The Doppelgangaz: Underground Hip-Hop's Grisly Duo

The Doppelgangaz are an American underground hip-hop duo known for their darkly comic and sample-heavy sound. Hailing from Orange County, New York, the pair have built a dedicated following through a prolific and consistent output of albums and EPs since the late 2000s.

Early career

The Doppelgangaz formed in 2008, consisting of MCs and producers EP and Matter ov Fact. They quickly established their signature style, a gritty and often humorous take on boom-bap that contrasted with the mainstream hip-hop of the era. Their early work includes the 2010 album Lone Sharks and the 2011 follow-up HARK, which solidified their raw, DIY aesthetic.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived with their 2012 album Beats For Brothels, which garnered critical acclaim within the underground scene for its cohesive horrorcore-tinged production and sharp lyricism. This release, along with the subsequent Peace Kehd project in 2013, expanded their reach and established them as stalwarts of the independent East Coast rap circuit.

Key tracks

Smokin' Wit Da Devil — This track from Beats For Brothels perfectly encapsulates their macabre yet laid-back sonic palette.

Only Way 2 Go — A standout from HARK, it showcases their effortless chemistry and street-level storytelling.

Doe Fi Doe — Featuring a hypnotic loop, this song highlights their skilled, sample-based production technique.

G Pack — A later career highlight from 2018's Datz Wat It Iz that demonstrates the refinement of their gritty sound.

Following their early 2010s peak, The Doppelgangaz maintained a steady release schedule, including albums like 2018 A.D. and Alpha. They have collaborated with fellow underground acts such as UFO Fev and have released music through their own label, Groggy Pack Entertainment. Their work continues to be celebrated for its unwavering commitment to a specific, unpolished hip-hop vibe.

Fans of The Doppelgangaz often appreciate the work of similar underground hip-hop artists from the United States. MF Doom shares a love for intricate, sample-based beats and abstract, comic book-inspired villainy. Army Of The Pharaohs offers a similarly dark and aggressive East Coast sound with a larger collective approach. The Alchemist provides comparable gritty, loop-driven production for a who's who of lyrical MCs.

The Doppelgangaz' distinctive brand of hip-hop finds a natural home on independent music radio stations and online rap radio streams that champion raw, sample-based production and lyrical craftsmanship. Their albums are frequently featured in rotations dedicated to underground and classic boom-bap sounds.

Listeners can explore the grim and groovy catalog of The Doppelgangaz on the underground hip-hop radio stations available through onairium.com, where their music is regularly featured for dedicated fans of the genre.