Welcome, rap lovers and rhythm chasers, to another electrifying edition of New Music Saturday on Mike MC! As autumn slides in, the air crackles with anticipation—and so does the rap game, fueled by boundary-breaking underground visionaries and superstar heavyweights volleying for the top spot. This week, we’re leaping straight into the hottest currents of hip-hop with 10 of the most exciting underground rap tracks and 10 of the year’s biggest and boldest mainstream releases—each smartly hyperlinked for instant streaming glory, ready to fire up your next playlist.
Whether you’re looking to stay one step ahead of the charts or hungry for that raw, street-level innovation, this article has you covered. Expect sharp commentary, essential artist background, and a vibe so energetic you’ll feel like you’re front row center. Let’s tap into what’s fresh, fierce, and flat-out unmissable in rap for September 2025. Hit play, tune your senses, and get ready to dive deep!
Underground Rap: The Pulse Beneath the Mainstream
If you live for that raw edge, those unfiltered lyricism punches, and beats carved from a place of truth and struggle, the underground is the lifeblood of hip hop culture. 2025’s underground rap is restless, genre-pushing, and teeming with talent as artists redefine what it means to do it yourself. It’s about authenticity, social commentary, and innovation over commercial sheen. This year, the scene is more vibrant and interconnected than ever, leveraging short-form video hype, AI-boosted production, and direct-to-fan platforms to bypass industry gatekeepers.
The following ten tracks—selected from respected playlists, peer circles, and trusted digital curators—are racking up streaming numbers and stoking serious conversations online. Let’s drop in:
Top 10 Underground Rap Tracks – September 2025
| Track | Artist | Listen / Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1. “Arc de Triomphe” | Aminé | Spotify |
| 2. “Impact (with xaviersobased)” | Nettspend | Spotify |
| 3. “Feels So Good” | Aminé | Spotify |
| 4. “Made Sum Plans” | OsamaSon | Spotify |
| 5. “Valentine’s Day Freestyle ’25” | JPEGMAFIA | Spotify |
| 6. “Frontin” | OsamaSon | Spotify |
| 7. “Look @ God (feat. LaRussell)” | Ray Vaughn | Spotify |
| 8. “Cool About It (feat. Lido)” | Aminé | Spotify |
| 9. “PROTECT THE CROSS” | JPEGMAFIA | Spotify |
| 10. “Sunburn!” | Autumn! | Spotify |
1. “Arc de Triomphe” — Aminé
Aminé, already renowned for his quirky, conversational flows and unexpected melodies, jumps off the underground rails with “Arc de Triomphe”—a track wrapped in Parisian flair, existential musings, and effortlessly inventive wordplay. The production fuses jazzy keys with chopped soul samples, while Aminé dances in and out of time signatures, riffing on victories (and defeats) both personal and cultural. Fans of his previous work will relish this maturation—a testament to how underground rap can deliver both poetry and punch.
2. “Impact (with xaviersobased)” — Nettspend
Nettspend is emerging as one of the most unique voices in the indie rap circuit, and with “Impact,” he locks in partner xaviersobased for a jittery, hypnotic collaboration. The duo experiments with shifting rhythms and stretched-out melodies that echo some of hip-hop’s most exciting avant-garde. Here, the “impact” is literal: cut-up drums, vocal glitches, and a groove that dissolves just as you’ve found it. This is underground innovation at its finest—odd, brave, and endlessly replayable.
3. “Feels So Good” — Aminé
Aminé lands on our list twice, and for good reason. “Feels So Good” leans all the way into a lo-fi, sun-drenched vibe reminiscent of road trips and late summer nights. The track is a shimmering reminder that underground rap can be both deeply personal and universally relatable—wrapping optimism and resolve in a sound that coasts above expectation.
4. “Made Sum Plans” — OsamaSon
OsamaSon’s 2025 output is a masterclass in fluid storytelling, and “Made Sum Plans” is a case in point. He raps about ambition, betrayal, and the relentless will to survive with a nimble delivery over off-kilter, sample-heavy beats. What sets OsamaSon apart is the intimacy of his writing—each bar lands like a confession whispered in the back row of a bus heading out of town. This is gritty, self-made rap for the next wave of iconoclasts.
