How to get on RapCaviar and Spotify's editorial playlists in an oversaturated music market

If you’re an aspiring rapper or hip-hop artist, landing a spot on Spotify’s RapCaviar playlist is the ultimate game-changer. It’s not just a playlist—it’s a cultural juggernaut, a launchpad for stardom, and a golden ticket to millions of streams. With over 15 million followers and a reputation for breaking artists like Lil Baby, Megan Thee Stallion, and Travis Scott, RapCaviar is the holy grail of music promotion. But how do you get on RapCaviar in 2025? Buckle up—this 1200-word guide is your SEO-charged blueprint to cracking Spotify’s biggest playlist, packed with actionable strategies, insider tips, and relentless hustle.

What is RapCaviar, and why does it matter?

RapCaviar isn’t just another Spotify playlist; it’s the kingpin of hip-hop curation. Launched in 2015, it’s curated by Spotify’s editorial team, led by tastemakers like Carl Chery, and it’s the go-to destination for fans craving the hottest rap tracks.

Getting on RapCaviar means instant exposure to millions of listeners, skyrocketing streams, and a shot at viral fame. For independent artists, it’s the ultimate credibility badge—a signal to the industry that you’ve arrived.

But here’s the catch: RapCaviar isn’t a free-for-all. It’s fiercely competitive, and the gatekeepers don’t hand out spots to just anyone.

To dominate this playlist, you need a killer track, a bulletproof strategy, and some serious SEO muscle to amplify your visibility. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Step 1: craft a track that screams RapCaviar

You can’t fake your way onto RapCaviar with a half-baked SoundCloud demo. Your song needs to be a banger—period. Study the playlist’s vibe: hard-hitting beats, slick flows, and hooks that stick like glue. Think “Drip Too Hard” by Lil Baby or “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott. Your production must be pristine.

Don’t sleep on originality either. RapCaviar curators love fresh sounds that push boundaries while staying true to hip-hop’s roots. Record, refine, and repeat until your track is undeniable.

Step 2: master Spotify for artists like a pro

Your Spotify for Artists profile is your secret weapon. Claim it, optimize it, and wield it like a rap god. Upload a high-res artist photo, write a bio dripping with personality, and link your socials. This isn’t just busywork—RapCaviar’s editorial team uses this data to vet you.

Next, pitch your unreleased track via Spotify for Artists’ playlist submission tool. You can submit up to seven days before your release date, but don’t slack—submit at least two weeks early to give curators time to vibe with it. In your pitch, sell yourself hard:

highlight your unique sound, drop stats like monthly listeners or past playlist placements, and mention any buzz (collab with a hot producer? Viral TikTok snippet? Spill it!).

Find here a guide on how to send your music to Spotify's editors

Step 3: build a buzz that’s impossible to ignore

RapCaviar curators don’t pluck nobodies from obscurity—they spotlight artists already making waves. You need momentum, and that starts with a grassroots grind. Drop your track on SoundCloud, YouTube, and TikTok first. Push it to influencers, DJs, and micro-playlists to rack up early streams and social proof.

TikTok is your cheat code. Create a challenge or snippet that’s catchy as hell—think “Old Town Road” levels of viral.

If your track explodes there, Spotify’s algorithm notices, and RapCaviar’s team might too.

Step 4: network like your career depends on it (because it does)

Connections matter. RapCaviar’s curators aren’t robots—they’re humans influenced by industry buzz. Slide into the DMs of music bloggers, playlist curators, and even Spotify staff (respectfully, of course). Attend hip-hop events, open mics, and virtual showcases to rub elbows with tastemakers.

Collaborate with artists who’ve already cracked RapCaviar or smaller editorial playlists like Fresh Finds. Their co-sign could fast-track your credibility. Got a producer with clout? Leverage their name in your pitch.

Also, you need a 360° promotion like Matchfy does!
With Matchfy you get a powerhouse strategy for artists aiming to skyrocket their music’s reach in 2025. Leveraging Matchfy’s cutting-edge platform, this all-in-one approach connects you with Spotify playlist curators, TikTok influencers, and magazine features, amplifying your exposure across multiple channels.

It’s the ultimate promotion tool—blending data-driven playlist matching, social media buzz, and press opportunities—to propel your tracks to new heights with precision and impact. Tap down below to get started with Matchfy

Step 5: leverage data to outsmart the algorithm

Spotify’s algorithm is your silent partner. It feeds data to editorial teams, so make it work for you. Release consistently—singles, EPs, whatever keeps your monthly listeners climbing. Encourage fans to save your track, add it to playlists, and share it. These metrics (saves, shares, skips) signal “hit potential” to Spotify.

Use tools like Songstats to track your growth and compare yourself to RapCaviar artists. If your numbers rival theirs, flaunt it in your pitch.

Step 6: get your track on user-generated playlists first

Before RapCaviar, dominate smaller playlists. Submit to indie curators on platforms like Matchfy.io. Target playlists with lots of followers, but also smaller playlists in your niche because they help increasing your engagement on Spotify.

Step 7: don’t sleep on press and PR

You can hire a PR pro or pitch yourself to music journalists with a killer press kit: bio, track links, and a story that screams “next big thing.” Even a shoutout from a local blog or X influencer can spark the domino effect. You can also use platforms like Matchfy to help you connect with magazine and radio stations. Do not forget to get a strong EPK before application. Don't know where to start? Find here a little guide: How to create a professionale press kit.

Step 8: Stay persistent. Rejection isn’t the end

RapCaviar gets thousands of submissions. You might not land it on your first try—or your fifth. Keep dropping heat, building your fanbase, and refining your pitch. Each release is a fresh shot, and persistence pays off. Look at Roddy Ricch—he grinded for years before “The Box” blew up.

Final thoughts: own your shot at RapCaviar and other playlists

Getting on RapCaviar in 2025 isn’t luck—it’s strategy, hustle, and a track that bangs harder than a 808 drop. Craft a hit, optimize your Spotify presence, build unstoppable buzz, and network like a mogul. Use SEO to amplify every move—your website, socials, and press should scream “RapCaviar ready.” The playlist’s gatekeepers are watching, and with this guide, you’re armed to make them listen.

So, what’s stopping you? Drop that track, pitch it hard, and claim your spot on Spotify’s biggest stage. The rap game’s waiting—go dominate it and don't forget that Matchfy will be always by your side: whether you're promoting on Spotify, social media, distributing or contacting magazine and radio stations, we will be there for you! Tap down below to get started!