50 Under 5000

Across the globe, there are an unimaginable amount of wonderful people making magical music that will stand the the test of time. But the mainstream market is small and specific, and we're bored with it, quite honestly. There is a new wave of artists that are ready to elbow their way to the top, and the OG's that never quite figured out how important social media is (or how to maximize it) are still swinging.

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Across the globe, there are an unimaginable amount of wonderful people making magical music that will stand the the test of time. But the mainstream market is small and specific, and we're bored with it, quite honestly. There is a new wave of artists that are ready to elbow their way to the top, and the OG's that never quite figured out how important social media is (or how to maximize it) are still swinging.

Instead of quietly complaining, the DAD staff decided to band together as a team in an effort to showcase some of our favorite producers with less than 5,000 followers. This was our opportunity to spread the word to artists, labels, booking agencies, blogs, and fans of music about some of the artists that move us. We hope this sheds some light on these massive(-ly underappreciated) producers.

Colta

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Number of Followers: 4951

SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/colta

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Colta is down with Team Supreme and rising faster than you might think. He's on the cusp of the 5000 club and his run of productions towards the end of 2013 blew our collective minds. Experimentations in club music with this one and we're salivating for more. —Brent

Big Dope P

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Number of Followers: 4892

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/doppie

Location: Paris, France

Big Dope P is making making records that really don't sound like anything else. His "Diggity Two" release last summer contained remixes from Maya Jane Coles, Kaytranada, and Ben Mono, a trio that's netted 1.5 million followers just on SoundCloud. To say that he is a tastemaker is an understatement, and there is no waver in my stance that this Parisian is long overdue for his run on the festival circuit. —Nappy

Akshin

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Number of Followers: 4820

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/akshin

Location: Baku, Azerbaijan

Akshin came on my radar through one of soundcloud's more underrated features: it's reccommendations. The Azerbaijan producer has continuously topped the Beatport funk charts and listening to his jams there's no doubt as to why. —Jake

Lee Bannon

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Number of Followers: 4790

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/bannon

Location: Sacramento, CA

The fact that Lee Bannon has under 5K SoundCloud fans doesn't even begin to tell the story. The NorCal-born experimental hip-hop junglist has made waves cuttin' and spinnin' beats for Brooklyn bols Joey Bada$$ and the Progressive Era (a.k.a. Pro Era) crew and as a solo artist. His lower SoundCloud count belies this massive talent. On the one hand he'll deliver breakneck boom bap and on the other he might deliver some other-wordly jungle. Bannon's ability to effortlessly mix and match sonic pallates is truly special. —Jake

DJ Earl

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Number of Followers: 4786

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/djearlteckz

Location: Chicago, IL

It's crazy to think that one of the most important members of the most important collective in footwork (TEKLIFE) is sitting under 5,000 followers, but DJ Earl certainly is. We can safely say that this is because he's uploaded one mix and one original record to his soundcloud, but it still seems inexcusable. —Nappy

Infuze

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Number of Followers: 4695

SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/infuze

Location: New York City, NY

Versatility seems to be the way of the flex in bass music these days and there are few better current examples than Infuze. And it's surprising with his resume that he's stacked releasing tunes for a who's who of record labels we all love, that he's not more of a household name. 2014 could see the break out for sure. —Brent

DJ Assault

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Number of Followers: 4630

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/djassault

Location: Detroit, MI

DJ Assault is one of the figureheads in the ghettotech scene, and yet his three-year-old SoundCloud account is still hovering under 4700 followers. Is his sound the sound of now? Not necessarily, although with a number of genres bridging that gap (and a mix on Diplo & Friends just last year), you'd assume he'd at least have people flocking to see what he has coming next. —khal

jelacee

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Number of Followers: 4436

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/jelacee

Location: London, UK

The beat scene is exploding, and the world is focusing on guys like Kaytranada and Mr. Carmack. Rightfully so. They're both monsters. You're selling yourself short though if you're sleeping London's jelacee. Wonky synths, thumping bass drops, and snappy drum work are the standard, and he does what he does REALLY well. All of his work has come out in the past six months as well, and we can't imagine he's plugging the hole on his inspirational flow anytime soon. —Nappy

Jon Kwest

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Number of Followers: 4310

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/jon-kwest

Location: Washington, D.C.