5. “Valentine’s Day Freestyle ’25” — JPEGMAFIA
JPEGMAFIA is a perennial favorite among underground aficionados, and his “Valentine’s Day Freestyle ’25” pushes the envelope with abrasive industrial samples and emotionally lacerating bars. Peggy spits venom about love, fame, and the industry’s hypocrisies, all while bending and breaking the norms of verse construction. Whether he’s processing heartbreak or dismantling expectations, JPEGMAFIA’s freestyles are appointment listening.
6. “Frontin” — OsamaSon
Back for round two, OsamaSon’s “Frontin” is an anthem for those tired of false fronts and empty flexing. With a stripped-back, boom-bap beat and hooks that stick, the track leans into the roots of underground: authenticity over clout, storytelling over spectacle.
7. “Look @ God (feat. LaRussell)” — Ray Vaughn
Ray Vaughn, joined by the ever-electric LaRussell, delivers a spiritual gut-punch with “Look @ God.” Rendering faith, struggle, and deliverance in vivid, unfiltered imagery, the duo turns the track into a meditation on personal and community survival. LaRussell’s spoken word cadence brings extra depth, highlighting the diversity in sound that’s fueling the scene’s renaissance.
8. “Cool About It (feat. Lido)” — Aminé
A standout from the plethora of new Aminé joints, “Cool About It” delivers punchy 808s layered under ghostly synths—anchoring candid, brisk bars that recall classic Neptunes-era minimalism. Lido’s feature blends in unexpected electronic textures, making the track a must-listen crossover for fans of hard-hitting genre-bending rap.
9. “PROTECT THE CROSS” — JPEGMAFIA
On “PROTECT THE CROSS,” JPEGMAFIA continues his onslaught—firing off at everything from religion-tinged hypocrisy to the demands of hustle culture. His production is glitchy, rough-edged, and dense—noise rap for the digital frontier. Listen closely and you’ll catch a dozen references and reversals per verse.
10. “Sunburn!” — Autumn!
Autumn! brings a breathless energy to “Sunburn!,” laying equal parts melodic hooks and intricate bars over sun-baked, skittering beats. The track’s mix of emotional resonance and sweltering swagger underscores a new generation’s appetite for both vulnerability and technical firepower.
Why These Underground Tracks Matter
The underground rap scene’s strength in 2025 lies in its restless innovation. These artists—Aminé, JPEGMAFIA, OsamaSon, and more—are pushing sonic boundaries, writing with raw honesty, and using digital platforms to reach fans directly. Their music builds communities, inspires movements, and provides a critical counterpoint to mainstream gloss. If you want to hear tomorrow’s anthems before the culture catches up, these are your essential listens.
Mainstream Rap: The Sound of Now
The mainstream rap landscape in September 2025 is an intricate tapestry of fierce competition, star-making collaborations, and sonic evolution. Superstars are upping the ante, weaving club bangers with deep, introspective cuts, while powerhouses like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Cardi B, and Future show no signs of yielding their thrones.
The following tracks dominate streaming charts and rap radio, defining what it means to ‘make it big’ today. They combine infectious hooks, next-level production, and verses designed to live on every playlist—festival stage or living room floor.
Top 10 Mainstream Rap Tracks – September 2025
| Track | Artist | Listen / Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1. “NOKIA” | Drake | YouTube Music |
| 2. “Sticky (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne)” | Tyler, The Creator | YouTube Music |
| 3. “Not Like Us” | Kendrick Lamar | YouTube Music |
| 4. “Enough (Miami)” | Cardi B | YouTube Music |
| 5. “Temporary” | Eminem & Skylar Grey | YouTube Music |
| 6. “HIM ALL ALONG” | Gunna | YouTube Music |
| 7. “Wanna Be (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)” | GloRilla | YouTube Music |
| 8. “Type Shit” | Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti | YouTube Music |
| 9. “cLOUDs” | J. Cole | YouTube Music |
| 10. “Georgia Peach” | Latto | YouTube Music |
1. “NOKIA” — Drake
Let’s kick off with a bona fide juggernaut: “NOKIA” by Drake isn’t just the year’s most-streamed rap track—it’s a cultural phenomenon, boasting over 432 million Spotify plays since January and earning the crown as 2025’s undisputed global anthem. Drake fuses playful nostalgia with futuristic bragging, name-dropping classic cell phones and flipping the concept into a metaphor for staying connected with his day ones. The infectious bounce, witty hooks, and Drake’s uncanny ability to toe the line between bravado and vulnerability make “NOKIA” a dancefloor magnet and a radio staple. If there’s one track that defines 2025’s vibes, this is it!
