10 U.S. Cities with Underrated Hip-Hop Scenes

Respect due.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Whether it's from Jay-Z representing the Empire State or 2Pac showing California love, certain places have always loomed larger than others in hip-hop's mythology. Rap fans are quick to identify a few familiar destinations as the cities where hip-hop lives. The genre's biggest hubs breed talent and attract stars to propagate their own importance. 

But hip-hop is a national genre, and the music isn't confined to a handful of prominent cities, even if fans and artists sometimes act as though it is. Many of hip-hop's most important, influential, and well-known artists hail from places just slightly off the radar. A number of smaller cities boast their own regional styles, independent labels, vibrant live scenes, or essential mark on hip-hop's history that deserve to be included in any rap conversation.

From the community that introduced us to Midwestern rap to the home of a live scene that helped build one of the moment's biggest stars, these are 10 U.S. cities with underrated hip-hop scenes.

RELATED: The 15 Best Cities in the U.S. For Rap Fans Right Now
RELATD: The King of the City: The Best Rapper in 13 Hip-Hop Meccas

Huntsville, Ala.

Not Available Interstitial

Nashville, Tenn.

Not Available Interstitial

Baltimore, Md.

Not Available Interstitial

Flint, Mich.

Not Available Interstitial

Cleveland, Ohio

Not Available Interstitial

Virginia Beach/Norfolk, Va.

Not Available Interstitial

Boston, Mass.

Not Available Interstitial

Kansas City, Mo.

Not Available Interstitial

Seattle, Wash.

Not Available Interstitial

Dallas/Forth Worth, Tex.

Not Available Interstitial

Latest in Pop Culture