Cleveland has always moved a little differently in the music game. While it may not be the first city that comes to mind when people think hip-hop or R&B, the talent coming out of the 216 has a long history of shaping sound, culture, and even style — often without the national media fully realizing it.
From the melodic grit of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony to Kid Cudi’s spacey vulnerability, and newer artists like Alina Baraz and Doe Boy pushing the sound even further, Cleveland artists have continuously proven they can transcend city limits and land on national radars.
The list below covers 20 songs — from street anthems to smooth slow jams — that put Cleveland’s artists in front of bigger audiences. Whether through Billboard success, viral moments, or cultural relevance, these tracks all helped carry the sound of The Land far and wide…