The Ultimate Guide on Singapore's Underground Hip-Hop Scene

When most people think of Singapore, images of towering skyscrapers, hawker centers, clean streets, and world-class infrastructure come to mind. Rarely does one associate the city-state with gritty underground music movements. But beneath the pristine façade of the Lion City lies a vibrant, resilient, and evolving underground hip-hop scene that defies expectations.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore how Singapore’s underground hip-hop scene emerged, who the key players are, what makes it unique, and where you can experience its raw energy. Whether you’re a hip-hop enthusiast, cultural explorer, or just curious about this subculture thriving in the heart of Southeast Asia, this deep dive will uncover the passion, politics, and poetry of Singaporean underground hip-hop.

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Origins: Planting the Seeds of Hip-Hop

Hip-hop first found its way into Singapore during the 1980s and early 1990s, following the global ripple effects of American pop culture. Initially, it was confined to breakdancing groups and scattered fans of artists like Run DMC, Tupac, and The Notorious B.I.G. Local youths caught glimpses of this urban art form via MTV, cassette tapes, and movies like Beat Street and 8 Mile.

But it wasn’t until the late 90s and early 2000s that Singapore started nurturing its own hip-hop identity. Independent music stores, online forums, and underground gigs became gathering points for aspiring rappers, beatmakers, and breakdancers. It was no longer about mimicking Western styles — Singaporean artists were ready to tell their own stories.

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Breaking Stereotypes: Singapore’s Unique Hip-Hop Identity

Singapore’s underground hip-hop scene stands apart because of its cultural fusion. With its multiracial society — comprising Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities — the local hip-hop flavor is a melting pot of languages, slang, and perspectives.

While American hip-hop often revolves around themes of race, crime, and urban struggle, Singaporean artists often rap about identity, social pressure, censorship, and nationalism. English, Singlish (a unique local creole), Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil all find their way into lyrics, creating a polyglot art form that is unmistakably Singaporean.

Hip-hop here is less about “bling” and more about grit, authenticity, and commentary — especially within the underground sphere.

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The Sound of the Streets: Genres and Influences

The underground hip-hop scene in Singapore isn’t monolithic. It spans a variety of subgenres, including:

• Boom Bap: With its classic 90s sound, this style has strong roots in Singapore’s early hip-hop development. It appeals to purists who favor storytelling and lyricism.

• Trap and Drill: Gaining traction among the younger crowd, these subgenres bring darker, bass-heavy beats and rapid flows.

• Conscious Rap: Many Singaporean underground artists lean into conscious rap, tackling themes like political apathy, socioeconomic inequality, and cultural identity.

• Experimental Hip-Hop: With artists blending jazz, funk, R&B, and electronic elements, Singapore’s underground scene is also a haven for sonic experimentation.

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Key Artists You Should Know

1. Akeem Jahat

Arguably one of the most respected names in Singapore’s hip-hop scene, Akeem Jahat is known for his fierce delivery and bilingual bars in English and Malay. His tracks like $UA and Ribut reflect raw emotion, street wisdom, and poetic punchlines.

2. THELIONCITYBOY

One of the few Singaporean rappers to gain mainstream recognition while staying true to his roots, THELIONCITYBOY brings heartfelt lyrics and polished production. His work bridges the underground and commercial spheres.

3. Fariz Jabba

With a mix of old-school charm and modern flair, Fariz Jabba raps and sings in a style that appeals across generations. His collabs with artists like Yung Raja have made waves across Southeast Asia.

4. Yung Raja

Often hailed as the future of Tamil-English rap, Yung Raja’s bilingual style is playful yet pointed. He’s breaking language barriers and putting Singaporean hip-hop on the global map.

5. ABANGSAPAU

Known for his conscious rap and soulful approach, ABANGSAPAU dives into issues of mental health, racial harmony, and identity. He represents a new wave of artists who blend activism with artistry.

6. Mean

A fierce lyricist and founder of [Team Highness], Mean is one of the underground’s torchbearers. His dark beats and punchline-heavy style draw in fans who crave authentic, raw music.

7. BGourd

A bit of an enigma, BGourd raps in a broccoli mask — yes, you read that right. Beyond the gimmick, he delivers tight flows, socially aware lyrics, and a creative aesthetic that’s uniquely his.

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The Venues: Where the Underground Comes Alive

Though Singapore is known for its strict regulations and limited nightlife, the underground hip-hop scene thrives in intimate spaces, independent venues, and pop-up shows. Here are some key spots where the culture pulsates:

Canvas Club (formerly Home Club)

One of the early venues that welcomed hip-hop nights, beat battles, and freestyle cyphers. While it’s undergone transformations, its legacy lives on in the scene.

The Substation

This independent arts venue was a hub for alternative music, theater, and spoken word. It provided a safe space for underground expression before its unfortunate closure in 2021 — a loss still felt deeply by the community.

Aliwal Arts Centre

Nestled in the Kampong Glam district, Aliwal frequently hosts urban arts festivals, b-boy showcases, and indie rap gigs. Its fusion of visual art and music makes it a key cultural landmark.

