Top 10 Hip Hop Youtubers to Watch in 2025

Jessica Li
Chief of Staff

In this article, we'll dive into the Top 10 Hip Hop YouTubers, showcasing some of the most influential creators in the scene. Expect to see highlights on talents like KSI, Quadeca, Dax, Token, and NF as we explore their contributions to the genre.

1. KSI

Who is KSI?

KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, is a prominent YouTube star and musician known for his diverse content ranging from FIFA gameplay to music videos. He joined YouTube on July 25, 2009, and has since amassed over 24 million subscribers. For more about KSI, visit his YouTube channel.

KSI is based in the United Kingdom, specifically in London, England.

Audience

KSI's audience primarily consists of teenagers and young adults, typically ranging from 13 to 30 years old. They are highly engaged with his content, as evidenced by the 82 million views on his music video "Thick Of It (feat. Trippie Redd)" and their interest in his diverse range of videos, from gaming to music and boxing.

Key Metrics

Here are some key statistics about KSI's YouTube channel:

  • Engagement Rate: 2.89%
  • Subscribers: 24.8M
  • Average Video Length: 3.25 minutes
  • Video Views: 6.2B

Content Focus

  • KSI creates official music videos that often feature collaborations with other artists.
  • He produces lyric videos and visualizers to complement his music releases.
  • KSI also shares behind-the-scenes content that gives fans a glimpse into the making of his music videos.

2. Quadeca

Who is Quadeca?

Quadeca, whose real name is Ben Lasky, is a multifaceted YouTube star known for his rap songs, rap battles, and parodies. He launched his YouTube channel in June 2012, initially focusing on FIFA-related content before transitioning to music. For more about Quadeca, visit his YouTube channel.

Quadeca is based in Los Angeles, California.

Audience

Quadeca's audience primarily consists of young adults and teenagers who are passionate about rap and hip-hop music. For instance, his rap battles and parodies attract viewers who enjoy lyrical creativity and competitive music content, often engaging with his videos through comments and shares.

Key Metrics

Quadeca's YouTube channel showcases impressive metrics:

  • Subscribers: 1.95M
  • Average Video Length: 10.5 minutes
  • Video Views: 200M

Content Focus

  • Quadeca creates rap songs that showcase his lyrical prowess and unique style.
  • He produces rap battles and parodies, often engaging in competitive and humorous takes on popular music.
  • Quadeca also shares behind-the-scenes content, giving fans a glimpse into his creative process and the making of his music videos.

3. Dax

Who is Dax?

Dax, whose real name is not explicitly mentioned, is a prominent YouTube artist known for his impactful music videos and lyrical content. He joined YouTube on February 28, 2012, and has since garnered over 7.23 million subscribers and 1.72 billion total video views. For more about Dax, visit his YouTube channel.

Dax is based in the United States.

Audience

Dax's audience primarily consists of music enthusiasts who resonate with emotional and motivational themes, often reflecting personal struggles and triumphs. For instance, his video "Dear Alcohol" has garnered 116 million views, indicating a strong connection with viewers who appreciate introspective and impactful storytelling through music.

Key Metrics

Dax's YouTube channel showcases impressive metrics:

  • Engagement Rate: 3.32%
  • Subscribers: 7.23M
  • Average Video Length: 4.86 minutes
  • Video Views: 1.72B

Content Focus

  • Dax creates official music videos that often feature collaborations with other artists, such as "Soldier" (Feat. Tom MacDonald) and "Dear Alcohol."
  • He produces remix videos of popular songs, including "God's Eyes" Remix and Eminem "Houdini" Remix, showcasing his unique take on well-known tracks.
  • Dax shares emotional and motivational content through his music, addressing personal struggles and triumphs, as seen in videos like "Lonely Dirt Road" and "Place Of Peace."

4. Token

Who is Token?

Token, whose real name is not explicitly mentioned, is a hip hop emcee who joined YouTube on August 26, 2012. He has gained significant popularity with over 1.05 million subscribers and 275.57 million total video views. For more about Token, visit his YouTube channel.

Token is based in the United States, specifically in Massachusetts.

Audience

Token's audience primarily consists of younger viewers, particularly teens and young adults, who are passionate about hip-hop and rap music. For instance, his video "Token - Youtube Rapper ft. Tech N9ne" has garnered 26 million views, and his short clip "howd it take me this long to realize JID did this 💀" has 397K views, indicating a highly engaged and supportive fanbase.

Key Metrics

Token's YouTube channel, tokenhiphop, showcases a variety of hip-hop content.

