Top 10 Independent Drill Rappers in 2025 Who Are Blowing Up Without a Label

Why Independence Matters in the 2025 Drill Scene?

• What independence means in drill: Artists release music without a major label and use self-distribution tools like DistroKid or TuneCore. They own their masters and control artwork, rollouts and brand identity.¹
• Why it boosts credibility: Moving solo signals real grind and authenticity. In drill, that independence often translates to stronger respect from core fans.²
• 2025 is a breakout year: Cheaper studio gear and global streaming access have lowered the barrier. More indie drill rappers are finding an audience and converting momentum into real careers.³
• Short-form video drives discovery: A 15-second TikTok clip can send a song to millions. One viral hook can turn into Spotify streams and YouTube views in days.⁴
• Streaming is the engine: Playlists and algorithmic radio help unknown artists land next to bigger names. Consistent releases keep you in those feeds.⁵
• Direct fan marketing wins: Reels, Shorts and Lives let artists test snippets, take feedback and push pre-saves without a middleman.
• Ownership equals freedom: Keeping masters and publishing lets artists decide on licenses, sync deals and collabs while building long-term wealth.
• Lean release playbook: Drop a teaser, collect pre-saves & launch the single with a simple video then follow with a performance clip and a remix.
• Content beats budget: Raw phone footage from the block or studio can outperform glossy videos when the song and hook are strong.
• Collabs extend reach: Features with regional peers open new markets and bring fresh listeners without heavy label spend.
• Monetization stack: Streams, YouTube revenue, merch, live shows, and brand drops add up. Even small numbers across each lane can pay the bills.⁶

Top 10 Independent Drill Rappers of 2025

BabyChiefDoit: The 16-Year-Old Drill Star Leading the Indie Wave

Location: South Side, Chicago

Age: 16 (born c. 2009)

Status: Fully Independent

🚀 Rise to Fame

• Went viral on TikTok in late 2024 with his track “Rollin'” which sparked a massive dance trend.⁷
• “Rollin’” hit #2 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 hence gaining national attention.
• Currently has 4 million+ monthly Spotify listeners without any label support.

🔊 Streaming Highlights

• “The Viper” – Over 40 million streams on Spotify, a hard-hitting drill anthem.
• “Pancakes & Drugs” – Crossed 17 million+ streams through fan buzz alone.
• “Talk My Sh*t” – Most viral solo track & powered thousands of TikTok and Reels edits thanks to its bold hook and energy.⁸

💸 Independent Revenue Sources

Earns from:

• Streaming royalties (Spotify, Apple Music)
• TikTok/Instagram licensing
• Merch sales (ski masks, T-shirts, even action figure collectibles)

Operates his own online store with direct Instagram marketing.

Estimated income: $10,000+ per month & keeping 100% of profits by owning his masters.

📈 Career Milestones

• Created his SoundCloud in 2023&  became most-streamed indie artist there in 2024.
• Performed at Rolling Loud 2025.
• Named a 2025 XXL Freshman.⁹
• Released “Zoo Life” (2025) independently with features like Luh Tyler and Warhol.SS.

PGF Nuk :Chicago’s Underground Champion Still Going Indie in 2025

Location: Englewood, Chicago

Age: 23

Label Status: Independent

🎯 Career Highlights

• Broke out in 2021 with “Waddup” which is a viral drill anthem later remixed by Polo G.¹⁰
• Despite buzz, he didn’t sign a long-term major deal. His album “Switch Music” (2022) was released independently.
• Known for staying real to the streets while building his brand solo.

📺 YouTube Impact

• “Waddup” (original + remix) has 50+ million combined YouTube views.
• Videos are shot by No More Heroes which is a top-tier Chicago video team.¹¹
• All content is self-funded and monetized hence keeping him creatively in control.

🎵 Streaming Stats & Sound

• 400,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify (as of 2025).
• Songs like “It’s Nuk” and other tracks from “Switch Music” are playlist staples.¹²
• Works with respected drill producers, giving his indie releases major-label-level sound.

💰 Independent Income

Earns $5,000–$8,000/month through:

• Spotify & Apple Music streams
• YouTube ad revenue
• Club bookings and live shows (100% direct earnings)
• Sells “PGF” merch at local pop-ups (hats, hoodies, streetwear).