Decline

A true dive bar and haven for underground artists, Decline doesn’t pretend to be fancy — which is exactly why it’s beloved. With graffiti-covered walls and raw energy, this is where authenticity reigns.

Scape Underground

Located in Orchard Road, Scape provides platforms for young artists to perform and collaborate. Its open mics and showcases are a breeding ground for future stars.

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DIY Spirit: Labels, Collectives & Crews

In the absence of major record label backing, much of Singapore’s underground hip-hop has flourished through independent collectives and a fierce DIY ethic.

Mediacorp? Nah. Try these instead:

Grizzle Grind Crew

Founded by Kevin Lester (aka THELIONCITYBOY), this collective nurtures talent, organizes events, and promotes local rap culture. Their battles and showcases are community staples.

Team Highness

Home to artists like Mean, this collective emphasizes artistic freedom and creative collaboration, producing gritty tracks and highly stylized visuals.

Zadon and Majulah

Zadon, along with the Majulah Movement, is working to provide a new platform for independent voices, bridging the underground with Southeast Asia’s growing music networks.

Myo and Thambi K Seaow

These comedic-rap hybrids blend local satire with hip-hop rhythms, using humor and social commentary to challenge norms.

Trifecta SG

A newer group, but influential in bringing together rappers, producers, and graphic designers to shape Singapore’s new hip-hop sound.

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Challenges: The Price of Expression

Singapore’s underground hip-hop scene doesn’t exist without its challenges. Unlike larger markets like the US or UK, Singapore offers limited industry support, commercial infrastructure, and performance venues for rappers.

Censorship and Regulation

Singapore has strict laws on speech and expression, which means artists have to tread carefully. Lyrics touching on race, religion, or politics risk censorship — or worse, legal trouble.

Lack of Institutional Support

Mainstream media and educational institutions rarely support hip-hop as a serious art form. This results in artists being self-funded, under-promoted, and largely ignored by traditional gatekeepers.

Social Stigma

Despite its global popularity, hip-hop still carries a stigma among some Singaporeans who view it as rebellious or foreign. Artists often battle for legitimacy within their own communities.

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The Digital Lifeline: Social Media & Streaming

If the underground scene in Singapore has a lifeline, it’s digital. Platforms like YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Instagram have allowed local artists to bypass gatekeepers and reach international audiences.

YouTube Cyphers

Freestyle cyphers and music videos have become central to the scene. Artists like Akeem Jahat and Fariz Jabba often post visually rich, raw videos that bring their storytelling to life.

TikTok & Reels

Short-form content has helped artists like Yung Raja go viral, proving that even niche music can explode with the right aesthetic and timing.

Podcasts & Interviews

Podcasts like TapauTV and OkLetsGo (though more mainstream) sometimes provide platforms for rappers to speak on their craft, struggles, and dreams.

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Events and Competitions

Though not frequent, underground hip-hop events are fiercely loved. These include:

• Singapura Cyphers: Annual or impromptu freestyle sessions featuring a lineup of MCs dropping bars over local beats.

• Beat Battles: Producers go head-to-head with original beats in real-time battles that highlight the scene’s sonic diversity.

• Urban Music Festivals: Events like Baybeats or Aliwal Urban Art Festival occasionally give rappers a chance to share bigger stages.

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The Role of Graffiti, Fashion & Dance

Singapore’s underground hip-hop is more than just music — it’s a cultural ecosystem. Graffiti artists tag alley walls with intricate calligraphy and political messages. B-boy crews perform spontaneous breakdance battles at void decks and skate parks. Independent fashion brands echo hip-hop aesthetics with bold designs and local slang.

From vintage Jordans to Malay-influenced streetwear, the hip-hop look here is equal parts homage and innovation.

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The Future: Where Is It Headed?

The underground hip-hop scene in Singapore is evolving. As global interest in Asian hip-hop grows — with acts from Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia gaining traction — Singapore is poised for its moment in the spotlight.

What sets it apart is its linguistic creativity, cultural nuance, and the relentless drive of its artists to be seen and heard. There’s a hunger in the Lion City’s underground: to carve a space for self-expression that’s both unapologetic and unmistakably local.

With more collaborations, regional tours, and perhaps a few breakout stars, the scene’s future looks brighter than ever — even if it remains underground.

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Final Thoughts: Everything About Singapore Hip-Hop

Singapore’s underground hip-hop scene is a testament to the resilience of artistic expression. In a nation known for rules and regulations, these rappers, producers, and creators have built a movement that is bold, layered, and deeply personal.

They’ve redefined what it means to be Singaporean, giving voice to the complexities, contradictions, and aspirations of life in the city-state. Whether spitting bars in back alleys, designing visuals for the next mixtape, or organizing the next secret gig — these artists are shaping a cultural revolution, one rhyme at a time.

So the next time you walk through the manicured streets of Singapore, remember: beneath the glitz lies a pulse, a beat, a lyric — the heartbeat of a thriving underground.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur and musical artist A.L.I.A.S.