Jon Kwest is a phenom living in DC that has been creating records with rare breaks and go-go drums that are truly mind-blowing. And as amazing as those tunes are, he's also making moombahton, baltimore club, footwork, house, and electro that has us shaking our heads. Almost none of his records are downloadable though, so fans can't share his sounds. His collaborative Boom Bap Back EP with Munchi is the first time we can remember him giving a pack of tunes out for free, and might be the project that truly opens the door for him. —Nappy

DJ Apt One

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Number of Followers: 4164

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/djaptone

Location: Philadelphia, PA

There is just so much fun and exuberance to be had with this bloke - whether he's fucking with disco or moombahton, Apt always does so with an ear for a fresh angle that most would envy. Better still, he does so with a technical execution that is rarely found in dance music. With a flair for composition, deconstruction and allowing instrumentation to truly breath, he reminds us all that good things come when you follow your own instincts rather that the herd. —NQJ

iV

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Number of Followers: 4102

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/thatkidiv

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

You're going to feel really stupid in a year or two when Issac Valenzuela (pka iV) blows up in 18-24 months and you weren't getting his hottest tracks on your SoundCloud feed. If Washington, DC's rap scene was a bit better organized, this would have already happened, but, with rap and dance being synonymous these days, it's a matter of not if, but when will iV hit the next level. There's a learning curve apparent in his sound that gives it a certain vitality. The way the snares hit, the way the grooves ride, every track feels like that first time you fell in love with how dope rap music made you feel. —Marcus

Madeaux

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Number of Followers: 4026

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/madeaux

Location: Miami, FL

This guy seems to get loads of critical acclaim; we were enamored with his work when we first caught wind, and everything we've heard since has been fire. Maybe people are just patiently waiting to give him his due, but you'd think that all of those heads who are looking for "quality electronic music" would have propped Madeaux on their shoulders already. —khal

Cobra Krames

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Number of Followers: 3998

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/cobrakrames

Location: New York, NY

Cobra Krames is a machine who is constantly putting out amazing remixes, DJ tools and original songs. How productive is he? Well, he has 16 tracks on his soundcloud from the last six months. As with most of my picks, the vast majority of his tracks are free. The great thing about Cobra Krames is how he make bangers in almost every genre of clubby bass music. You'll find trap, club, twerk, house and even footwork. —Brice

Cafe Con Leche

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Number of Followers: 3964

SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/escafeconleche

Location: Los Angeles, CA / Miami, FL

This one is just a straight up crime that we even have to mention Craze and Klever as "ones to watch." These vets have more cred than probably anyone else on this list. And their combined forces make some outstanding music. Dive in already. —Brent

MIKOS DA GAWD

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Number of Followers: 3913

SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/mikos-da-gawd

Location: San Francisco, CA

MIKOS DA GAWD's SoundCloud only looks to be a shade over nine months old so this growth is in a hurry. And his beat driven hip-hop-esque deep vibes are fitting right in with what's cracking on the underground. Just watch this dude keep rising. —Brent

DJ Melo

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Number of Followers: 3872

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/azdjmelo

Location: Phoenix, AZ

It's en easy-to-make argument to say that DJ Melo was the best producer in the world at making moombahton in 2013. As well, one could make the same claim for 2010, 2011, and 2012, too. There's an inherent interplay between funk and soul in Melo's style that elevates it to something that expands the definition of what many believe moombahton to be. In being fully aware of the Latin vibe, but also inherently aware of the dance-floor excellence of rap and its inspirations, his style whether by himself (or with Pickster One as Kingman Fire) is par excellence. —Marcus

Boyfriend

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Number of Followers: 3815

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/boyfriend

Location: Lithuania

Lithuanian producer Vytis Gruzdys's work across various downbeat genres in many ways embodies much of what is sadly currently missing in the moombahton scene that brought him to our attention - the ability to explore moods and add depth and texture, taking the sound away from the cliche banger mode. Drawing on melodic tendencies that reflect his East European roots while staying attuned to the bass music zeitgeist, Boyfriend is the friend to those who like it deep and smart. —NQJ

Captain Planet

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Number of Followers: 3689

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/dj-captain-planet

Location: Brooklyn, NY / Los Angeles, CA

He calls his sound "bastard jazz," and that might not be far from the mark. Blending all kinds of sounds into one distinct soup, Capt. Planet could be a producer/DJ that fans of Major Lazer should check out if they want something even more authentic to the vibrant sounds of the world, tricked out for electronic music lovers. —khal