2. “Sticky (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne)” — Tyler, The Creator
Leave it to Tyler to orchestrate a show-stopping posse cut, bringing together two of the year’s most dynamic female MCs with the living legend Lil Wayne. “Sticky” melds left-field beats with spitfire verses—GloRilla brings Memphis heat, Sexyy Red punches hard with her unfiltered style, Wayne rides the beat like only he can, and Tyler’s production binds it all. It’s raucous, irreverent, and gets stuck in your head for days.
3. “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar remains the conscience of rap, and on “Not Like Us,” he turns his laser focus on social justice, personal legacy, and the ever-changing landscape of the game. The track’s layered production builds from minimalist percussion to booming crescendos as Kendrick slips between storytelling, warning, and hope. Heavyweight status, lyrical complexity, and a hook that burns into your memory mean this single continues to anchor playlists everywhere.
4. “Enough (Miami)” — Cardi B
After much anticipation, Cardi B’s sophomore album Am I the Drama? is finally here, delivering “Enough (Miami)” as an instant standout single. The Bronx Queen tears through materialistic delusions and relationship drama over a Miami-bass-laced beat, with a hook that begs for crowd sing-alongs. Energized, brash, and hilariously self-aware, Cardi’s return is a reaffirmation of her place in hip-hop’s hierarchy.
5. “Temporary” — Eminem & Skylar Grey
Eminem’s reflective side takes center stage on “Temporary,” as he and Skylar Grey weave a narrative of pain, redemption, and resilience. The piano-driven beat gives Marshall’s rapid-fire lyricism plenty of emotional weight, while Skylar’s haunting chorus elevates the song into anthem territory. This track finds Eminem balancing self-doubt and swagger in a way only he can, and it’s already a fan favorite.
6. “HIM ALL ALONG” — Gunna
Atlanta’s Gunna returns with “HIM ALL ALONG,” a slow-burning stunner mixing trap drums, lush synths, and his signature sung-rap stylings. The song taps into Gunna’s journey—triumphing over adversity, refusing to betray his roots, and staying one step ahead of the competition. Simultaneously delicate and deadly, it’s the type of introspective trap that’ll keep his name ringing out through year’s end.
7. “Wanna Be (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)” — GloRilla
GloRilla is one of hip-hop’s breakout forces, and with Megan Thee Stallion on board, “Wanna Be” explodes with confidence. The two trade clever punchlines, power flows, and unapologetic female-first attitude over a beat designed to smash both speakers and stereotypes. The chemistry is magnetic; the result is one of 2025’s true club bangers.
8. “Type Shit” — Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti
What happens when four of hip-hop’s biggest names come together? “Type Shit” is a maximalist trap epic loaded with dense, futuristic beats (courtesy of Metro), infectious hooks, and a showcase of each rapper’s unique strengths. Future’s ice-cold delivery, Carti’s elastic weirdness, Travis’s melodic swagger—it all adds up to an essential playlist anchor.
9. “cLOUDs” — J. Cole
- Cole’s reflective, introspective approach on “cLOUDs” showcases why he’s a critical darling and a commercial powerhouse. He addresses fame, doubt, and creativity over nuanced, moody production—reaffirming his ability to balance message with mass appeal. The subtlety and wordplay reward multiple listens, cementing Cole’s current winning streak.
10. “Georgia Peach” — Latto
Latto’s celebration of Southern heritage, confidence, and resilience is on full display in “Georgia Peach.” A playful yet hard-hitting instrumental backs her assertive, clever verses, as she shouts out Atlanta royalty and her journey through the industry’s tough terrain. Fun, defiant, and proud, Latto reminds us that the South is still setting the pace.
Why These Mainstream Tracks Lead the Conversation
With every release, the big names in rap blend sonic experimentation, sharp hooks, and relentless work ethic. These tracks top the streaming charts, fuel trending TikToks, and galvanize festival crowds not just because of massive budgets or A-list features, but because they balance innovation with accessibility. Whether Drake is riding bouncy nostalgia, Cardi B’s making her grand return, or Gunna’s mining emotional turf, 2025’s mainstream rap is a testament to the culture’s ability to reinvent itself without losing its roots.
