One of the best things about rap in the internet era is the ability for regional scenes to find national audiences without leaving their collective couch. Chicago has always been plugged in, but with the occasional exception (Eminem, Big Sean), Midwest rappers have mostly lived—and thrived—in their own hyperlocal bubbles, creating idiosyncratic substyles that have branched far off the evolutionary trunk of mainstream hip-hop. Calling back to the days when Michigan and Ohio were the funk capitals of the country, this playlist celebrates the voices, flows and humour of one of the busiest—but most under-represented—regions in rap. Detroit, yes—but also Flint, Louisville, Columbus and beyond: Welcome to the New Midwest. We regularly swap out these tracks with new ones—if you hear something you like, add it to your library.