The Hip-Hop Break Tour is in the midst of creating something rare for the hip-hop culture. It gives artists exposure without having to go through a major label — something that has become a trend among big-name hip-hop artists.

The tour will make a stop in Iowa City on Friday at Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St. The show will start at 9 p.m.; admission is $5.

Rappers such as Macklemore, Chance the Rapper, and many more have generated their own buzz without the power of a big-name record label.

It used to be that artists signed to a label almost immediately if they had an offer, but now artists tend to back off and explore other options.

The Hip Hop Break Tour is somewhat of a gateway into the indie success so many rappers have had. The tour will showcase artists from around the country, many of whom are unsigned.

On Friday, you can support numerous up-and-coming artists who may soon be on next year’s stage winning a Grammy.

— by Mckenna Paulus