Every year, Rap Madness serves up its fair share of buzzer-beater moments and bracket-busting surprises — but this season’s sleeper picks might just cause full-blown chaos. While heavyweights like Doechii, Meek Mill, and Central Cee carry the weight of major-label muscle and mainstream familiarity, a new crop of under-the-radar contenders is gaining momentum with something harder to quantify: cult loyalty, genre-bending creativity, and grassroots fanbases built from the ground up.
From Ian’s trap soundscape to Key Glock representing for Memphis, these artists are defying conventional hype with music that strikes a chord in different corners of the culture. Ahead, we broke down why these five dark horses aren’t just filler. They’re genuine threats to pull off major upsets in this year’s Rap Madness showdown.
BigXthaPlug
Don’t sleep on BigXThaPlug. With his genre-blending versatility and Southern-rooted authenticity, the Dallas rapper is quietly stacking wins that could make him a Rap Madness bracket buster. In the first round, BigX is going up against Philly’s own Meek Mill. With numerous No. 1 albums, consistency in his flow, and a long-term presence in the rap game, it wouldn’t be surprising if Meek pulls off the dub with “Dreams and Nightmares” in the background…but BigX’s resume is stacked.
His ability to glide between heavy trap bars and melodic hooks helped him land a number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart (and a No. 4 spot on the Hot 100) with “All the Way,” his crossover hit with Bailey Zimmerman.
Beyond the numbers, though, BigX brings raw storytelling steeped in Texas culture, from tracks like the ironically named “Texas” to “The Largest,” making him a regional voice with national traction. Backed by 21.2 million monthly Spotify listeners and a Top 10 album with Take Care, BigX has both the fan base and momentum to pull off an upset — even against a heavyweight like Meek Mill.
How BigX could pull this off:
- BigX’s deep Texas roots and growing presence in the country-rap space give him a distinct sonic identity that sets him apart from Meek’s more traditional East Coast style.
- His genre-bending hit “All The Way” shows strong cross-genre traction that Meek hasn’t matched in recent years.
- BigX glides between trap-heavy records and melodic, even country tracks — keeping fans engaged and showing range Meek rarely explores.
- While Meek Mill offers consistency, flow, and veteran presence, BigX represents what’s next.
LUCKI
LUCKI is quietly one of the most emotionally resonant voices in rap right now, and he just might be the artist to knock Central Cee out of Rap Madness as a sleeper pick. With his signature “cloud rap” sound, LUCKI floats over moody, minimalist production while delivering bars that alternate between detached and melancholic. He’s earned a cult following with 6.3 million monthly Spotify listeners.
His first-round opponent, Central Cee, leans into slick punchlines and international swagger, taking the U.K. drill sound fully mainstream with collabs including Lil Baby and J. Cole. However, LUCKI’s strength lies in his consistency and evolution. From 2013’s Alternative Trap to 2024’s GEMINI!, he’s stayed raw, real, and influential in underground circles, never chasing trends but often setting them.
How LUCKI could pull this off:
- LUCKI’s introspective lyrics around addiction, mental health, and self-discovery foster an emotional loyalty that Central Cee’s street-centric bars don’t always reach.
- His melancholic “cloud rap” production and understated delivery are instantly recognizable and impossible to replicate, unlike many trend-based styles.
- From Alternative Trap to 2024’s GEMINI!, LUCKI has stayed consistent while subtly evolving — a trait hardcore fans reward.
- While Central Cee has the world stage, LUCKI owns the internet underground: niche rap blogs, Reddit threads, and underground playlists champion him as the people’s favorite.
Key Glock
Key Glock could easily out-hustle Trippie Redd in this year’s Rap Madness. Glock’s signature Memphis grit, booming delivery, and trap-rooted storytelling make him a fan favorite for listeners who value authenticity over gimmicks. His latest project, Glockaveli, debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 without a single feature.
Trippie Redd leans into versatility and genre fusion as a pioneer in the emo rap scene with plenty of chart-topping albums to match. However, Glock is laser-focused on refining his lane and doing it better than most. With 10.4 million monthly Spotify listeners, praise from Beyoncé, and real momentum behind him, the tide could easily turn in his favor during the first round of voting.
How Key Glock could pull this off:
- His booming voice, gritty delivery, and bar-for-bar toughness set him apart in a field full of genre-hoppers.
- As the flagbearer for Paper Route Empire and the late Young Dolph’s torch, Glock carries emotional legacy weight.
- He might not have Trippie’s pop-rap range, but Glock has an extremely loyal base, especially in the South and among street-rap purists.
- Glockaveli having zero features and still debuting at number eight on the Billboard 200 is a rare feat in 2025 that screams self-made.
ian
Despite the “culture vulture” subs, ian is a high-voltage wildcard with enough heat to throw off brackets and leave a crowd stunned. Emerging from the ashes of SoundCloud, ian blends rage trap energy, melodies, and DIY hustle into a sound that’s unpredictable but infectious. With standout moments like “Figure It Out” and “Hate Me” featuring Lil Yachty, ian has carved out a loyal following.
He’s facing off with Latto, who brings polish, power, and pop crossover appeal. She is able to create certified hits while still maintaining the ATL swagger and cocky lyricism her day ones enjoy. However, ian’s genre-shifting production, gritty visuals, and high-energy live shows give him the kind of underdog energy that fans love to root for. With 6.4 million Spotify listeners and a growing TikTok-fueled buzz, he’s not just riding a wave. He’s building one.
How ian could pull this off:
- Projects like Valedictorian and Goodbye Horses show off his blend of rage trap, melodic rap, and introspective drill — a genre fluidity that sets him apart in a bracket full of specialists.
- ian’s ability to switch lanes from trap-fueled bangers like “Magic Johnson” to melodic tracks like “Hate Me” gives him depth that contrasts with Latto’s confident bravado.
- ian dominates online spaces like TikTok and X thanks to his fanbase and snippet-ready songs
SahBabii
SahBabii is a cult icon in the world of experimental rap. With a sound that blends dreamy psychedelia, hypnotic trap, and humor, the rapper has carved out a unique lane that sets him apart from the mainstream. Tracks like “Purple Ape” and “Anime World” caught fire in niche internet circles and meme communities that know how to mobilize.
He’s facing off with Doechii in the first round. Fresh off a Best Rap Album win at the Grammys, Doechii is tough competition as one of the strongest lyricists in rap right now. However, SahBabii is proving that he’s not just coasting on cult status. His 2024 album Saaheem cracked the Billboard 200, and “Viking” became an instant hit. With 1.2 million monthly Spotify listeners and a diehard fanbase that thrives on being underestimated, SahBabii isn’t just a quirky outsider. He’s the left-field threat that could easily upset a powerhouse like Doechii in this year’s Rap Madness.
How SahBabii could pull this off:
- SahBabii’s fanbase is small but fiercely loyal, drawn to his psychedelic soundscapes, niche lyricism, and otherworldly creativity
- SahBabii’s lyrics are often introspective and emotionally dense, offering something more immersive than surface-level bangers
- His music creates a cult-like atmosphere where fans feel seen
