Humble Beginnings 

MGuapo* born Malachi Smith, has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting and versatile underground artists in hip-hop today. Hailing from Connecticut and later carving out his path in East Atlanta, MGuapo’s journey is a story of struggle, passion, and an unwavering love for music. From growing up with less to becoming an iconic figure in both the underground rap and alternative music scenes, MGuapo's rise is an inspiring tale of perseverance and artistic evolution.

Overcoming Hardship and Building a Legacy

Born and raised in Connecticut, MGuapo didn’t have the easiest upbringing. Like many artists who come from humble beginnings, he had to navigate life's challenges with resilience, often turning adversity into motivation. As a child, he lacked many of the luxuries that others might take for granted, but this scarcity fueled his drive to make something of himself.

His deep love for underground rap began at a young age. "I always felt like I didn’t fit in with mainstream music," MGuapo explains. "Underground rap was raw, real, and unapologetic—it spoke to me. I connected with that sound, and it became a part of my identity." It was through this genre that he found a community, a creative outlet, and a way to express himself.

A Harrowing Journey to Atlanta

In January of this year, MGuapo made a life-changing decision to move to Atlanta, a city known for its cultural influence on hip-hop. The move wasn’t easy; it marked a pivotal moment in his life and career. "It was a risk," he recalls, "but I had to make the move. Atlanta is the epicenter of hip-hop, and I knew if I wanted to take my music to the next level, this was the place to be."

His transition wasn’t without hardship. From adjusting to a new environment to working on his music while building connections in the city, the journey was grueling. However, Atlanta’s vibrant music scene provided MGuapo with opportunities to grow as an artist and collaborate with some of the best in the game.

The Rise of D4R and "Out The Way"

One of the key components of MGuapo's success has been his tight-knit team, "D4R."  This collective, featuring rappers, J Menace, Clayforthewin, Drillakai, and producer Icyydz, has been instrumental in shaping his sound. Together, they represent a movement that blends hard-hitting rap with a fresh, experimental edge.

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In November 2023, MGuapo dropped his highly acclaimed sophomore album, “Out The Way”. The album marked a turning point in his career, showcasing not only his lyrical prowess but his ability to innovate within the genre. “Out The Way” quickly became his most successful release to date, drawing praise for its raw authenticity and genre-blending approach. It was an album that spoke to both the hardships of his past and the promise of his future, earning him widespread recognition in the underground scene.

MGuapo's most recent project, “Unorthodox”, represents a bold departure from his earlier work. The album explores elements of punk and alternative rap, a genre-blending move that has garnered both intrigue and praise. "I wanted to push the envelope with Unorthodox," MGuapo says. "I didn’t want to be confined to one sound. I love experimenting with different styles, and I wanted this album to reflect that."

This willingness to explore new musical territories has made MGuapo one of the most dynamic voices in the underground scene, proving that he isn’t just another rapper but an artist unafraid to challenge norms and expectations.

The Future: Guap Fanatic and Beyond

Looking ahead, MGuapo is preparing for the release of his next project, “Guap Fanatic”, slated for July 2025. The album promises to be another milestone in his career, with a unique twist: it will be released alongside a merch sale, offering fans fashion to go along with the music. As MGuapo puts it, "It's more than just music; it's a whole vibe. The clothes and album are part of a bigger picture—my fans are part of this journey, and I want them to feel connected to what I’m doing..

With nearly 500k streams, and 600 followers on SoundCloud and a strong fanbase that continues to grow, MGuapo has established himself as a staple in Connecticut’s music scene. He’s a regular at Hartford’s Webster Theater, where he frequently performs and collaborates with other local artists like, KaeSav, and Marsii. These sold-out shows are a testament to his growing popularity and the undeniable impact he’s having on both the local and global hip-hop scenes.

Probablyrated 

MGuapo isn’t in this alone. He's been working tirelessly with the help of probablyrated and his creative team, including GetFreeGabos, who is essential to his work on the upcoming album 

MGuapo’s weekly SoundCloud uploads over the past four years show his relentless commitment to his craft, ensuring that his music remains fresh and accessible to his growing fanbase. Whether it’s through raw street anthems or experimental tracks blending punk and rap, MGuapo is here to stay—and he’s just getting started.

Author, GetFreeGabos