Hip-hop didn't just happen in the five boroughs. Upstate New York's cities have their own deep urban radio tradition — from Rochester's legendary WDKX to Syracuse's community-driven stations and Albany's independent hip-hop voices. Here are 5 upstate New York hip-hop and R&B stations you can stream free online anytime.
Hip-Hop Radio in Rochester, NY
WDKX 103.9 FM
WDKX 103.9 FM is Rochester's leading urban radio station, broadcasting R&B, hip-hop, rap, and soul to western New York and beyond. With a long history serving Rochester's Black community, WDKX has been the soundtrack to the city's culture for decades — a station that connects generations of listeners through great urban music.
The Beat 105.5 FM
The Beat 105.5 FM delivers the hottest urban music to the Rochester area, keeping the city's hip-hop and R&B fans connected to the sounds dominating the national charts. The station complements WDKX's soulful tradition with a more contemporary, energy-driven approach to Rochester urban radio.
Hip-Hop Radio in Syracuse, NY
WYWM Radio
WYWM Radio is a community-focused internet station in Syracuse broadcasting R&B, hip-hop, and adult contemporary programming with a local service mission at its core. The station's approach goes beyond music — it's built on authentic community connection that makes it a meaningful part of Syracuse's urban culture.
UGURadio
UGURadio brings listener-focused energy to Syracuse's hip-hop scene, streaming R&B, hip-hop, and rap with genuine passion for the genre. This is the kind of station built by people who actually love the music — curated with enthusiasm rather than algorithm, making every listen feel like a personal recommendation from someone who gets it.
Hip-Hop Radio in Albany, NY
Lyricalmucas Hip Hop 101
Lyricalmucas Hip Hop 101 in Albany is a lyrics-first radio station dedicated to conscious hip-hop and the art of rap. The station skips the filler and goes deep into hip-hop's most lyrically rich corners — from freestyle flows to curated playlists that honor the tradition of thoughtful, craft-driven music in the Empire State's capital region.
Upstate New York has always had its own sound, and these 5 stations carry that tradition forward. Whether you're in Rochester, Syracuse, or Albany — or anywhere online — stream these stations free and connect with the hip-hop culture of upstate New York.