  • Subscribers: 1.05M
  • Average Video Length: 2 minutes and 53 seconds
  • Video Views: 275.57M

Content Focus

  • Token creates official music videos that often feature his original songs and remixes, such as "Token - LIAR" and "Token - Eminem 'My Name Is' Remix."
  • He produces freestyles and behind-the-scenes content, giving fans a glimpse into his creative process and spontaneous lyrical skills.
  • Token also shares collaborative projects with other artists, including tracks like "Token - Youtube Rapper ft. Tech N9ne" and "Token - Boom ft. J.I.D."

5. NF

Who is NF?

NF, whose real name is Nathan John Feuerstein, is a renowned rapper and YouTube creator known for his emotionally charged music and impactful lyrics. He joined YouTube on December 5, 2014, and has since built a substantial following with his channel, NFrealmusic. His content primarily includes music videos, official playlists, and audio tracks from his albums and mixtapes.

NF is based in the United States, specifically in Gladwin, Michigan.

Audience

NF's audience primarily consists of young adults and teenagers who resonate with his emotionally charged and introspective lyrics. For instance, his video "The Search" has garnered 288 million views, and "Let You Down" has 283 million views, indicating a strong connection with viewers who appreciate deep and meaningful storytelling through music.

Key Metrics

NFrealmusic is the official YouTube channel for the rapper NF, featuring a variety of music videos, audio tracks, and playlists.

  • Subscribers: 9.94M
  • Average Video Length: 3 minutes and 50 seconds
  • Video Views: 288M

Content Focus

  • NF creates official music videos that are known for their high-quality production and emotionally charged storytelling.
  • He shares audio tracks from his albums and mixtapes, providing fans with a comprehensive listening experience.
  • NF also produces behind-the-scenes content and short videos (Shorts), offering a glimpse into his creative process and personal life.

6. Lil Dicky

Who is Lil Dicky?

Lil Dicky, whose real name is David Burd, is a rapper and YouTube creator known for his comedic and satirical approach to hip-hop. He joined YouTube on April 13, 2013, and has since amassed a substantial following with over 8.23 million subscribers. For more about Lil Dicky, visit his official YouTube channel.

Lil Dicky is based in the United States, specifically in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania.

Audience

Lil Dicky's audience primarily consists of younger, tech-savvy fans of hip-hop and rap music, typically ranging from teenagers to young adults (13-35 years old). For instance, his comedic music video "Freaky Friday" has garnered 754 million views, and his promotional content for the TV show "DAVE" attracts viewers who enjoy a blend of humor and music.

Key Metrics

Lil Dicky's YouTube channel showcases a blend of comedic and satirical hip-hop content.

  • Subscribers: 8.23M
  • Average Video Length: 11 minutes and 36 seconds
  • Video Views: 754M

Content Focus

Here are some key types of content that Lil Dicky creates:

  • Music Videos: Lil Dicky produces high-quality music videos that often blend humor and storytelling, such as "Freaky Friday" and "Earth."
  • Short Films: He creates short films that provide a cinematic experience, like "HAHAHA I LOVE MYSELF (MUSIC SHORT FILM)."
  • Freestyles and Branded Content: Lil Dicky shares freestyle rap videos and collaborates with brands for promotional content, showcasing his versatility and comedic style.

7. Joyner Lucas

Who is Joyner Lucas?

Joyner Lucas, whose real name is Gary Lucas, is a rapper and YouTube creator known for his intricate rhyme schemes and impactful music. He joined YouTube on June 8, 2013, and has since built a substantial following. For more about Joyner Lucas, visit his YouTube channel.

Joyner Lucas is based in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Audience

Joyner Lucas's audience primarily consists of young adults and teenagers who appreciate intricate rhyme schemes and impactful storytelling. For instance, his video "I'm Not Racist" has garnered over 147 million views, indicating a strong connection with viewers who value thought-provoking and socially conscious content.

Key Metrics

Joyner Lucas's YouTube channel showcases a variety of impactful hip-hop content.

  • Subscribers: 71

Content Focus

Joyner Lucas creates a variety of impactful hip-hop content on his YouTube channel. Here are some key types of content he produces:

  • Music Videos: Joyner Lucas produces high-quality music videos that often feature intricate rhyme schemes and impactful storytelling.
  • Socially Conscious Content: He creates videos that address important social issues, such as "I'm Not Racist," which has garnered significant attention for its thought-provoking themes.
  • Collaborative Projects: Joyner Lucas frequently collaborates with other artists, producing tracks that showcase a blend of different styles and perspectives.