Rap Trends 2025: What Every Fan Should Know
Before we pass the mic, let’s highlight the game-changing trends shaping rap’s evolution this year:
- Short-form Video Reigns: TikTok and YouTube Shorts break new songs overnight—if you want to find new rap, scroll before you stream!
- Cross-Genre Collabs: Boundaries are blurring—expect rap verses on pop, EDM, and afrobeat tracks to dominate your “For You” pages.
- Independent Artists on the Rise: Direct-to-fan sales, Bandcamp drops, and Patreon subscriptions are making it easier than ever for underground artists to build real careers without labels.
- Tech’s New Role: AI-powered beatmaking and vocal separation tools are now standard, helping even DIY artists achieve studio-quality sound.
- Lyric Clarity and Storytelling: Mumble rap fatigue? 2025’s audience is hungry for clever bars, clear enunciation, and raw stories that resonate.
How We Chose the Hottest Tracks for New Music Saturday
Selection wasn’t just about big names or breakout moments. Our curation scoured:
- Top Spotify, YouTube, and DJ playlists updated for September 2025.
- Billboard and streaming charts from the last 2–3 weeks.
- Respected underground publications and hip-hop blogs for artist buzz and peer respect.
- Latest album and single releases confirmed via official artist socials and music news outlets. Odds are, whether you’re an eastside purist or a worldwide trap head, you’ll discover something new, surprising, or inspiring below.
SEO Power Moves & Audience Insights for Mike MC
Don’t forget: the Mike MC community is growing fast among digital-native rap fans aged 16–34, especially those who value authenticity, trendspotting, and inclusive coverage of both the underground and mainstream. To maximize SEO and keep our loyal crowd coming back:
- Hyperlink every track to an official streaming source for Google and user trust.
- Use bold, upbeat headings and short, readable paragraphs for screen and mobile.
- Emphasize storytelling, context, and artist impact—not just release dates.
- Sprinkle key terms like “underground rap,” “mainstream rap,” “new 2025 hip-hop,” and “rap playlist September” for discoverability.
Ready to keep your playlist fresh and your Friday night hype? Smash those links and add your favorites—let the music take you somewhere new!
The Full List: Your September 2025 “New Music Saturday” Playlist
Underground (Cutting-Edge/Indie)
- Arc de Triomphe – Aminé
- Impact (w/ xaviersobased) – Nettspend
- Feels So Good – Aminé
- Made Sum Plans – OsamaSon
- Valentine’s Day Freestyle ’25 – JPEGMAFIA
- Frontin – OsamaSon
- Look @ God (feat. LaRussell) – Ray Vaughn
- Cool About It (feat. Lido) – Aminé
- PROTECT THE CROSS – JPEGMAFIA
- Sunburn! – Autumn!
Mainstream (Chart-Busting/Hits)
- NOKIA – Drake
- Sticky (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne) – Tyler, The Creator
- Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
- Enough (Miami) – Cardi B
- Temporary – Eminem & Skylar Grey
- HIM ALL ALONG – Gunna
- Wanna Be (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) – GloRilla
- Type Shit – Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti
- cLOUDs – J. Cole
- Georgia Peach – Latto
Join the Conversation: What Did We Miss? Who’s Next Up?
Drop your takes, hot and cold, in the comments. Who’s your underground hero this month? Which mainstream track can’t you turn off? Share your own playlist, suggest your picks, or let us know who’s about to steal the spotlight! Mike MC is where community and culture meet—let’s keep this cypher spinning.
Thanks for tuning in to New Music Saturday—see you next week for more 🔥 drops and deep dives into the pulse of global rap. Stay tuned, stay vibing, and, as always, keep supporting the artists who keep hip-hop moving forward!
References woven throughout from:
- Top official streaming playlists and new release trackers
- Underground and mainstream hip-hop news authorities, artist profiles, and current rap trend analyses
- Billboard chart data, Spotify streaming stats, and September 2025 industry updates
- Best practices for blogging style, SEO, and audience engagement
Spotify Promotion Playlists:
https://officialmikemc.com/promo
Other Websites:
https://discord.gg/eyeofunity
https://eyeofunity.com
https://meteyeverse.com
https://00arcade.com
https://systementcorp.com/promo