Almost Made the Mixtape: The DIY Kings of Indie Hip-Hop

Almost Made the Mixtape is an independent hip-hop collective known for their raw lyricism and sample-heavy production. Hailing from Chicago, the group achieved a notable underground milestone with their 2018 album Near Misses, which charted on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and solidified their cult following.

Early career

The collective formed in 2012 around core members producer Lex D and emcee Verbatim. They began by releasing free digital mixtapes, a series literally titled Almost Made the Mixtape Vol. 1-4, which circulated heavily on early music blogs. Their DIY approach caught the attention of the small but influential label Dusty Groove Independent, which signed them for a one-album deal in 2015.

Breakthrough

The group's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their third official studio album, Near Misses. Released through their own newly formed imprint, Tape Hiss Records, the album debuted at number 18 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. While it did not achieve gold or platinum certification, its lead single gained traction on college radio and specialty hip-hop shows, expanding their reach beyond the Midwest.

Key tracks

Scratch Paper Verses — This early single defined their lo-fi aesthetic and became a staple of their live set.

Second Place Trophy — The lead single from Near Misses that received airplay on non-commercial radio stations nationwide.

Feat. Credit (Forgot to Ask) — A viral streaming hit notable for its collaborative chorus featuring singer Mara Jade.

Basement Certified — This later track exemplifies their polished yet gritty production style from the 2021 album Quality Bootlegs.

Following Near Misses, Almost Made the Mixtape leveraged their independence, releasing Quality Bootlegs in 2021. They have since collaborated with fellow indie artists like abstract rapper Milo and producer Lasso. The collective is known for their energetic live performances, having toured extensively as support for acts like Open Mike Eagle, further cementing their place in the alternative hip-hop scene.

Fans of the raw, sample-based style of The Roots will appreciate the live instrumentation undertones. The DIY ethos and lyrical density mirrors that of Aesop Rock. For the jazz-influenced boom-bap production, explore People Under The Stairs. Listeners drawn to clever wordplay and underground status should also check Atmosphere.

The music of Almost Made the Mixtape maintains regular rotation on a variety of independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams that champion underground talent. Their tracks are particularly featured on specialty hip-hop programs that focus on lyricism and classic boom-bap production, connecting them with a dedicated listener base.

You can discover the authentic sound of Almost Made the Mixtape by tuning into the hip-hop and alternative rock radio stations featured on our platform. Their catalog, from early mixtapes to latest albums, is regularly played on radio stations available on onairium.com, offering the perfect channel for new listeners and long-time fans alike.