Des Moines, IA may be known for cornfields and caucuses—but the real movement here is in the underground hip-hop scene. From pioneers with industry impact to street-bred spitters with global reach, these 10 artists are the cream of the crop when it comes to bars, beats, and influence.
Let’s count it down—from 10 to 1. 💥
10. Bigg P Music
📍 Des Moines, IA
Known for: Lyricism, punchlines, & raw Midwest delivery
A veteran emcee with unapologetic charisma, Bigg P (aka Peezy) came up through 4sho Productions and hasn’t looked back. His versatility—ranging from storytelling to ferocious bars—makes him a true standout in Iowa’s rap landscape. His mic presence is undeniable, with a flow that could rival any major city MC.
🔗 Facebook
9. Lee Joseph
🎛️ Producer, Rapper, and Performer
This 25-year-old producer/MC has been making noise with HighNotes Productions, dropping hard-hitting tracks like “0-100” and “Lately.” Lee Joseph mixes modern vibes with Midwest grit and is steadily carving his lane with beats that bang and lyrical finesse.
🔗 ReverbNation
8. Cyluz
🧠 “The Crooked Kid” of DMI
Cyluz is Des Moines through and through—an underground legend who merges rap and rock with a style all his own. After losing his close friend Krazy Kay, he’s doubled down on his mission to make it in the game. Cyluz brings a dark, passionate energy that you feel in every verse.
🔗 Facebook
7. Yung Pov
👑 West Side Representer | Co-founder of Arson Squad
Yung Pov is a battle-tested spitter from the West Side of Des Moines, coming up with influences like BIG, Nas, and Jay-Z. From opening up for Hurricane Chris to making waves with the duo Chilld Pavement, Yung Pov brings authenticity, rawness, and Midwest hustle in every bar.
🔗 SoundCloud
6. 2Hott
🎚️ Engineer | Producer | CEO of 2 Hott Productions LLC
2 Hott isn’t just an artist—he’s a full-blown audio architect. With over 20 years of music theory and production knowledge, he’s been making waves through his mixing and mastering services while creating original beats across multiple genres. A certified Iowa trailblazer, especially in the business of hip-hop.
🔗 ReverbNation
5. Sioux Warchild
⚡ Lyrical Survivor with a Divine Calling
From a church camp talent show at 13 to the battle of homelessness, Sioux Warchild has used music as therapy and testimony. His tracks like “Hellish” showcase an artist who’s raw, emotional, and unfiltered—channeling pain into powerful verses with a spiritual undertone.
🔗 SoundCloud
4. $pex
🧬 Iowa Underdog Turned Fighter with a Message
$pex’s journey—from health battles and bullying to nearly losing his mother—has shaped him into an emotional powerhouse of a rapper. With deep storytelling and a work ethic rooted in pain and perseverance, he’s one of Iowa’s most relatable and inspirational rap voices.
🔗 Facebook
3. TG Beats
🎵 Beatmaker & Vibesmith Since 2010
TG Beats is a low-key legend in the Des Moines production scene. Tracks like “This Moment” and “There It Is” showcase his talent for crafting cinematic, head-nodding soundscapes. He lets his music do the talking—and trust, it’s saying a lot.
🔗 Twitter/X
2. SCRIBE SCHOLA
🖋️ Lyrical Alchemist with a Deep, Dark Style
Formerly known as Still Barz, SCRIBE SCHOLA is a poetic technician whose catalog is as deep as it is layered. Songs like “Greedy”, “Forest Fires”, and “ILLuminati” prove he’s one of the most introspective and original hip-hop artists in the Midwest. Influenced by everyone from Hendrix to Pac, his bars hit the soul.
🔗 Facebook
1. NineXRuff
🏆 Midwest Pioneer | Political MC | Illyricum Entertainment CEO
There’s hip-hop royalty, and then there’s NineXRuff. A true Des Moines hip-hop icon, Nine’s been repping for Iowa since the 90s—building studios, mentoring youth, and establishing Illyricum Entertainment, the first Hip-Hop label in the Hub Tower. He’s not only impacted music but helped establish the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition and served as Music Commissioner for the city. His sound is gritty, insightful, and elevated—with global fans from France to the Philippines.
If you’re talking about Des Moines Hip-Hop, you have to talk about NineXRuff.
🔗 Instagram
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