Ian Hinksman
Wales is celebrated for its valleys, castles and rugby, but beneath the rolling green hills lies the vile lyricism and filthy beats of the Welsh underground rap scene.
It’s a movement that’s been steadily growing since Goldie Lookin Chain burst on to the scene in the early 2000s with their first widely known single release Half Man Half Machine.
From Cardiff to Newport, MCs are fusing grime, drill, drum & bass, and hip hop into something unapologetically explicit and unmistakably Welsh. This is not the polished face of UK rap. This has a darker, dirtier undercurrent that thrives in clubs, clashes, and online cult followings.
Mr Traumatik (Cardiff) the king of Welsh underground rap
Mr Traumatik is one of the most infamous names in the Welsh scene. Starting out in Cardiff’s rave and drum & bass culture, Traumatik gained a cult following for his lightning-fast flows, surreal references, and no-filter lyrics that range from psychedelic spirituality to grotesque shock value.
Why he matters: Traumatik is divisive but magnetic — a Welsh MC who embodies the extremes of the underground: cosmic one moment, vile the next.
“Love him or hate him, Traumatik is Wales’ most extreme export.”
Astroid Boys / Benji Wild (Cardiff)
Blending grime with punk attitude, Astroid Boys brought chaotic Cardiff energy to UK stages throughout the 2010s. Their tracks carried the grit of grime and the aggression of hardcore, making them a gateway act for many into Welsh underground hip hop.
Why they matter: Even on hiatus, Astroid Boys’ DNA runs through the Cardiff rap scene. Benji Wild continues to carry the torch with a sound that’s as raw and confrontational as ever.
Skamma (Cardiff)
A cult figure in Cardiff grime, Skamma is known for his snarling delivery, sharp punchlines, and battle-tested lyricism. He rose to prominence in battle leagues like Don’t Flop, where his aggressive presence set him apart. While no major projects have landed recently, Skamma remains respected in freestyle circles and underground events.
Why he matters: Skamma is pure clash culture: confrontational, competitive, and true to himself, representing the darker edge of Welsh grime.
Goldie Lookin Chain (Newport) the veterans of Welsh underground rap
We can’t talk about the Welsh underground rap scene without mentioning Newport’s legendary Goldie Lookin Chain, who many consider to be the godfathers of Welsh rap satire. Their comedy-laced tracks parody UK hip hop bravado with deliberately tasteless lyrics, from Your Mother’s Got a Penis to Guns Don’t Kill People, Rappers Do. In 2025, they still remain active with live shows, comedy skits, and cult-classic sets.
Why they matter: GLC showed that Welsh rap could embrace its own voice, accent, and humor. Their outrageousness paved the way for today’s underground artists to be fearless and authentic.
Juice Menace (Cardiff)
Juice Menace represents the new face of Welsh drill and trap. Breaking through in the late 2010s with FUPTHECLUB, she quickly made her mark with bold delivery and uncompromising lyricism, cutting through a male-dominated scene. Her new singles and collaborations across 2024–25 show her expanding her catalogue.
Why she matters: Juice brings a strong female perspective to the Cardiff rap scene, something vital for the growth and diversity of Welsh underground rap.
Mace The Great (Cardiff)
One of Cardiff’s most polished voices, Mace The Great balances underground grit with crossover potential. His 2019 EP My Side Of The Bridge gained national attention, leading to BBC introducing features. Mace continues to build his reputation in 2025 through freestyles, collaborations, and live sets.
Why he matters: As a Cardiff artist, Mace straddles the line between local hero and future international breakout while staying true to his Welsh roots.
Other names to know in the world of Welsh underground rap
Yea, we hear you. Why didn’t you include this artist and that artist? And the truth is that the Welsh underground rap scene is vast and ever expanding.
With so many people around the world who are unaware of what the Welsh underground rap scene is all about, it’s our hope that this list sends possible new fans down the rabbit hole of what the Walsh scene truly has to offer.
That being said, we did you a solid and threw in a few more names.
- Local (Cardiff): Battle-ready grime MC, notorious for clash-heavy lyrics.
- Sage Todz (Gwynedd): Drill MC switching between Welsh and English, tackling both gritty street themes and cultural pride.
- Snow FTS: Drill collective featured in Welsh rap 2025 playlists, delivering raw street anthems.
- Dead Residents, Junior Disprol, Squid Ninjas, Headcase Ladz: Veteran crews blending grime, hip hop, and experimental rap — keeping the underground alive and unpredictable.
