Exploring the innovative sounds of Dirtgang Records and the overnight unification of Arizona’s underground artist.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably felt it—there’s something going on with the dirt in Arizona. And no, we’re not talking about the soil. We’re talking about a movement.
The Dirt Is Moving: Arizona’s Underground Awakens
The Arizona underground scene is in the midst of a renaissance, and at its epicenter is Something With the Dirt (S.W.T.D)—an online Discord server and group chat that brought together over 300 creatives practically overnight. The masterminds behind it? Esquire Ali, AvatarFlick, and Umio Ren. These three aren’t just riding the wave—they’re building it. But before the world started recognizing their names, they each had a journey that led them to this moment.
Where It All Started: 5th Street Origins
It all began on 5th Street. AvatarFlick, closely affiliated with Doomdivision, and Umio (then known as Icyy), were laying the foundation just a block apart. Their genuine friendship and shared vision for uniting the underground began to spiral into something bigger—earning them the respect and notoriety they now hold. Esquire Ali would join the fold a few years later, around 2019, adding a new dimension to the crew.
Something Like a Dodecahedron: The Dirtgang Dynamic
Today, they are Dirtgang—a collective that feels less like a group and more like a living, breathing ecosystem. Their saga unfolds like a vibrant tapestry woven from the raw, chaotic beauty of Arizona’s underground. They came together through a string of happy accidents—electrifying warehouse shows in Seattle, chance encounters at local gigs, and late-night freestyle sessions on Fifth Street. As Esquire Ali once put it, “We’re like a dodecahedron, man— infinite sides, infinite possibilities, and probably too complex for most people to understand.”
Bars, Beats, and Schwoginomics: Meet the Artists
That quote says it all. Dirtgang is a melting pot of rappers, producers, DJs, and even aspiring fashion moguls. Their dynamic is electric, their creativity relentless. With projects like Schwoginomics: 10 Steps to Better Your Life and Schwoggin’ Ain’t Easy, Esquire Ali delivers sharp, introspective lyricism wrapped in humor and hard truths. AvatarFlick brings an entirely different flavor—his standout single “ilybby” pulses with carefree, trend-savvy energy that taps into the modern underground aesthetic. Meanwhile, Umio Ren weaves intricate double entendres over smooth, atmospheric beats, balancing melody and meaning with ease. His younger brother, Nylis Motion, is carving out his own path, doing a great job under the guidance of his friends and family. Behind the scenes, bbyjake is vital to Dirtgang’s visual identity, handling videography and editing with a distinct style that elevates the crew’s storytelling.
Kitchen Studios and Chaos: The Making of Thuggin’ On The Weekend
The group’s collaborative album, Thuggin on the Weekends—crafted by Umio Ren, Esquire Ali, and producer Nylis Motion—came to life in the Dirt Shaq, a humble space that’s become something of a creative haven. “We stood in the kitchen, like, produced and recorded a whole album. I never seen nothing like that. Like, he’s making 10–15 songs a day,” Umio recalls. There’s something almost sacred in the way they worked—no fancy gear, just a few close friends, a shared vision, and an open space where ideas moved fast and nothing felt forced. The pace was wild, sure, but it came from a place of genuine inspiration, where everyone showed up hungry—not for fame, but for expression. In that tight, familiar room, they didn’t just make music—they poured parts of themselves into every track. The Dirt Shaq isn’t just a studio; it’s where trust, talent, and timing aligned to make something real.
Faith, Grit, and Real-Life Rock Stars
The album traces their evolution from 2017 to 2025—a span that reflects not only their growth as artists but as people. “This is us,” Ali says. “I mean, this just real ass life. Real rock star living. We having our way.” These aren’t just songs—they’re snapshots of their lives, gritty and unpolished, wrapped in the dust and sweat of Arizona.
Spirituality also plays a subtle but vital role in their creative process. “I’m with Jesus Christ,” one member shares. “I mean, I love God, and it’s just when your steps is ordered, you know, when you anointed and appointed? This is how I go.” It’s this blend of faith, authenticity, and vision that adds another layer of depth to their work.
Maybe what sets Dirtgang apart most is their unshakable bond—their commitment to collaboration over competition. “If you see somebody who has the most momentum, I think we all need to push that one person so we can get that domino effect and get everybody up,” AvatarFlick explains. It’s a philosophy rooted in love, not ego, and it’s rare in a space where rivalry often overshadows unity.
Manifesting the Movement: What’s Next for Arizona
That energy radiates beyond their circle. Dirtgang is actively working to elevate other Arizona artists and build a culture of mutual support. They believe a sense of community is the missing ingredient in much of today’s underground—and they’re here to bring it back.
Looking ahead, their ambition is clear. They’re not just trying to make it individually—they’re trying to change the gamefor Arizona. As AvatarFlick boldly predicts, “We’re all going to be independent, extremely rich, and we’re going to be the reason why Arizona artists are randomly blowing up. So remember, remember I said this right here—we are going to be the reason why Arizona artists are quote-unquote ‘randomly’ blowing up.”
Dirtgang doesn’t just represent the next generation of Arizona hip-hop. They’re building the blueprint for what comes next. And with the dirt beneath their feet and the fire in their souls, they’re making sure the world can’t ignore them any longer.
Leave a Reply