The introspective world-building exhibited in Maxo’s work has been a long-standing pillar of the California native’s medium-defying artistic expression that seeps far beyond the WAV file into feature-film-esque visuals, immersive performances, and even physical art that builds upon one another, creating an expansive eco-system of self-expression.

KAI is a 19-year-old, Chicago-based artist and community leader who continues to show his commitment to helping others despite juggling school, his art, and his mental.

Talented is an understatement when describing Travian. Not only does he produce the majority of his own beats, but he also mixes and masters his own songs. Recently, he’s expanded his music with the addition of his own vocals.

Niontay is a Florida by-way-of Milwaukee rapper bringing a uniquely diverse brand of music to the underground, which fittingly mirrors his eclectic state-to-state come-up, wide array of tasteful influences, and continued presence within skate culture. There’s an exciting buzz surrounding the success of his recent project, Dontay’s Inferno.

genny! is an astonishingly versatile 26-year-old artist, model, and skater born and raised in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn who’s on the cusp of breaking his way through the underground. Sonically, Genny pushes boundaries beyond comprehension with his captivating sound palette and emotional vulnerability.

DiZ is a 20-year-old Boston-based rapper and producer whose art doesn't really fit the mold of what's popular right now, and it's this uncompromising and genuine artistic output that I'm forever grateful for. His most recent alternative/jazz rap project, "the way forward is not the way home," is pushing the culture forward.

Brooklyn-raised artist Medhane has been a constant fixture within NYC's underground scene for the past half decade. Last Friday he dropped his six track EP titled, Sacrifices; entirely produced by frequent collaborator JUNIE.

nombreKARI is a rising artist coming from the historic Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago. Kari’s discography notably boasts unparalleled flows and a uniquely colorful sound, which paints a vivid commentary of his upbringing.

Despite the 2,763 miles that separate New Jersey-based rapper-producer Kwame Adu and LA-based producer ZAYALLCAPS, their chemistry and energy on each track of their collab tape, Motherland!, is unmatched.

The Florida-born, NYC-based rapper is pushing the boundaries of what we consider rap with high-tiempo instrumentals and hypnotizing flows paired with surprisingly introspective lyrics.

The Bay-based collective’s unique approach to music transcends the audio file. Their use of unique visuals, authentic branding, and boundary-ridden sonics offer an unparalleled product worth consuming.

In the latter half of the last decade, it’s been widely accepted that pop music has lacked originality and substance, reusing the same chord progressions and tired strong structures. It is this monotonous sound that may have sparked the broad and left-then-center movement now known as hyperpop.

Halftime is a collection of our favorite underground projects that have been released during the first six months of 2023. This release is a collaboration between The Finger Printed Mag & The Music Clique, two respective outlets focussed on uplifting local and underrepresented artists.