When Spotify hits you with one of those pop-up “you might like this” album recs when you log in—do you click play? Or do you roll your eyes, judge the cover, and keep it pushin’? Me? I click play. Every time. Because if there’s one algorithm that understands the assignment, it’s Spotify’s hip-hop radar. That little AI DJ has put me on to some serious gems—like underground classics, hidden LPs, and emerging artists that deserve way more shine.

That’s exactly how I found Half-Centric