8. Adam22

Who is Adam22?

Adam22, whose real name is Adam John Grandmaison, is a well-known podcast host, BMX rider, rapper, and record executive. He is best known for hosting the pop culture podcast "No Jumper," which he launched on YouTube on February 9, 2012. With over 4.81 million subscribers, Adam22 has built a substantial following by posting new videos daily and engaging with a large audience across multiple platforms.

Adam22 is based in Nashua, New Hampshire, where he grew up and attended Nashua High School South.

Audience

Adam22's audience primarily consists of young adults and teenagers who are deeply immersed in hip-hop culture, streetwear, and urban lifestyle. For instance, the "What Would Von Do?" music video featuring Adam22, Bricc Baby, Trap Lore Ross & Flakko has garnered 123,004 views, and the TaTa interview has 35K views in just 9 days, indicating a strong engagement with content related to hip-hop artists and street culture.

Key Metrics

Adam22's YouTube channel, "No Jumper," is a hub for hip-hop culture and urban lifestyle content.

  • Subscribers: 4.81M
  • Average Video Length: 3 minutes and 41 seconds
  • Video Views: 123,004

Content Focus

  • Podcasts and Interviews: Adam22 hosts "No Jumper," which features in-depth interviews and discussions with various artists, influencers, and personalities in the hip-hop and urban culture scene.
  • Freestyles and Music Videos: The channel includes freestyle sessions and music videos, such as the "Live From Melrose" series, showcasing emerging and established artists.
  • Collaborative Projects: Adam22 frequently collaborates with other creators and artists, producing content like the "Adam & Wack Show" and music videos featuring multiple guests.

9. MikeTheCompass

Who is MikeTheCompass?

MikeTheCompass, whose real name is not explicitly mentioned, is a YouTube star known for his sneaker reviews and unboxing vlogs. He started his YouTube channel on June 30, 2013, and has since amassed a substantial following. For more about MikeTheCompass, visit his YouTube channel.

MikeTheCompass is based in Johnstown, Colorado, United States.

Audience

MikeTheCompass's audience primarily consists of sneaker enthusiasts and young adults who are passionate about sneaker culture and fashion. For instance, his video "WINNING THE KEYMASTER TWO TIMES!!!" has garnered 1.6 million views, and "SHOPPING FOR NEW SNEAKERS!!!" has 116,684 views, indicating a strong engagement with content related to sneaker shopping and reviews.

Key Metrics

Using his YouTube channel, MikeTheCompass shares his passion for sneaker culture and fashion.

  • Subscribers: 147K
  • Average Video Length: 10-12 minutes
  • Video Views: 1.6M

Content Focus

  • Sneaker Reviews and Unboxing: MikeTheCompass provides detailed reviews and unboxing videos of the latest sneaker releases, offering insights into their design, comfort, and value.
  • Lifestyle Vlogs: He documents his daily life and experiences, often focusing on sneaker shopping trips, fashion tips, and personal adventures.
  • Tutorials and How-Tos: MikeTheCompass shares tutorials on various topics, such as styling sneakers and maintaining curly hair, catering to his audience's interests in fashion and personal care.

10. DJ Akademiks

Who is DJ Akademiks?

Token, whose real name is Ben Goldberg, is a hip hop emcee who joined YouTube on August 26, 2012. He has gained significant popularity with over 1.05 million subscribers and 275.57 million total video views. For more about DJ Akademiks, visit his YouTube channel.

DJ Akademiks is based in the United States, having moved from Spanish Town, Jamaica around 2001.

Audience

DJ Akademiks's audience primarily consists of young adults and teenagers who are deeply immersed in hip-hop culture and entertainment news. For instance, his video "Lil AK- Blues Clues [Official Video]" has garnered 3.28 million views, and his podcast episode "Off The Record: Kodak Black 'I was Rocking with them Bloods in Prison.'" has 808K views, indicating a strong engagement with content related to popular and controversial figures in the hip-hop industry.

Key Metrics

DJ Akademiks's YouTube channel is a hub for entertainment news presented in a satirical manner.

  • Subscribers: 2.83M
  • Video Views: 3.28M

Content Focus

  • Entertainment News: DJ Akademiks creates satirical entertainment news content, focusing on social commentary and urban news stories.
  • Podcasts and Interviews: He produces podcasts and interviews with various artists and personalities in the hip-hop industry, providing insightful and engaging discussions.
  • Music Reviews and Vlogs: DJ Akademiks shares music reviews and vlogs, often featuring direct interactions with artists and commentary on the latest trends in hip-hop culture.

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