Known to make surprise guest appearances at big concerts thanks to his ties to Polo G (his cousin by marriage).

🧩 Industry Relationships (But Still Indie)

• Connected with Lil Durk’s OTF crew but never signed to the label.
• Was briefly associated with Alamo Records (2022 press) but by 2025 he’s fully independent again.¹³
• Uses those high-profile connections to boost visibility while keeping ownership.

SG Batman: The Underground King of Freestyles in 2025

Location: West Side, Chicago

Age: Mid-20s

Label Status: Fully Independent

🔥 Why He Stands Out

• SG Batman is known for his gritty & no-promo freestyles and raw delivery.
• Built a cult-like fanbase by dropping weekly content straight to YouTube.
• Runs his own digital space called “Live From The Hive” treating his channel like a personal drill broadcast.¹⁴

🎬 YouTube Dominance

• Drops songs like “Top 5 Eater” and “Andre 3000” with DIY visuals filmed in his neighborhood.
• Despite a modest 50K subscriber count, he often hits 200K+ views per video.¹⁵
• Doesn’t rely on industry rollouts but just raw street energy and consistency.

📊 Platform Stats (2025)

• YouTube: ~50,000 subscribers
• Spotify: ~6,000 monthly listeners¹⁶
• Strong engagement ratio proves deep fan loyalty especially in Chicago.

💰 Income Sources

Estimated earnings: $2,000–$4,000/month from:

• YouTube ad revenue
• Local club performances
• Merch sales (signature “Nobody Safe” tees and ski masks)
• Sells merch via Instagram DMs and at streetwear pop-ups.

🎤 Live Performance Game

• Known for high-energy shows at small clubs and underground venues.
• Frequently headlines West Side showcases and drill open mic nights.
• Keeps his fanbase engaged through personal appearances & not just music.

📱 TikTok & IG Buzz

• Not a TikTok influencer but clips of his Instagram Live rants and diss reactions often go viral.
• Fans use his verses in underground drill edits and lyric videos.
• Authenticity makes him a fan-favorite in TikTok’s drill subculture.

DCG Brothers: Chicago’s Indie Drill Duo with Viral Vibes

Location: West Side, Chicago

Members: DCG Shun (21) and DCG Bsavv (22)¹⁷

Label Status: Fully Independent (since late 2023)

🎤 Why They Stand Out

• Real-life brothers who rap as a duo & known for their playful chemistry and tag-team energy.
• Blend drill with humor also creating fun and catchy tracks that appeal across platforms.
• Built a strong following without a major label and proving that charisma and content can drive buzz.

🚀 Viral Growth Across Platforms

• Broke out on SoundCloud with tracks like “Mmhmm” praised by Pitchfork in 2021.¹⁸
• Gained traction on Instagram Reels and TikTok through skits, snippets and high-energy clips.
• YouTube channel: 125K+ subscribers & videos regularly cross 100K views.¹⁹
• Master cross-platform engagement: reaching drill fans, meme lovers and casual scrollers alike.

💼 Industry Experience Without the Ties

• Signed a short-term distribution deal with Atlantic Records in 2021 via No More Heroes.
• Released “House Party” under that deal but chose to go independent again in 2023.²⁰
• Now releasing music through a Sony-backed indie distributor (not a full record label).
• They’ve publicly said they prefer creative freedom over industry control.

🔑 Key Songs & Visuals

• “Stomp” ft. G Herbo – local hit with 1.5M+ views on YouTube.
• “Mmhmm” – drill anthem with humorous visuals (set on a golf course).
• Known for creating engaging music videos and turning releases into social moments.

📊 Stats & Earnings (2025)

Spotify: ~50,000 monthly listeners

YouTube: 125K+ subscribers

Income: ~$3K-$5K per month from:

• Streaming revenue
• YouTube ads
• Live shows across the Midwest
• Instagram brand collabs (streetwear, local sneaker brands)

🤝 Community & Culture Impact

• Hometown heroes in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.
• Seen as relatable and real especially by younger fans.
• Every new drop feels like a local event with fans hyping releases across IG Stories and TikTok.

