Rappers on the Rise

By Sayo Jolayemi

   With the growth of popular streaming platform SoundCloud, and the success generated by pioneering musicians such as Chance the Rapper, Post Malone and Kehlani, more than ever young talented individuals are beginning to make music. Whether it be writing, producing, or mixing, these artists are up next in the music industry, and their shine can’t be stopped.

Futuristic
    Zachary Beck, better known as Futuristic is an Arizonian rapper, who gained fame through his 2015 project, “The Rise”. Through the years he has been delivering killer hooks and artful verses whilst collaborating with the likes of Devvon Terrell, Hopsin, and Karmin. Futuristic just recently dropped his new EP entitled “What More Could You Ask”, if he isn’t on your playlist yet, you might have to check him out if you’re a fan of artists like KYLE, and Bryson Tiller. “He just makes feel good music,” lamented Glenelg Junior Abraham LeFevere, “plus his music videos are really good.”

THEY.
     This duo straight out of sunny LA is not new to the rap game, having been writing for Jeremih for quite some time, they have recently begun singing their own tunes. Hits like “U-Rite” and “Dante’s Creek” showcase their soulful R&B delivery and display their ability to captivate listeners with stunning choruses.  THEY. provide the perfect jams for a kickback, and once you start listening, you’ll find yourself hooked on THEY.

Nebu Kiniza
     Nebu Kiniza hails from Queens, New York, and if you don’t know him by name you should recognize his voice from these few words… ‘Gassed up shawty, said I need bout 40, pull up to the party…” His smash song “Gassed Up” peaked at #45 on the Billboard charts and was a bop for the entire summer. He’s recently collaborated with the self proclaimed King of the Teens, (Lil Yachty)  to create the stellar track, “Wake Up”. Kiniza has crafted a style unique to him which can best be compared to Khalid, or Post Malone.

Kamaiyah
     Kamaiyah Johnson, an Oakland native has made a name for herself in the past two years. Dropping viral tracks such as “How Does it Feel” and “I’m On” propelled her to being named a XXL Freshman. Since this, her records have only improved in quality. She has also collaborated with the likes of Drake and YG to create the summer anthem “Why You Always Hating?”. Kamaiyah raps with the confidence and utilizes wordplay in a style reminiscent of Kendrick Lamar. If Kamaiyah maintains this pace, there’s not doubt she will remain “Successful”.

NAV
    NAV, born Navaraj Singh Goraya, has been making waves ever since his first song dropped. Receiving cosigns from the likes of The Weeknd, Drake and Kylie Jenner also helped catapult his work to stardom. Having dropped a solo  album this year, and one with legendary producer Metro Boomin, NAV sure is capable of getting his verses stuck in your head. His most recent release, “Wanted You” features the highly popular Lil Uzi Vert and has already reached spot 64 on the Billboard charts. “This song is stuck in my head at all times, I can’t stop singing it,” commented Glenelg Junior, Dan Soltis.

Sampa the Great
     Sampa Tembo, is a poet first and a songwriter second, using her beautiful artistic style of spoken word to spit cold truths over just as cold beats. Dubbing herself ‘the Great’ there’s no doubt she sees herself a pioneer in the rap game, and she deserves all the praise. Her breakout single “Blue Boss” is wonderfully written, and does not disappoint. Having drawn influence from the likes of Lauryn Hill and 2Pac, her style is a fantastic combination of heavy rap and flowy R&B.

GoldLink
     The DMV’s very own D’Anthony Carlos has been relatively unknown for a majority of his professional career. However his work has not gone unnoticed, receiving a XXL Freshman nod back in 2015, along with Fetty Wap, Dej Loaf and Shy Glizzy. The latter of which who Carlos would team up with, along with Brent Faiyaz for the Grammy nominated, “Crew”.     A song so successful Gucci Mane, had to hop on for an extra verse on the remixed edition. GoldLink’s newfound recognition should help promote him to a household name, and with the artistic styling of his EP, “At What Cost”, it would be well deserved.

     These seven rappers have long been creating lyrical masterpieces, and it’s about time you indulged in their music. They can be found on all streaming platforms, be sure to let us know who you end up listening to, and what tracks you end up loving.