From underground rebels to island-infused lyricists, Honolulu’s hip-hop scene is a melting pot of talent, blending local culture with raw storytelling. Whether it’s Suger D’s radio dominance or JUJU’s military-bred versatility, these artists prove Hawaii’s rap game is as vibrant as its beaches. Dive into the 10 must-know names shaking up O’ahu’s mic—ranked from rising stars to certified legends.
10. Ryan Pugal
🎤 The Multilingual Maestro
Born and raised in Aiea, Honolulu, Ryan Pugal is a singer-songwriter with a decade-long career blending hip-hop, R&B, and island vibes. A Famecast Top 5 finalist, he’s opened for stars like Nicole Scherzinger and Stevie B. His unique flair includes singing in Hawaiian, Ilocano, and Tagalog, making him a standout in Hawaii’s music scene.
🔥 Key Fact: Won Best Artist Promotion Award on Famecast.
📲 Follow: Facebook
9. Pou Jackson
🌴 The Kaneohe Flow King
This Kaneohe-born rapper mixes laid-back island vibes with razor-sharp lyricism. Tracks like “Block Party” and “No Hook” showcase his ability to rep local culture while keeping it fresh. A SoundCloud and Apple Music favorite, Pou’s music is a love letter to O’ahu’s streets.
🔥 Key Fact: Independent hustle with collabs highlighting Hawaii’s sound.
📲 Follow: Facebook
8. JUJU (JUJUTHEQUI)
✈️ The Military Brat Turned Pop-Rap Hybrid
A Waianae-based artist with roots in Virginia, Florida, and Baltimore, JUJU’s music transcends boundaries. His military upbringing and immersion in Hawaii’s nightlife shape his versatile rap/pop style. From trap bangers to melodic hooks, he’s a one-man genre blend.
🔥 Key Fact: Self-proclaimed “pop star” with hip-hop grit.
📲 Follow: Instagram
7. Dylan Grantz
🎬 The Rapper-Actor Double Threat
Discovered at 13 by HI-Town’s Moon Brown, Dylan Grantz jumped from rap to movies (and even married Miley Cyrus—allegedly). His debut album “Bad to the Bone” and ties to Rock Mafia Records add to his mystique. A Hawaii hip-hop wildcard.
🔥 Key Fact: Signed to Rock Mafia Records (claims).
📲 Follow: Instagram
6. NKRYPTD
🎧 The Electronic Hip-Hop Alchemist
A classically trained musician turned DJ/producer, NKRYPTD dominates underground EDM and hip-hop with genres like trap and drum ’n’ bass. After crushing scenes from Virginia Beach to Hawai’i, his COLD ROPES EP proves he’s a sonic innovator.
🔥 Key Fact: #1 in D.C. (2022) and Pacific Theater champ.
📲 Follow: Facebook
5. Big Juyce
💪 The Bodybuilding Rap Titan
Standing 6’2”, 260 lbs, this military vet and pro wrestler brings commanding presence to his music. Born in Cali but rooted in Georgia and Hawaii, Big Juyce’s catchy hooks and production skills make him a force.
🔥 Key Fact: 6x bodybuilding champ and Wounded Warrior.
📲 Follow: Facebook
4. RAP PHENOMENON
🔥 The Underground Rebel
Signed to Sony Music, this artist hates mumble rap and mainstream fluff. With a raw, unfiltered style, he’s all about preserving hip-hop’s grit. A producer-rapper with a cult following.
🔥 Key Fact: Calls Twilight the “biggest anal-probe” in pop culture.
📲 Follow: Facebook
3. DELaRAY (Dell Ray)
✝️ The Gospel Hip-Hop Veteran
After 20+ years in music, DELaRAY pivoted to faith-driven rap post-born-again conversion. His Dove Award-nominated track “God is in Control” merges hip-hop with spiritual messaging.
🔥 Key Fact: Dove Award nominee for gospel rap.
📲 Follow: Bandcamp
2. Maney L Chulo
🔫 The Ex-Con Turned Lyricist
A rebel voice from Hana’i, Maney’s music reflects prison struggles and street life. His goal? To inspire freedom and self-love through raw, poetic bars.
🔥 Key Fact: Music born from incarceration and rebellion.
📲 Follow: Facebook
1. Suger D
🏆 The O.G. of Honolulu Hip-Hop
A Sacramento transplant, Suger D became a Hawaii hip-hop icon via Tiki Entertainment and club dominance at Pipeline Cafe. His features on 102.7 Da Bomb’s classic “Come On, Get It” and solo label Iris International Daimyo cement his legacy.
🔥 Key Fact: #1 radio hit with “Shake” (feat. Sheena from ANTM).
📲 Follow: Facebook
Final Word
From Suger D’s radio reign to NKRYPTD’s electronic fusion, Honolulu’s hip-hop scene is diverse, raw, and unstoppable. Who’s your favorite? Drop a comment and tune into W.D.O.P.E. Dopetrackz Radio for more! 🎧🔥
