Treal City, The Creator Of "Muskegon Top 25 Rappers" List Speaks Out!

Every year, the Muskegon Rappers Top 25 List drops like a bombshell across the city—and every year, it does exactly what it was meant to do: stir up conversation, debate, pride, and sometimes even frustration. For some artists, it’s a badge of honor to be named on the list at all. For others, not being listed—or not being ranked high enough—feels like a slap in the face to their grind and accomplishments.

Whether people love it or hate it, they definitely talk about it.

This list, now known as a cornerstone of the Muskegon hip-hop scene, is curated and released by the Muskegon Rappers Page on social media. For years, the identity behind the page and the list remained low-key, prompting even more curiosity. But I finally had the opportunity to speak with the man behind the movement—none other than Treal City, a Muskegon hip-hop legend.

When asked about how the rankings come together, Treal City kept it honest:

“I go by what the ppl be streaming when I was there plus the analytical side. I also keep my ear to the street and watch DSP to see who dropping. Like to be honest if artist was as active as me and Phaze team they would have been surefire top of the list. But me not caring I barely even put us on the list.”

Community Reactions: A Mixed Bag

The responses from artists and fans each year range from celebration to criticism. Some see the list as a goalpost, something to strive for or a sign they’re on the right track. Others, particularly those left off or ranked lower than expected, question the criteria or accuse the list of bias or politics.

What’s Next for the List?

Despite the controversy, the Muskegon Rappers Top 25 List continues to be a cultural moment every year, spotlighting the grind and growth of the local scene. It’s a reminder that the Muskegon hip-hop community is alive, passionate, and ready to be seen—whether the city agrees on the rankings or not.