In this new entry in our ‘Diamonds In The Rough’ category, we would like to introduce you to upcoming artist 500 BC and his brand new album titled On The Come Up.
Cincinnati, Ohio’s 500 BC is turning life experience into motivation on his new album On The Come Up, out now. Produced entirely by mixtape DJ Flipcyide, the project finds the genre-blurring artist navigating love, ambition, hardship and the determination it takes to keep moving forward when life refuses to make things easy.
For 500 BC, music has always represented more than simply making songs. Growing up in Cincinnati, he developed a deep love for music at an early age and quickly realized that it could become his way out. That mindset remains at the heart of his music today, where modern hip-hop and trap intersect with a broader, hard-to-categorize sound. On The Come Up captures that versatility while keeping the focus firmly on his perspective and storytelling.
The album’s 11 tracks move between different sides of the artist. The opening track, “Go,” immediately establishes a forward-moving mentality, while “Another Day,” “Grind and Hustle” and “Get It Right” lean into the perseverance and work ethic that define the project. Elsewhere, 500 BC explores the more vulnerable side of life on tracks such as “Don’t Break My Heart,” showing that the struggle isn’t always about chasing success. Sometimes, it is about navigating relationships, disappointment and everything that comes with being human.
That balance between ambition and vulnerability is one of the album’s biggest strengths. Tracks like “Real Rap” and “I Ain’t Heard Nothing” bring a more uncompromising hip-hop energy, while “Make a Wish” offers a shorter, reflective moment before the project closes with “Real Niggas.”
Behind the boards is DJ Flipcyide, a mixtape DJ whose previous work includes collaborations with the Wu-Tang Clan, their affiliates and Guru. His involvement gives On The Come Up an added connection to hip-hop’s rich mixtape tradition while providing 500 BC with a cohesive backdrop for his message.
The Cincinnati artist has already demonstrated an ability to connect beyond his hometown. His previous releases “Major Way,” “Calling Me” and “Bounce” all made an impact on the UK Music Week Black Music Club Chart, peaking at #7, #4 and #4 respectively.
Most importantly, On The Come Up is a distinctly human project. 500 BC emphasizes that his music and lyrics are not AI-generated, putting the focus back where it belongs: on his own experiences, ideas and voice. Across 11 tracks, he turns the challenges of life into fuel, delivering a project for anyone still working toward something better.
On The Come Up is out now. For 500 BC, the journey isn’t over. It is just another day on the way up.
Listen to the full project below: