local Lingo: They might drop slang terms like "jawn" or "water ice." Don't worry, it'll grow on you.
- The City Pride: Philly rappers wear their love for the city on their sleeve (or in their rhymes).
How to Become a Philly Rap Expert:
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
- Deep Dive on the Classics: Start with the OG's we mentioned, then branch out from there.
- Local Radio Love: Tune into Philly's hip hop stations, they'll put you onto the next big thing.
- Hit the Shows: Philly's got a thriving live music scene. Catch a local act and discover your new favorite rapper.
How to Rap Like a Philly Legend:
- Practice Your Flow: Philly rappers got that smooth, rhythmic delivery.
- Keep it Real: Authenticity is key. Talk about your experiences, your city.
- Cheesesteak for Inspiration? Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. But hey, it can't hurt, right?