Nerdcore

Sources for samples in nerdcore range from Vanilla Ice to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ("Rondo Alla Turca", in MC Plus+'s "Computer Science for Life").

Several DJs have provided beats and done remixes for multiple nerdcore artists, most notably Baddd Spellah, who currently mixes the majority of Frontalot's tracks.

Similarly, Blackalicious created science-oriented compositions like "Chemical Calisthenics," and MF DOOM drew heavy inspiration from comic book supervillains.

Artists like They Might Be Giants and "Weird Al" Yankovic (with tracks like "I Can't Watch This," "It's All About the Pentiums," "White & Nerdy," and "Foil") helped lay the groundwork for nerdcore’s rise by combining humor, fandom, and niche cultural references.

[8] The following year’s expo featured full concerts with nerdy hip-hop acts, further solidifying the "nerdcore" label and growing its fan base.

[15] By the late 2010s and early 2020s, Nerdcore expanded on platforms like YouTube, giving rise to subgenres like Otacore (focused on anime-themed rap) and Hackcore, which explores hacking and tech culture.

[19] Nerdcore For Life, directed by Chicago filmmaker Dan Lamoureux, examines the genre through appearances by over three dozen notable performers.

Critics have argued that the genre, historically dominated by white artists, risks veering into cultural appropriation, effectively erasing the contributions and struggles of Black communities that birthed hip-hop.

Accusations of "whitewashing" hip-hop's heritage became a flashpoint, with critics questioning whether the genre's rise among predominantly white audiences signaled an intentional or unconscious erasure of Black culture.

The debate cast a harsh spotlight on the ethical responsibilities of nerdcore artists and fans, forcing the community to reckon with the consequences of its identity and impact.

[25][26] Additionally, in 2016, Alex Trebek faced backlash after calling the creators of a contestant's favorite music genre, nerdcore hip-hop, "losers" during a Jeopardy!

The contestant, Susan Cole, had shared her love for nerdcore, appreciating how it focuses on video games, science fiction, and other niche interests.

Photograph of a man in a green shirt holding a microphone.
MC Frontalot , considered the "Godfather of Nerdcore", performing in April 2007
Photograph of a woman holding a microphone
MC Router performing in June 2007
Photograph of a man in a red jacket holding a microphone.
YTCracker performing in January 2013
Photograph of a man in a purple shirt and black suit holding a microphone.
Schäffer the Darklord performing at Nerdapalooza in July 2008
Black and white photograph of a man in a hoodie holding a microphone.
MC Chris performing in February 2008