10 Rappers Who Made It Without a Record Deal
In today’s music industry, signing a record deal is no longer the only path to success. With platforms like YouTube, Audiomack, SoundCloud, TikTok, and Instagram, independent artists are reaching millions without ever signing with a major label. From selling mixtapes out of trunks to monetizing streams, many rappers have built empires all on their own.
In this post, we’re spotlighting 10 rappers who made it without a record deal, proving that hustle, talent, and the internet can take you straight to the top.
1. Russ
Key Platforms: SoundCloud, TuneCore
Breakout Moment: “What They Want”
Russ is the poster child for independent success. He dropped over 80 songs on SoundCloud before catching a major wave. Using TuneCore, he retained full ownership of his masters and publishing, earning millions from streams without a label cut. Russ famously said, “I built my own machine.”
Fun Fact: Russ still owns 100% of his music catalog.
2. Chance the Rapper
Key Platforms: Apple Music, Social Media
Breakout Moment: Acid Rap & Coloring Book
Chance the Rapper made history when his 2016 project Coloring Book became the first streaming-only album to win a Grammy. Despite multiple offers, he’s remained unsigned, focusing on merchandise, brand deals, and concerts for income.
Fun Fact: Chance once turned down a $10 million deal to stay independent.
3. Tech N9ne
Key Platforms: Touring, Direct Sales
Breakout Moment: Building Strange Music Inc.
Tech N9ne is one of the most successful independent rappers of all time. As the co-founder of Strange Music, he built an empire through non-stop touring, merchandise, and owning his distribution. He’s sold millions of albums – all without major label help.
Fun Fact: Tech N9ne has reportedly earned over $30 million independently.
4. NF
Key Platforms: YouTube, Apple Music
Breakout Moment: Let You Down
NF (Nathan Feuerstein) developed a huge fanbase with his emotional lyrics and clean rap style. Though sometimes mistaken for an industry-backed artist, NF’s early success came independently through YouTube and organic fan support. His music charted globally before any major label partnership.
Fun Fact: NF outsold some major-label artists on Billboard without label promo.
5. LaRussell
Key Platforms: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram
Breakout Moment: Backyard performances in Vallejo, CA
LaRussell is the modern blueprint of DIY success. He performs in his backyard, sells his own merch, and lets fans pay what they want for tickets and albums. His authenticity and viral freestyles have earned him national attention — no label required.
Fun Fact: LaRussell runs his own platform called Good Compenny.
STREAM MIRROR MIRROR - NOW ON AUDIOMACK
6. Hopsin
Key Platforms: YouTube, Funk Volume (his label)
Breakout Moment: “Sag My Pants”
Hopsin went viral on YouTube thanks to his bold lyrics and music videos. Frustrated with the traditional label system, he created his own independent label, Funk Volume, and built a loyal fanbase through content consistency and shocking visuals.
Fun Fact: Hopsin turned down offers from major labels to stay in control.
7. Joey Bada$$
Key Platforms: YouTube, Pro Era Collective
Breakout Moment: “Survival Tactics”
Joey Bada$$ blew up at just 17 years old after releasing “Survival Tactics” on YouTube. Instead of rushing to sign, he co-founded Pro Era and built his career with creative freedom. Joey later partnered with labels for distribution, but his rise was all indie.
Fun Fact: Joey was nominated for BET awards without any label push.
8. Tom MacDonald
Key Platforms: YouTube, Facebook
Breakout Moment: “Fake Woke”
Love him or hate him, Tom MacDonald is undeniably successful — and 100% independent. He handles everything from writing to video editing, and sells physical copies of his albums directly to fans. He’s topped iTunes and YouTube charts repeatedly with no label behind him.
Fun Fact: Tom and his girlfriend Nova Rockefeller produce all his videos themselves.
9. Dax
Key Platforms: YouTube, TikTok
Breakout Moment: “Dear God”
Canadian rapper Dax made his name posting freestyles and storytelling rap videos on YouTube. His fan engagement and creative visuals helped him go viral multiple times. He remains unsigned and earns through streaming, merch, and social media.
Fun Fact: Dax has over 1 billion YouTube views as an indie artist.
10. Curren$y
Key Platforms: Touring, Mixtapes
Breakout Moment: Pilot Talk series
Curren$y is the king of consistency in the independent scene. After brief stints with labels, he built his brand through regular mixtape releases and collaborations. With a niche fanbase and strong merch game, Curren$y continues to tour and drop projects on his terms.
Fun Fact: Curren$y co-founded Jet Life Recordings to maintain full control.
Why This Matters in 2025
The game has changed. Today’s tools allow anyone to:
✅ Distribute music globally via platforms like DistroKid, TuneCore, and Audiomack
✅ Monetize through AdSense, Patreon, and merchandise
✅ Build direct fan relationships via social media and email lists
Whether you're an aspiring rapper or just love the genre, these artists prove that you don’t need a record deal to succeed. All you need is consistency, creativity, and the courage to do it your way.
Conclusion
From Russ to Curren$y, these 10 rappers made it big without ever signing away their rights. In a world where streaming and content creation dominate, independence is power. So if you’re dreaming of hip hop stardom, remember: a label is optional—your hustle isn’t.
Want more stories like this?
Stay tuned for weekly features on rising indie artists, industry hacks, and music business tips—only on DjMondo Music.
👉 Share this post, drop a comment, and subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates!