Best Hip-Hop Acts: SXSW 2025

SXSW showed us that the music is still alive in Austin, Texas. Hailed the live music capital of the world, Austin has long been a haven for rising musicians to get their beginnings and for legends to rock crowds of fans from all over the world. Even amid corporatization and mass gentrification, nothing can stop Austin from being in its heart of hearts — a music city, and this year’s diverse line-up of hip-hop and R&B acts showed us that these artists are still just as hungry as ever.

Though SXSW has announced plans to cut parts of its music portion in 2026, the conference is still worth attending to see some talented music acts and potentially discover your new favorites. Here are some of our favorite performers from this year’s iteration

3D Na’Tee

Hailing from New Orleans, 3D Na’Tee brings a magic to her music. Inspired by film, her ability for storytelling transpires into hard-hitting bars. In addition to hip-hop, 3D Na’Tee recently released her debut film Uptown Butterfly and launched a series called Gas or Trash, spotlighting emerging acts. Her hard work for her artistic community has earned her recognition from the City of New Orleans.

Afterthought

San Francisco rapper Afterthought is a student of the game. With skills like rapping, producing, and songwriting under his belt, Afterthought blends his rhymes with elements of jazz and soul. He is also a member of the band Family First, through which, he is able tap into his eclectic tastes and wide array of skills.

Bdifferent

Upon hearing a beat, Atlanta native Bdifferent is able to deliver a fiery flow with pure ease. At 27 years old, Bdifferent is detailing his relatable coming of age through autobiographical lines that highlight his painful past but showcase his resilience. Captivating melodies and vivid wordplay sets the scene for Bdifferent’s musical soundscape.

Cure for Paranoia

Dallas-based collective Cure for Paranoia has become a staple in their hometown, with several gigs in Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, and venues across the world. While they’ve been in the game for some years now, they haven’t lost their momentum. The group’s lead vocalist Cameron McCloud has been writing and posting a verse every day since the beginning of 2025.

FLWRSHRK

Bronx mainstay FLWRSHRK has an unmatched pen game. Not only is she a skilled MC and DJ, but she is also a talented music journalist. Combining her love of hip-hop and vogueing beats, FLWRSHRK’s mixes will have you feeling like you’re on another planet. She is also committed to uplifting other artists through her media and publishing platform, HangTime Magazine.

Kali Flower

In her “Fuccgirl” era, Dallas R&B singer/songwriter Kali Flower is putting herself first. Through hedonistic poems turned to a musical soundscape, Kali is embracing the stages of healing from a broken heart by celebrating with her girls, embracing her sexy side, and carving out a path of her own. Still hard at work in the studio on new music, Kali will wrap of her “Fuccgirl Season” era on April 5 at RBC in Dallas, where she will be opening up for rapper Tay Money.

LEX the Lexicon Artist

Visiting Texas all the way from Taipei, LEX the Lexicon Artist brings people together through her book smarts and street smarts. Fans love LEX’s references to nerd culture, anime, and shock value humor with a fun approach, all of which captures what she aims to do through her music — to make people smile.

Ron Don

Broward County native Ron Don brought the Florida sunshine over to Texas. Though the Floridian now lives in Rhode Island, he’s mastered the art of southern swagger and combined that with northern sounds. When Ron Don is on the bill, you can expect the venue will be packed. So arrive early and stay late!

Skaiwater

Having gotten their start on Soundcloud, London singer and rapper Skaiwater is a voice of their Gen-Z counterparts. Their viral clips have reached fans worldwide through platforms like TikTok, earning a co-sign from Lil Nas X and Lil Uzi Vert. As platforms have evolved, Skaiwater has always been a step ahead of the game.

Vv Pete

Sudanese-Australian rapper Vv Pete is about to take over the clubs this summer. Delivering bold, brash hooks over bass-heavy club beats, Vv Pete fuses the sounds of the two places she calls home, and maintains a vibrant energy. As she continues to broaden her scope of sounds and places for inspiration, Vv Pete is on her way to becoming an international superstar.