I Rap Tennessee: From Chattanooga Roots to Oakland’s Rising Hip-Hop Scene
OTM Magazine presents an exclusive interview with I Rap Tennessee, an upcoming Down South artist making noise from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Oakland, California. Known for his raw “out the mud” story and authentic Southern sound, I Rap Tennessee is quickly building momentum as an independent hip-hop artist.
Rooted in Southern rap culture, his music blends influences from classic Down South artists
while evolving into a sound that connects on a national level. While staying true to his Chattanooga foundation, he’s expanding his reach by adapting his delivery and creating music that resonates across different regions, including the West Coast.
Now based in Oakland, California, I Rap Tennessee is actively performing, networking, and growing his fanbase. His recent performances during Super Bowl weekend helped him connect with industry leaders and new audiences, solidifying his position as a rising Oakland hip-hop artist.
As an independent artist, he embraces the business side of music—handling marketing
, branding, and strategy while consistently releasing new music on platforms like Spotify. His focus is clear: build a sustainable music career, grow his brand, and create opportunities for himself and his team.
His journey represents the true meaning of “out the mud”—betting on yourself, taking risks, and staying consistent. From traveling city to city to building connections in places like Phoenix, Atlanta, and California, I Rap Tennessee is proving that independent artists can create their own lane.