The Midwestern Basement

Since 2006, the Midwest has had what is perhaps the nation's healthiest underground hip-hop scene. Former Chi-Town basement dwellers such as Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Rhymefest have crossed over in a huge way, while scene architects such as Common and Minneapolis' Atmosphere continue to garner industry respect and enviable sales numbers. Meanwhile, relative newcomers from Detroit such as Sa Ra and Platinum Pied Pipers are building off the groundwork laid by pioneers Slum Village and J. Dilla to develop a new and exciting stylistic framework that fuses the strands of soul, techno and hip-hop that wind through the Motor City's musical DNA. Their contributions to the form have just begun, and undoubtedly the repercussions of their work will be felt for years to come.

Compared to their West and East Coast counterparts, the Midwestern scene is relatively young and not exclusively based in the region's urban capitols. In fact, some of the most exciting developments are happening in places inhabitants of LA and N.Y.C. probably couldn't place on a map. Columbus, Ohio has given us acts such as RJD2, Copywrite and Blueprint, while Minnesota continues to be a hip-hop powerhouse thanks in large part to the Rhymesayers clique. As these acts grow in popularity and critical stature, the Midwest will continue to thrive.