What Is Nerdcore? The Evolution Of Geek Rap

By Demi Phillips
January 03, 2024

How It All Began

Nerdcore’s origins can be traced back to the early 2000s. The subgenre emerged as a grassroots movement within the broader Hip Hop scene. As a matter of fact, the term “nerdcore” itself is attributed to MC Frontalot. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the genre. In fact, he was given the moniker “The Godfather of Nerdcore.” Kicking off in 2000, his music laid the groundwork for the genre. On the 2000 track “Nerdcore Hip Hop” by Frontalot, the MC explicitly referred to his music by its moniker. With that, he became the first rapper to call his music by that name.

Frontalot is a rapper known for his witty and intelligent lyrics centered around geek culture. His clever wordplay and unabashed celebration of geekdom struck a chord with the niche audience who felt underrepresented in mainstream Hip Hop. However, it’s important to note that before the explicit categorization of nerdcore, there were already Hip Hop artists incorporating nerd culture references into their lyrics. For example, the likes of MF Doom, Kool Keith, and Deltron 3030 made music with geeky subject matters and themes. Nonetheless, it was the emergence of a distinct community and identity that defined Nerdcore.

What Is Nerdcore Known For?

Nerdcore distinguishes itself by revolving around video games, comic books, sci-fi, technology, and other aspects of geek culture. The lyrics are filled with references to obscure movies, computer programming, and the joys and struggles of being a nerd. However, unlike mainstream Hip Hop, Nerdcore tends to forgo the conventional themes of street life, violence, women, and materialism. Instead, it opts for a more cerebral and introspective approach.

The Evolution Of Geek Rap

Over the years, Nerdcore has evolved and diversified, with artists incorporating a broader range of influences and styles. The subgenre’s appeal has extended beyond the imaginary walls of the internet. For example, it has led to live performances at conventions, gaming events, and even more dedicated Nerdcore concerts.

In 2008, the documentary Nerdcore Rising brought further attention to the movement. It specifically highlighted the challenges and triumphs of Nerdcore artists as they navigated the music industry. The film interviews key figures like MC Frontalot, MC Lars, Beefy, and others. It does a remarkable job of shedding light on the unique subculture they had cultivated.

It’s also important to note Nerdcore’s influences being utilized by popular rappers. Artists like Childish Gambino have borrowed elements of the subgenre into his work. Moreover, Tyler, the Creator has showcased an affinity for the genre and geekdom in general with his rap styles. While these artists can’t be explicitly categorized within the genre, they hover around it. Moreover, their embracing of uniqueness in rap has helped to inspire upcoming talents.

Conclusion

While the subgenre may not have achieved mainstream success on the same scale as traditional Hip Hop, its impact and influence continue to grow. Nerdcore artists have found a welcoming community that values their authenticity and celebrates the diverse interests that make up geek culture. Nerdcore is known for its clever lyrics, DIY mentality, and celebration of all things nerdy. Overall, it has created a space for artists and fans who may have felt overlooked in traditional Hip Hop.

Charli XCX surprises fans at Addison Rae’s Los Angeles concert

By Emily Zemler
October 23, 2025

Addison Rae invited Charli XCX to join her on stage during her show at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles last night. Charli appeared alongside Rae for two of their previous collaborations, performing “Von Dutch Remix,” from Charli’s 2024 project Brat and It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat, as well as Rae’s 2023 single “2 Die 4.”

For the closing number, Rae came back on stage for a surprise encore of “Nothing On (But the Radio),” a song that usually isn’t part of her set list. The performance began with Rae appearing on the big screens backstage while removing her clothes, and as the lights went down, she reemerged to deliver the fan-favorite track. Many saw the moment as a nod to Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball, where Gaga ends each show with “How Bad Do U Want Me.” Gaga originally recorded “Nothing On” as a demo in 2010.

“2 Die 4” was featured on Rae’s EP AR and marked the pair’s first collaboration. They went on to work together again for “Von Dutch” with A. G. Cook, as well as on Cook’s “Lucifer.” Earlier this year, Charli expressed her admiration for Rae in an interview with Rolling Stone, saying, “It’s been fun to watch her evolve. Everything she does relates back to her art — every item of clothing she wears, everything she says in a red-carpet interview, everything she tweets — it all is a part of the world-building.”

Rae released her latest album, Addison, in June and has spent the late summer and fall performing across multiple cities. Her next shows are set for Australia in November, followed by appearances at music festivals in South America next year, including Lollapalooza Chile and Lollapalooza Brazil. She will also perform at Coachella in April and Primavera Sound in Barcelona in June.

Charli XCX has been dividing her time between music and acting, as her film career continues to grow. She joined Lorde on stage at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles last year to perform their version of “Girl, So Confusing.” The two also performed the remix during Charli’s Sweat Tour with Troye Sivan in 2024, and again at Coachella earlier this year.

It was revealed earlier this week that Dakota Johnson is considering Charli XCX for a role in her directorial debut, A Tree Is Blue. Charli’s upcoming acting projects include Cathy Yan’s The Gallerist, Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex, Julia Jackson’s 100 Nights of Hero, and The Moment, a film directed by Aidan Zamiri based on her original story.

“I am really enjoying my acting journey,” Charli told Variety earlier this year. “I feel very, very inspired at the moment in that field, I feel unbelievably creative, and I only ever want to do things that inspire me and make me feel energized.”