Break through in NYC's Hip Hop scene

Connect with the tastemakers defining New York's iconic hip hop landscape, from boom bap traditionalists to cloud rap innovators

Why New York Hip Hop artists choose Groover

Connect with the City's Hip Hop Heritage

From the Bronx birthplace to Queensbridge narratives, New York hip hop carries a proud legacy. Our platform connects you with curators who understand this heritage and can position your music within this continuing story.

Break through the Noise

In a city that never sleeps, standing out is harder than ever. Our targeted submission system ensures your tracks reach curators actively looking for fresh voices that respect the foundations while pushing boundaries.

Build your NYC Network

Success in New York's hip hop scene still relies heavily on connections. Beyond promotion, Groover helps you establish relationships with key players across the five boroughs who can open doors to performances, collaborations, and opportunities.

Put your music in front of NYC's Hip Hop Gatekeepers

Five Borough reach

Connect with curators across all five boroughs, from Brooklyn's underground scene to Harlem's influential tastemakers. Get your beats heard by the people who understand New York's unique sonic legacy and current evolution.

Style-specific targeting

Whether you're crafting classic boom bap, experimental lo-fi, or cloud rap with New York influence, we'll match your sound with curators who champion your specific subgenre and understand its place in the city's hip hop ecosystem.

Direct feedback from NYC insiders

Receive actionable insights from professionals embedded in the NYC hip hop community. Learn what resonates in a city known for its demanding standards and rich tradition of lyrical excellence and innovative production.

Trusted by

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Connect with NYC's Hip Hop tastemakers

From influential blogs documenting the New York sound to playlist curators championing everything from traditional boom bap to cloud rap innovations coming out of the five boroughs

BASS BOOSTED RAP
Playlist
75 k followers
Relentless trap head pushing thunderous 808s and heavy rap bangers – ready to fuel hard-hitting playlists with IG-worthy heat.
Trash Gang
Youtube Channel
Hip-Hop
A cyber-futurist curation collective elevating underground rap producers through bold YouTube AMVs (5M+ subs) and playlists blending hard-hitting trap, ambient minimalism, and experimental sounds – powered by a 300k+ Instagram following.
GRUNGECAKE
Media outlet
Hip-Hop
A sharp-eared rap tastemaker with a DIY spirit, championing offbeat MCs and producers while helping them grow through smart curation and real mentorship.
Rap beyond the clouds
Playlist
4 k followers
Dreamy trap and cloud rap vibes that float somewhere between flex and fantasy.
Dope Hip Hop
Media Outlet
Rap
A go-to tastemaker spotlighting Texas’s freshest hip-hop and R&B talent – serving up sharp reviews, deep-dive interviews, and must-hear playlists.
FoldedWaffle
Media Outlet
Rap
Known for their refined taste, this crew digs deep for dusty beats and lo-fi gems that ooze character. No trends, just carefully chosen tracks with soul and substance.
WAKEUPSTAR*
Media Outlet
Soul
A dynamic creative hub blending urban music and culture, connecting Caribbean-rooted sounds with global styles and forward-thinking energy.
Publicatubeat
Publisher
Rap
Connecting beatmakers and artists across hip-hop, R&B, and beyond, this platform shines a light on the underground through sharp Instagram curation and digital reach – always on the hunt for raw, overlooked talent.
Inspir3 Radio
Radio
R&B
Inspir3 Radio brings the ‘90s golden age back to life, blending hip-hop, R&B, reggae, soul, and more into vibrant mixtapes and live sets made to move the crowd.

The Birthplace and Evolution of Hip Hop

New York City isn't just a hip hop scene, it's the birthplace of the entire culture. Born in the Bronx in the early 1970s through pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, hip hop emerged as a revolutionary form of artistic expression combining breakdancing, graffiti, DJing, and MCing. The city's five boroughs have each contributed distinct flavors to the sound, from Queensbridge's gritty narratives to Staten Island's unorthodox approaches. Through the decades, NYC has produced defining artists across generations, from Grandmaster Flash and Public Enemy to A Tribe Called Quest and Boogie Down Productions, to the commercial heights of Jay-Z, Nas, and The Notorious B.I.G., to modern innovators keeping the flame alive. The city's sound is characterized by sharp lyricism, sample-heavy production, and a distinct attitude that remains immediately recognizable worldwide. Today's New York hip hop scene balances reverence for the classic boom bap foundation with forward-thinking explorations into trap, lo-fi, and cloud rap. From iconic spots like Rucker Park to legendary labels like Def Jam, the city's hip hop infrastructure continues to nurture new talent while honoring its unparalleled legacy. In a city that demands authenticity above all else, connecting with the right gatekeepers remains essential for artists looking to make their mark on the birthplace of hip hop.

More than 600,000 artists & pros use Groover to promote their music

Chosen by top artists

Join the community where leading artists promote their music and reach new fans worldwide.

  • Parov Stelar Electro swing icon
  • Michael Bolton American artist
  • Miss Monique Producer & DJ
  • Faux Real Indie pop duo
  • Wallows Indie rock band
  • Aloe Blacc American artist
  • Passenger British songwriter
  • New West Canadian collective
  • Chris de Sarandy British artist
  • Nico & Vinz Afrobeat pop duo
  • Haddaway Club hit legend
  • Bonobo British producer
  • Far Caspian American artist
  • Low Island UK band
  • Monolink German producer
  • La Femme French psych-punk band
  • Emmrose American indie artist
  • The Supermen Lovers French touch producer
  • Tchami Producer & DJ
  • Alvin Chris French rapper

Trusted by top labels

A diverse range of professionals trust Groover to showcase their artists and share fresh releases.

  • Ninja Tune Electronic record label
  • Secret City Records Quebec indie label
  • V2 Records Label
  • Dine Alone Records Indie Record Label
  • Tomorrowland Music Electronic music label
  • Tambourhinoceros Danish indie label
  • Ba Da Bing! Records American record label
  • Scruff of the Neck Manchester label
  • Dance To The Radio Leeds record label
  • Because Music Record label
  • Bright Antenna Records San Francisco label
  • Kitsuné Musique Record label
  • Wagram Stories Berlin German label
  • Roche Musique French house label
  • Un Plan Simple Record label
  • Sinnbus Records German record label
  • Nine And A Half Dutch record label
  • Roy Music French record label
  • Lisbon Lux Records Canadian label
  • Ink Music Austrian label
  • Chinese Man Records French record label

Discover how Groover can help you accelerate your career

Connect with the right curators & industry pros to get real feedback, exposure, and career opportunities.


Frequently asked questions

New York hip hop is characterized by its emphasis on lyricism, storytelling, and boom bap production techniques featuring sample-heavy beats with prominent drums. The NYC sound often showcases dense wordplay, complex rhyme schemes, and a raw energy that reflects the city's pace and intensity. While the scene has evolved to incorporate elements of trap, lo-fi, and cloud rap, there remains a strong connection to traditional hip hop values and the culture's foundational elements born in the Bronx.