Essential punk rap listening

The albums that define punk rap.

Our picks for where to start with punk rap — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The punk rap essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Skins

XXXTentacion

Skins

A raw and fragmented exploration of vulnerability, laced with emotional intensity and minimalist production.

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XXXTentacion

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A raw blend of introspective lyricism and minimalist production that captures emotional turmoil and vulnerability.

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Ta13oo

Denzel Curry

Ta13oo

A visceral blend of introspective lyricism and aggressive beats that challenges conventional hip-hop norms.

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Zuu

Denzel Curry

Zuu

A vibrant blend of Southern hip-hop and punk energy, reflecting Denzel Curry's raw and unfiltered essence.

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Whole Lotta Red

Playboi Carti

Whole Lotta Red

A chaotic blend of punk energy and trap production, capturing the raw essence of modern SoundCloud rap.

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Stokeley

Ski Mask the Slump God

Stokeley

A frenetic blend of witty wordplay and trap beats, showcasing Ski Mask's unique comedic flair.

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Dummy Boy

6ix9ine

Dummy Boy

A chaotic blend of aggressive beats and brash lyrics that embody a punk-infused take on modern hip-hop.

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17

XXXTentacion

17

A raw exploration of emotional turmoil, blending introspective lyrics with minimalist production and haunting melodies.

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Music

Playboi Carti

Music

A vibrant collage of eclectic beats and catchy hooks that push the boundaries of contemporary rap.

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Nothing Great About Britain

Slowthai

Nothing Great About Britain

A raw and incisive blend of grime, punk, and rap that critiques contemporary British society.

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Trouble the Water

Show Me the Body

Trouble the Water

A visceral blend of hardcore punk and noise rock that challenges conventions with raw intensity.

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SMTB

Show Me the Body

SMTB

A frenetic fusion of hardcore punk and noise rock, laced with raw, visceral energy.

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Dog Whistle

Show Me the Body

Dog Whistle

A frenetic blend of hardcore punk and noise rock, raw and unfiltered in its energy and emotion.

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Survive

Show Me the Body

Survive

A visceral blend of hardcore punk and noise rock, pulsing with raw energy and urgency.

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Body War

Show Me the Body

Body War

Aggressive noise rock collides with visceral punk energy, creating an intense soundscape of chaotic emotion.

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Corpus I

Show Me the Body

Corpus I

A chaotic blend of hardcore punk and noise rock, infused with visceral emotion and gritty realism.

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Nightmare Vacation

Rico Nasty

Nightmare Vacation

A chaotic fusion of punk rap and trap that unleashes Rico Nasty's fierce persona and unfiltered creativity.

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A Ghetto Christmas Carol

XXXTentacion

A Ghetto Christmas Carol

A raw and introspective blend of lo-fi beats and haunting melodies that reflect emotional turmoil.

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Members Only, Vol. 2

XXXTentacion

Members Only, Vol. 2

A raw, frenetic blend of emo rap and hardcore hip-hop that captures angst and vulnerability.

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Dedication

Chief Keef

Dedication

A raw and unfiltered exploration of street life, layered with gritty beats and distinctive flows.

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Look at Me: The Album

XXXTentacion

Look at Me: The Album

A raw and turbulent exploration of emotion, merging elements of emo rap with experimental beats and introspective lyrics.

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Bad Vibes Forever

XXXTentacion

Bad Vibes Forever

A raw and fragmented exploration of pain, loss, and existential dread through diverse genres and emotional vulnerability.

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ItWasntEnough

XXXTentacion

ItWasntEnough

Emotional vulnerability collides with raw aggression in short, impactful bursts of SoundCloud rap and punk rock energy.

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Revenge

XXXTentacion

Revenge

A raw and visceral blend of punk-infused hip-hop and emotional vulnerability, capturing a tumultuous inner landscape.

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