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.

17

XXXTentacion

17

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

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Skins

XXXTentacion

Skins

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

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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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Almighty So 2

Chief Keef

Almighty So 2

A raw blend of drill beats and confessional lyrics, capturing the chaos of modern life in Chicago.

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Almighty DP 2

Chief Keef

Almighty DP 2

A raw and unfiltered exploration of street life, layered with heavy beats and Chief Keef's signature vocal style.

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You Will Regret

Ski Mask the Slump God

You Will Regret

A frenetic blend of absurd humor and rapid-fire flows over playful, bass-heavy beats.

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Sing Me a Lullaby, My Sweet Temptation

$uicideboy$

Sing Me a Lullaby, My Sweet Temptation

A raw and confessional blend of emo rap and horrorcore, pulsating with dark beats and introspective lyrics.

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The Powers That B

Death Grips

The Powers That B

A chaotic blend of abrasive beats, frenetic vocals, and experimental soundscapes that defy genre boundaries.

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Bottomless Pit

Death Grips

Bottomless Pit

A relentless barrage of abrasive beats, chaotic vocals, and disorienting samples that defy conventional genre boundaries.

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TattleTales

6ix9ine

TattleTales

A frenetic blend of trap beats and aggressive lyrics reflecting a tumultuous personal journey.

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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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Beware the Book of Eli

Ski Mask the Slump God

Beware the Book of Eli

A frenetic blend of playful lyricism and trap beats that encapsulates the chaos of modern hip-hop.

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Lil Pump

Lil Pump

Lil Pump

A frenetic blend of trap beats and catchy hooks that epitomizes the SoundCloud rap explosion.

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Lil Pump 2

Lil Pump

Lil Pump 2

A frenetic blend of punk rap and trap beats, overflowing with Lil Pump's signature braggadocio and exuberance.

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New World Depression

$uicideboy$

New World Depression

A raw blend of emo rap and punk-infused aggression that captures existential despair and resilience.

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Imperial

Denzel Curry

Imperial

A raw and introspective blend of Southern hip-hop, punk influences, and emotional delivery that captures the struggles of youth.

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32 Zel/Planet Shrooms

Denzel Curry

32 Zel/Planet Shrooms

A surreal blend of cloud rap and punk-infused energy, with introspective lyrics woven through heavy beats.

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Hawaiian Snow

Danny Brown

Hawaiian Snow

A kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic beats and gritty narratives that challenge conventional hip-hop norms.

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XXX

Danny Brown

XXX

A chaotic blend of raw lyricism and avant-garde production that defies hip-hop conventions.

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Die Lit

Playboi Carti

Die Lit

Die Lit is an explosive blend of haunting beats and charismatic ad-libs that redefine contemporary rap.

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Innanetape

Vic Mensa

Innanetape

A vibrant blend of introspective lyrics and playful beats that encapsulates the essence of youthful exploration.

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The Autobiography

Vic Mensa

The Autobiography

A raw and introspective fusion of hip-hop and punk that explores personal struggles and societal issues.

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Sugar Trap 2

Rico Nasty

Sugar Trap 2

A bold fusion of punk energy and trap beats driven by fierce, unapologetic lyricism.

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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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Adjacent sounds