Basenji

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Number of Followers: 3687

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/officialbasenji

Location: Sydney, Australia

Australia's Basenji has under 5K fans yes, but that's not for long. The Sydney-based producer has already gotten shine allover the blogosphere and has the same management behind Wave Racer, a fellow Aussie who blew up just last year. —Jake

Javeon

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Number of Followers: 3414

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/javeonmusic

Location: Bristol, UK

Truth be told, it won't be long before Javeon no longer qualfies for this list. The PMR Records-signed singer has only had two singles so far (each produced by the likes of Tourist and MNEK), but with each one he has delivered his unique soulful style that'll have Disclosure fans sure to swoon. With a label like PMR and Benny Blanco's management behind him, watch Javeon bubble this year. —Jake

Kasum

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Number of Followers: 3369

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/kasum

Location: New York, NY

Kasum's remixes are not version of older songs, they are entirely new tracks. Every track makes me feel like I have been literally gutted. They rip the feels directly and cleanly from ballads already chaulk full of emotion. A finger on the feelings so in tune, they must be his own, and they are mine and yours as well. —Lori

Diamond Bass

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Number of Followers: 3343

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/diamond-bass

Location: London, UK

From Portugal but living in London, Diamond Bass combines the music of his two homes perfectly; crafting deep vibes layered on tropical drum patterns of the likes you can't help but dance to. He doesn't put out a ton of music, but when he does, it's worth it. —Brice

SwaggleRock

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Number of Followers: 3339

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/swagglerock

Location: Buffalo, NY

These guys have been DAD homies for quite some time. Buzz Trillington and Shooter McNappin will soon dig themselves from the snow to bring their music live and direct to the world. Until then, they stay hibernating and trolling making music and getting their swaggle on, if you will. —Lori

Chromatic

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Number of Followers: 3324

SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/chromaticnz

Location: Auckland, NZ

Chromatic first popped up on many a-raver's radar when he collaborated with gLAdiator for the massive number "Gamecube Nintendo." Since then the Auckland-based producer has honed his phat-bottomed beats into releases on Think 2wice and Symbols, and in the process made some of DAD's favorite music to hit our galaxies. Yet, the NZ producer has gained little traction it seems. —Jake

CRIMES!

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Number of Followers: 3315

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/crimeskill

Location: Southern California

CRIMES! is a relatively known bass music giant living in California that's making tunes that would absolutely shatter the mainstream. I featured a record of his called "Bulletpr00f" in my mix for Skream and Benga on BBC, and it was just one of a dozen that he's sent me over the last six months that he's been tucking. His fortê is trap and dubstep, and he really doesn't need to stray from his comfort zone. Everything he's touching turns to gold, and I wish more people knew how good he is. —Nappy

Casino Gold

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Number of Followers: 3279

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/casino-gold

Location: Los Angeles, CA

In the who's who of soon to be break out 2014 stars, Casino Gold may have got the short end of the stick. While to many these guys are strictly an undercover talent, I wouldn't be surprised if in mere months they're turning heads like booty shorts and placing themselves firmly into the deep house / disco scene like the seasoned, albeit reinvented, veterans that they are. —Tyler

Bot

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Number of Followers: 3085

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/bot106

Location: London, UK

It seems criminal that Bot, formerly part of the legendary Italian duo Crookers and co-founder of the Main Course record label is under 5000 followers on SoundCloud. Not only is his music amazing, but also puts out a lot of it and much of it for free. Go check him out if you want to hear the house and club music you can actually like and get down to instead of pretending to be into deep house. —Brice

XXXchange

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Number of Followers: 2763

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/xxxchange

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Though the halcyon days of Spank Rock are seemingly in the rearview mirror, Alex Epton has remained a producer whose output is worth monitoring. In recent times he has forgone the mid-tempo party electro that shaped his remixes for Bjork and Thom Yorke, as seen by his PWNY EP for T&A, which saw him roping of his own corner of the glitchy-bassy-techno-y sphere. —NQJ

Voodoo Farm

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Number of Followers: 2513

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/voodoofarm

Location: New York, NY

It seems as though his progress may have slowed as of late. I know he has some hot fire coming to us very soon, and his collection is too hard for me to ignore. His sound is too unique. It is melodic, funky, and representative of a million worlds colliding. It melts in your mouth like butter, and I can just hope he is churning up much more savory goodness with the quickness. —Lori

