On a frigid winter night, as the L train screeches overhead, the streets of Chicago hum with something bigger than the cold: music that refuses to be boxed in. In a West Side loft, far from mainstream venues, a crowd gathers, heads nodding to beats laced with jazz, funk, and raw lyricism. This isn’t the drill music for which outsiders know the city—this is Chicago’s non-drill underground, a culture steeped in innovation, defiance, and soul.
Chicago’s underground hip-hop has always been an ecosystem of talent, resilience, and artistry, evolving alongside the city’s storied musical history. While drill dominates headlines, it’s the non-drill artists—those weaving influences from jazz, funk, and beyond—who quietly craft hip-hop’s future.
Crews That Define the Underground
The heartbeat of Chicago’s underground lies in its collectives—crews that double as families, creative incubators, and cultural forces. These groups are more than music; they’re movements.
Pivot Gang
Members: Saba, MFn Melo, the late John Walt, Joseph Chilliams
Style: Jazz Rap
Pivot Gang carries the torch of Chicago’s jazz and soul roots, blending introspective lyrics with smooth, melodic production. Founded on the West Side, the group rose to prominence with Bucket List Project and Care for Me tour, two solo projects from Saba that highlight cohesion.
With themes of grief, love, and perseverance, Pivot Gang’s music reflects Chicago life in its rawest form. Their live performances feel intimate like you’re watching friends riff off each other in a basement—except these friends can rap circles around most.
Hurt Everybody
Members: Supa Bwe, Qari, Mulatto Beats
Style: Experimental Rap
Hurt Everybody’s music feels like a sound experiment gone right. Their self-titled EP paired Supa Bwe’s explosive energy with Qari’s introspective lyricism, all wrapped in Mulatto Beats’ futuristic production. Tracks like Stay Awake and Social Network showcase their ability to channel chaos into harmony, blending trap, electronica, and even indie rock elements. Though they disbanded in 2016, the ripple effects of their innovation still influence the scene today.
Tomorrow Kings
Members: SKECH185, Gilead7, Lamon Manuel, and others
Style: Eclectic and militant rap
For Tomorrow Kings, hip-hop is a battleground, and every verse is a weapon. Known for their intellectually dense lyrics and rapid-fire delivery, this seven-member crew embodies the spirit of underground hip-hop. Their performances are raw, confrontational, and exhilarating—imagine spoken-word poetry colliding with punk rock energy. Tracks like Nigger Rigged Time Machine challenge societal norms while paying homage to hip-hop’s rebellious roots.
THEMpeople
Members: Via Rosa, Sean Deaux, Michael Anthony, Gyasi Kamau, theMIND
Style: Jazz and Funk-infused Hip-Hop
THEMpeople aren’t just a crew—they’re architects of Chicago’s modern sound. As producers, they’ve worked with everyone from Saba to Mick Jenkins, crafting lush, soulful backdrops that elevate the artists they collaborate with. THEMpeople’s Smoke Breaks IV is a must-listen, blending hypnotic loops with emotionally resonant lyrics. Like a rainy Chicago night, their sound feels melancholic, beautiful, and deeply reflective.
WxY
Members: Melo, Flacko, Guapo, Moon, Ju
Style: Cloud Rap
WxY offers a softer, dreamier take on hip-hop. Their music is introspective, often veering into existential territory over airy, atmospheric beats. Tracks like Moonlight Sessions feel like a late-night drive through the city, with the skyline flickering in the distance. They’ve carved out a niche in Chicago’s underground, appealing to fans who crave vulnerability in their hip-hop.
Emerging Stars to Watch
While crews form the backbone, solo artists rise like constellations in Chicago’s non-drill galaxy, each offering something unique.
- Blasian Doll
With a voice as sharp as her pen, Blasian Doll brings unrelenting energy to every track. Her lyricism—equal parts gritty and poetic—explores themes of survival, womanhood, and defiance. Tracks like No Sleep highlight her ability to command attention while staying true to her Chicago roots.
- Litebulb
A key figure in Chicago’s footwork scene, Litebulb is expanding the boundaries of hip-hop through movement. As part of The Era collective, he bridges the gap between dance and music, keeping the city’s house music legacy alive while bringing fresh ideas. - Defcee
Known for his precision and depth, Defcee is a wordsmith who doesn’t waste a syllable. His storytelling is rooted in Chicago’s struggles and triumphs, blending personal narratives with broader social commentary. His collaborative project with producer Messiah Musik is Trapdoor, a masterclass in modern underground hip-hop.
- Rich Jones
Rich Jones embodies versatility, seamlessly shifting between rap, R&B, and indie influences. His 2023 project, Blue Beach, is an eclectic blend of genres, capturing the spirit of Chicago’s diverse musical landscape. Beyond music, he’s a community builder, organizing events that unite artists and fans.
Vibes and Trends: The Essence of Chicago’s Underground
What makes Chicago’s underground special isn’t just the music—it’s the ethos. There’s a palpable DIY spirit here, where artists thrive outside the confines of major labels. Bandcamp culture reigns supreme, with projects often dropping unannounced and merch drops becoming as anticipated as the music itself.
Collaboration is the scene’s lifeblood. You’ll find producers like THEMpeople crafting beats for Pivot Gang members or Rich Jones popping up on tracks with emerging artists. Genres don’t just blur—they dissolve, creating hybrids like jazz-trap, gospel-rap, and even footwork-infused hip-hop.
It’s not about chasing trends but setting them. Whether through community-focused events like Chicago Takeover or intimate shows in lofts and basements, the underground scene stays connected to the people it serves.
Plug In: Where to Start and How to Support
Want to dive into this world? Start with pivotal projects like Pivot Gang’s You Can’t Sit With Us, THEMpeople’s Smoke Breaks IV, or Defcee’s Trapdoor. Follow artists on Bandcamp, where your dollars go directly to the creators. Attend shows at spots like Subterranean, The Promontory, or the countless DIY venues in ever-changing locations.
Chicago’s non-drill underground is more than music—it’s a movement. Support, share, and let it challenge everything you thought hip-hop could be.