Lil Zay Osama: Back to Independence in 2025

Location: South Side, Chicago

Age: 27

Label Status (2025): Independent (formerly signed to Warner Records & OTF)

🎤 Career Shift: From Major Label to Independent Hustle

• Rose to fame with tracks like “Changed Up” and the “Hood Bible” project (2019).²¹
• Signed to Warner Records and released “Trench Baby” series under their banner.
• After industry ups and downs (including a 2022 legal case), Zay announced in 2025 that he’s no longer with Warner or OTF.²²
• His new music including “Wasn’t Born Rich” (2025) is self-released with creative control and full ownership.

🎶 Sound & Authenticity

• Known for mixing melodic pain rap with raw drill, capturing grief, survival and street life.
• Independent status lets him be uncensored and real also no label influence on lyrics or release timing.
• Songs like “Ride For Me” and “61st to 64th” continue to resonate with core fans.²³
• Releases often debut on YouTube as a tribute to day-one supporters.

💰 Income & Fanbase

Spotify: ~500,000 monthly listeners²⁴

YouTube: 550K+ subscribers

Estimated Income $6K–$9K/month from:

• Streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music)
• YouTube monetization
• Club appearances and concert bookings
• TrenchBaby merchandise sales

🤝 Hybrid Independence

• While now independent, Zay still partners with distribution platforms (like Create Music Group in 2024).
• He collaborates with big names (e.g., Lil Tjay, G Herbo) but retains ownership of masters.
• He’s said in recent interviews and IG Lives: “All the money from my music comes to me and my family.”

💬 Why He Matters in 2025

• Lil Zay Osama is proof that artists can leave the major-label system and thrive.
• He’s leveraging past fame to fuel a self-run operation with music that remains raw, street-centered and fan-approved.
• His journey reflects a growing trend in 2025 &  artists reclaiming independence to protect their art and earnings.²⁵

Shoebox Baby: The Independent Voice of O’Block

Location: Chicago (O’Block)

Age: 19

Label Status: Independent (not signed to OTF or any major label)

🏚️ Roots in O’Block & OTF Cosign

• Grew up in Chicago’s O’Block which is the same neighborhood as drill legends like King Von.
• Frequently seen in videos with Lil Durk and OTF affiliates earning him early credibility.²⁶
• Despite assumptions, Shoebox never signed with OTF choosing to stay independent.
• Durk reportedly supports him as a mentor but lets him control his own path.

🎥 Raw Visuals & Gritty Sound

• Built buzz with YouTube singles like “Drop A Bag” known for intense lyrics and local references.²⁷
• Works with videographers like Jerry Production to shoot street-level visuals no label polish just energy.²⁸
• His “On The Radar” freestyle gained attention for its aggressive, no-nonsense delivery.
• YouTube channel has ~65K subscribers & multiple videos have hit 100K+ views.

🎙️ Style & Appeal

• Known for raw, unfiltered drill, sharp bars, intense delivery and real street presence.
• His sound throws back to early Chief Keef and Lil Durk eras: dark, authentic and aggressive.
• Fans respect his unpolished style and consistency making him a standout in the new wave.

💰 Independence & Growth

• Earnings estimated at $1K–$3K/month from YouTube and local performances.²⁹
• Fully self-funded invests back into music videos, studio sessions and travel.
• No debut album yet focuses on singles, freestyles and staying nimble.
• Active on social media & known for bold statements and real-time fan engagement.

📈 What’s Next?

• Teased an upcoming independent mixtape & no label delays or creative control issues.
• Mentioned in a 2025 “Off The Porch” interview that he’s focused on growth: “Moved out of O’Block, went vegan and now I’m just locked in on music.”³⁰
• His maturity, work ethic and independence point to a long-term career & not just viral fame.