Bloom

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Number of Followers: 2463

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/bloombeats

Location: Belfast, Britain

Everyone's hype off of the grime movement, but given the lack of followers guys like Bloom get, you wouldn't think so. This Belfast bass beast had a solid 2013, from a FACT mix and the sick Maze Temple EP on Lost Codes, but for some reason he's still a bit slept-on. Maybe it's the quirky vibes thrown into those hypnotic beats. Whatever the case may be, man betta getta know! —khal

Lion Kngs

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Number of Followers: 2419

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/lionkngs

Location: Los Angeles, CA / Colorado

It's staggering to me how Lion Kngs are on this list when they have multiple songs with over 40,000 plays. I don't always play trap, but when I do, it will probably include one of their songs. —Brice

Cosenza

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Number of Followers: 2402

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/cosenzamusic

Location: Philadelphia, PA

I've mentioned previously how difficult it is for me to understand the swerve of these yung white boys in the game. This kid Cosenza has me telling myself to shut the fuck up and enjoy it. The first time I heard his remix of "Hangover," it was when UZ dropped it, and it was Victor Niglio who clued me in to the the fact that it was Cosenza's. Since then, Alex has become quite a homey of mine, and I see a bright future for this yung buhl. —Lori

DJ Rupture

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Number of Followers: 2356

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/djrupture

Location: Brooklyn, NY

The iconoclast's iconoclast. Whether it's messing with jungle, cumbia or hanging out with orchestras, the Dutty Artz co-founder has elevated every genre he has touched, with an understanding and proficiency that puts him on the top table. While EDM skews America's standing on the global dance music scene, the presence of /rupture on your shores is hope for a more liberated and progressive future. —NQJ

Free n Losh

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Number of Followers: 2325

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/free-n-losh

Location: Toronto, ON

This Canadian duo has been putting in the hours and honing their craft for years. The duo has production credits for Mac Miller and has had massive success on the HypeM charts, breaking achieving the top spot, the top five and the top 10 three separate times. They've got the plays on SoundCloud and their fans are diehard. These guys are in it for the right reasons and care about the music, and it shows. —Jake

Rex Riot

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Number of Followers: 2203

SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/rex-riot

Location: Washington, DC

DC's Rex Riot has gone through a bit of a creative zenith in the past year or less and his potential has skyrocketed ever since. One listen to his collab with Misun and you immediately get the feels on why this kid is so dangerous. —Brent

Curses

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Number of Followers: 2199

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/cursesforever

Location: New York, NY

Drop The Lime's alter-ego Curses isn't really a secret. There's really no reason Curses should have as few SoundCloud followers as he does, but alas here we are. This great talent brings a throwback warehouse club-ready sound and put his own spin on established sounds to create what he calls, "New Gotham House." Curses has been a slow-brewing project it seems, but as the deeper styles continues to seep into the American pallate, we should hopefully see more and hear more from this talented act. —Jake

Curl Up

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Number of Followers: 2038

SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/curlup

Location: New York City, NY

Curl Up is just dangerous. Been dangerous for a bit actually. But him recently linking up with Terrorhythm and warming up his sound seems to be a huge power move. And we're itching to see what's coming next. —Brent

Goon Bags

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Number of Followers: 2018

SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/goonbags

Location: St. Louis, MO / Toronto

Born on the Internet, Goon Bags have quietly been releasing some fire for a solid year now. They twist and turn all relevant styles of club music in interesting ways and aren't remotely scared of manipulating pop music. Add in a few 100,000 plays already and these guys are definitely trending up. —Brent

Skinny Friedman

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Number of Followers: 1813

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/skinny412

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Trap has put hip-hop firmly on the EDM lunch menu, but few understand how the dots are joined more than Skinny. His Trap Rave EPs formalised months of fucking with hip-hop and bass concoctions and reaffirmed how moombahton worked best when it sought to interact with sounds outside of the car alarm realm. —NQJ

Mystress

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Number of Followers: 1681

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/mystressmusic

Location: New York, NY

NY's own Mystress hasn't put out a grip of material but they've still put in work. They've put out massively slimey dubstep inspired trap beasts like "Wear The Crown" and they've hit the mark remixing the best (Daft Punk, 2Pac). Perhaps their lack of a deep catalog is the reason. —Jake

The Al Gore Rhythm Method

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Number of Followers: 1659

SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/tagrm

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Definitely some cool stuff going on in the midwest right now and The Al Gore Rhythm Method is right smack in the middle of it. Crunchy and original sound design built around alien club banger vibes that seem to win more and more with every release. Definitely feels like only a matter of time for these dudes. —Brent

Don Midass

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Number of Followers: 1303

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/don-midass

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark

Don Midass are a duo from Copenhagen, Denmark that went from making really good records to breaking the world with their huge sounds in only a couple short years. Their remix of Jordy Dazz's "OMG" is still one of the best festival trap remixes I've put my ears to. And absolutely everything on their soundcloud is available for free download. I really can't explain why they aren't a household name by now. Everything they do is nuts. Someone just needs to take notice and mold these two. —Nappy

Pawn

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Number of Followers: 1260

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/pawnsound

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Pawn is a producer from Los Angeles that's making nutty footwork, and we're convinced that he doesn't give a fuck about the industry at all. He's co-signed by SMOG and could sell out in every way possible with ease if he pleased, as they're a respected outlet with an incredibly large reach. This is a guy that actually cares about the music he's making though, and it's apparent. He gets unlimited cool points, as far as I'm concerned. But even with his obvious disregard for the mainstream, way more people should know who he is. —Nappy

Disgraceland

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Number of Followers: 1211

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/disgraceland

Location: Leicester, England

While thinking that moombahton is all about Latin house or Dutch car alarms, pause for a second and head over to the UK where John "Disgraceland" Stanhope is attempting to set the world on its ear with a progressive interpretation of the dembow groove. Mixing elements of tech house into the sonc fray, Disgraceland's sound gives off an uber cool and continental vibe, and certainly is worthy of your appreciation. —Marcus

Broadway Slim

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Number of Followers: 1035

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/broadwayslim

Location: Tempe, AZ

Broadway Slim is the combination of Arizona beat masters Pickster and Riot Earp. These two have made amazing productions on their own and together have taken it to the next level. Specializing in twerk music, on their latest they have branched out to other club sounds. —Brice

Gun$ Garcia

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Number of Followers: 1005

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/gunsgarcia

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Simply put, I believe that Gun$ Garcia is the best modern rap DJ on the planet. Also, given that she's more than aware of trends in dance music, her mixes give off the vibe that you're listening to music that somehow, mainstream outlets have absolutely no desire for you to hear. She also has a "ladies first" perspective on music that isn't cloying or potentially offensive. Rather, it feels like it's from a point of saying that the sounds that women make are just as great as what the guys are putting out, and deserves the opportunity to shine. A bad bitch stylin' on the zeitgeist, Garcia is perpetually the essence of where the future of dance and rap's commingling is headed. —Marcus

Steve Starks

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Number of Followers: 989

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/stevestarks

Location: Washington, D.C.

I don't even understand how Steve Starks has less than 1000 followers on SoundCloud. Someone needs to get scientists on that shit because he is a local DC legend making quality music, and a lot of it at that. Mind you, a lot of his best known material was done with fellow DC powerhouse Nacey, but Steve Starks own productions are great and you'll find gems in moombahton, trap, house, and more —Brice

KW Griff

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Number of Followers: 676

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/kw-griff

Location: Baltimore, MD

If discussing Baltimore club music, the conversation of "who's the best to ever do it" usually ends up with the involvement of the name of KW Griff. While you may know him for what later became the Night Slugs'-released "Bring in the Katz," Griff has almost three decades of production knowledge that extends past club into soulful vocal house and (what's likely the best overall sound on his page) skate edits meant for that long-forgotten yet historically important era of roller-dancing at the skating rink. Aside from the so many other underground hits available here for free, check out the "skate" edits. They're true gems for sure. —Marcus

MaxX & EJ

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Number of Followers: 672

SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/maxxandej

Location: New York, NY

Maxx & EJ are part of a recent wave of young moombahton producers who are carrying moombahton forward. I find it very hard to understand how they are under 1000 followers when they are prolifically productive, putting out in general a few songs a month. They've recently started stepping outside moombahton with great results. Expect to see a lot more form these guys. —Brice

Torvvo

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Number of Followers: 86

SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/torvvo

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

It's hard to predict who on this list is really the best kept current secret, but Torvvo is definitely high on that short list. This house producer from Pittsburgh has an amazingly tight sound that immediately makes you think he's a seasoned vet. Torvvo is the real deal and you heard it here first. —Brent

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