JHE Rooga: Veteran Drill Voice with Full Independence

Location: Chicago (West Side)

Age: 31

Label Status: Fully independent (runs his own brand, JHE – Just Hit Em)

🔥 “GD Anthem” & Kanye West Co-Sign

• Gained national attention with “GD Anthem (For Duck)” which is a tribute to cousin FBG Duck and a viral Chicago drill classic.
• Performed the track at Kanye West’s Donda listening party in 2021 introducing Rooga’s sound to a stadium audience.
• Despite label offers after the Kanye boost, Rooga remained unsigned choosing to capitalize on the moment himself.
• GD Anthem surpassed 19 million YouTube views with Rooga keeping 100% of royalties and rights.³¹

🧢 JHE Brand & Merch Hustle

• Owns and runs JHE (Just Hit Em) which is an indie label and lifestyle brand.
• Sells merch like “GDN” hats and “Scrap Gang” shirts (in honor of his late brother) via Instagram and at shows.
• Drops regular content on YouTube from drill visuals (“Blickathon”) to Q&As (with Lil Moe), earning strong fan support.
• Monthly revenue estimated at $3K–$6K earned through:Spotify (90K+ monthly listeners), YouTube monetization, Regional live shows and concert bookings.³²

🎙️ Ownership-First Mindset

• Refuses to sign any deal where he doesn’t own his masters.
• Openly educates fans and artists about the business side of music & appearing on VladTV, No Jumper and more.³³
• Emphasizes generational wealth, creative freedom and not being boxed in by label agendas.

🎵 Musical Growth & Creative Control

• Evolved his sound post-2020 with tracks like “Scrappers” and “Heartache” (off his teased solo album).
• Comfortable blending singing with street rap & freedom made possible by staying fully indie.
• His catalog continues to grow across platforms with each release fully controlled by him.

Lil Migo (Independent Phase – 2025)

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Age: 28

Genre: Southern Drill / Trap

Status: Fully Independent

🔁 Career Reset: From Labels to Full Control

• Previously signed to Heavy Camp/CMG (Blac Youngsta, Yo Gotti) and briefly with Def Jam.
• Dropped projects like “King of The Trap” under major backing from 2019–2023.
• Went independent in March 2025 releasing the album “The Streets Calling” without any major label or A&R input.³⁴
• Used Floor 13 Distribution by keeping full creative and master rights.
• Describes independence as the freedom to “make music that’s 100% me.”

📹 Building His Buzz as a Solo Artist

• Now runs his own YouTube channel with 220K+ subscribers.
• Frequently posts vlogs, freestyles, and official videos fully self-managed.
• “Letter 2 the Industry” which is a no-label diss track earned strong traction post-release.
• Maintains ~170K monthly Spotify listeners and active engagement on Instagram (800K+ followers).(Source: MusicMetricsVault))³⁵

💸 Monetization After Major Label Exit

Primary income sources:

• Streaming royalties from Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
• YouTube monetization from music and vlog content.
• Live shows, especially across the South and Midwest.
• Merch sales through his Migo Mafia clothing brand.
• Brand endorsements, including deals with Memphis-based businesses.

Estimated monthly revenue: $4K–$7K growing steadily.

📈 Strategic Comeback on His Own Terms

• Owns all masters of music released from 2025 onward.
• Still maintains positive ties with past CMG affiliates but runs everything solo.
• The Streets Calling is widely seen as a return to his raw Memphis roots.
• Focuses on frequent drops, direct fan interaction and full control over rollout timing.

Lil Eazzyy (Independent Phase – 2025)

Location: Chicago (South Side/Suburbs)

Age: 22

Breakout Hit: “Onna Come Up” (2020, viral via TikTok)

Current Status: Fully Independent

⚡ From TikTok Fame to Indie Hustle

• Shot to fame in late 2020 with “Onna Come Up” gaining millions of streams and a remix with G Herbo.³⁶
• Signed to Atlantic Records in 2021 dropping “Underrated” (EP) and “Rookie of the Year” (mixtape).³⁷
• Left Atlantic in 2024 after creative frustration, he recorded 240+ songs but was blocked from releasing many.³⁸
• Now independent and signed a distribution-only deal with Create Music Group keeping ownership of masters.
• Dropped “Lost Files 1” as a symbolic reintroduction which is a 2022 shelved track fans had been waiting on.

🎤 Bars Over Melodies – A Lyrical Drill Stylist

• Maintains a hard-hitting & lyrical drill style resisting the melodic wave dominating modern drill.³⁹
• Uses TikTok & IG Reels for grassroots promo where snippets go viral & fans help pick the next release.⁴⁰
• Example: “Hunnid or Better” hook went viral on TikTok without label help.
• Known for showcasing unreleased content and freestyles deepening fan engagement.

💰 Earnings, Streams & Tour Success

Spotify monthly listeners: ~1 million (as of 2025).

Over 160 million total Spotify streams across his discography.

Independent singles like “Too Much (Randy Moss)” and “Certified Sht Talker” released via his imprint in 2025.

Estimated monthly income $6K–$10K via⁴¹:

• Streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music)
• YouTube ad revenue
• Touring & performances

Launched the “From the Streets to the Studio” Tour in 2025  covered college towns and indie venues.

📌 Why Lil Eazzyy’s Independent Model Works

“After leaving Atlantic, I’ve never been so locked in.” – Lil Eazzyy (2025 interview)⁴²

• He represents the Gen Z drill artist playbook.
• Use a major label for exposure.
• Learn the industry early.
• Go independent with distribution-only deals.
• Drop high-quality singles with real-time fan feedback.
• Upcoming Album: Real Hooper (unconfirmed title) which is expected to define his indie run in 2025.⁴³

Glockboyz Teejae (Detroit-Chicago Independent Drill)

Location: Detroit, Michigan (w/ Chicago ties)

Age: 24

Affiliation: Glockboyz crew

Label Status: Fully Independent

🔥 Midwest Crossover: Detroit Meets Chicago Drill

• Fuses Detroit scam-rap energy with Chicago’s raw drill flavor.
• Known for “Wack Jumper” (2020) which is a posse cut with BandGang Lonnie Bands that became a cult classic with 9M+ views on YouTube.⁴⁴
• Despite only ~8K subscribers his view count exceeds industry standards due to replay value and underground word-of-mouth.⁴⁵
• Highlighted in Pitchfork’s Michigan Rap Guide for laying down one of the state’s best hooks in 2020.⁴⁶

🎤 Club Shows & Snippet Strategy

• Performs regularly at underground drill nights in Detroit and Chicago which is a high energy, crew-packed stages.
• Local hits like “All To You” and “Grease” turn up venues and dominate regional drill scenes.
• Uses Instagram Live, Reddit leaks and short-form previews to generate buzz for unreleased songs.
• Example: “Came In With It” snippet went viral on r/DetroitRap & no label marketing needed.

💰 Indie Numbers & Hustle

Spotify monthly listeners: ~30K (modest but consistent).

YouTube is his power base & visuals often hit hundreds of thousands of views far surpassing his subscriber base.

Income Estimate ~$1K–$2K/month via:

• YouTube monetization
• Show bookings (self-negotiated)
• Paid features for local artists

Handles his own bookings, fees and verse placements. Reinvests all into music gear, video shoots and promo.

📌 Why Teejae Matters in the Indie Scene

“Teejae proved you don’t need a label, just heat and hustle.” – r/DetroitRap Comment (2025)

• Represents the blueprint for regional drill success.
• Explosive visuals.
• Viral collabs.
• Direct-to-fan releases.
• If his next solo video hits the algorithm, he’s poised for a breakout with full independence and ownership in place.

Streaming & Earnings Comparison Table

Artist & Spotify Monthly Listeners

Artist & YouTube Subscribers

Artist & Avg Monthly Income (Est.)

Note: All figures are approximate and based on 2025 estimates.

• Spotify Monthly Listeners reflect artist reach and popularity.
• YouTube Subscriber Count shows core fanbase size but may not always align with total views (many viral drill artists have high view counts despite fewer subscribers).
• Income Estimates are based on combined revenue from streaming, YouTube monetization, live shows, and merchandise which is directly earned by the artists as independents.
• Example: BabyChiefDoit’s high streaming stats fuel higher monthly income while SG Batman earns more from merch and consistent local performances.

🎤 Bottom Line: Independence Wins in 2025

Going independent takes grind and business savvy but it pays off in:

• 💰 Higher revenue share
• 🎨 Full creative freedom
• 🔄 Faster release cycles
• 📈 Better connection with fans
• 🔥 More authentic branding