In an period characterised by instantaneous gratification and in a single day success, rappers come and go — however solely a handful handle to carry the general public’s consideration previous the honeymoon stage. With that stated, a long-lasting presence in Hip Hop is a commendable feat as sizzling new prospects pile up exponentially with every passing 12 months, and 2023 has been no exception to this upward pattern.
The tradition of Hip Hop is quickly diversifying and it exhibits up within the angle with which youthful generations interpret the craft. The choose few who hit the bottom operating and found out methods to retain their momentum amid all of the competitors this previous 12 months demonstrated that simply because issues are a sure approach, doesn’t imply that’s how they must be.
Artists like Lola Brooke and Sexyy Pink have added extra gas to the shifting gender dynamics, whereas Veeze and That Mexican OT constructed on dependable formulation whereas including in some twists of their very own. Then there’s Teezo Landing, the Texas-born star who opts to not confine himself to anybody label as he blends rap and rock.
Having already set tongues wagging over the previous 12 months, it’s very probably you’ll be listening to much more from these rookies in 2024. So buckle up, as a result of your playlists are more likely to get much more jam full of new music from them.
Assessment all of our Hip Hop Award classes and nominees.
Listed below are our picks for 2023’s rookie of the 12 months…
BEST NEW RAPPERS OF 2023 NOMINATIONS
Lola Brooke
A product of the explosive social media virality that numerous hopefuls aspire to these days, Lola Brooke was first shot into the general public consciousness when her 2021 single “Don’t Play With It” blew up on TikTok and subsequently landed her a serious label deal. In her swift and regular come-up since then, she dropped her debut LP, Dennis Daughter, in early November to important acclaim and has additionally been enlisted to headline Scorching 97’s Winter Jam in direction of the top of the 12 months alongside Rick Ross and Meek Mill.
Over the course of her broadly profitable 2023, the Brooklyn native has labored with a few of the trade’s largest names together with Latto, Bryson Tiller and Yung Miami, to call just some. As her inventory rises with every passing day, her future within the enterprise continues to ripen with limitless potential.
Sexyy Pink
Arguably one of many largest stars of the 12 months not simply in Hip Hop however throughout all genres, Sexyy Pink’s mainstream dominance has been considerably of a marvel. Although she’s been energetic since 2018, the 25-year-old red-haired phenomenon took over the airwaves in 2023 because of her Tay Keith-assisted smash hit “Pound City,” which was later bolstered by a Nicki Minaj remix. Add to this her blockbuster hit “SkeeYee” and second mixtape, Hood Hottest Princess, and there’s no denying she owned the summer season.
The St. Louis native — who YG famously stated is “goin’ brazy” — is at present amongst Hip Hop’s most beneficial gamers, having already labored with A-listers like Drake, SZA, Summer time Walker and Lil Durk, and he or she hasn’t even dropped her debut studio report but. Not contemplating Massive Sexyy among the many hottest rookies of the 12 months could be a fake pas of epic proportions.
Teezo Landing
Along with broadening Hip Hop’s horizons, Teezo Landing can also be a radiant spark of hope for many who suppose getting your huge break in music is barely doable at a sure age. Essentially the most skilled of HipHopDX’s rookie beginning 5, the alt-rap trooper dropped his first full-length album, How Do You Sleep at Night time?, when he was 31 — and he’s been profitable ever since.
Decked out in leather-based with a dome lined in nails, his artwork and distinctive aesthetic caught the eye of seasoned boundary pusher Tyler, The Creator, who he opened for on the Name Me If You Get Misplaced Tour final 12 months. He additionally landed a visitor spot on Travis Scott’s UTOPIA — in addition to its subsequent tour — and a function on Drake’s newest providing, For All of the Canines. The 6 God even referred to the Texas star’s new physique of labor as “a few of the finest music ever” — a co-sign only a few can boast.
That Mexican OT
Taking inspiration from each path, Virgil René Gazca started rapping when he was simply 4 years outdated. As a child rising up in Texas, he was infatuated by rap titans similar to Eminem and The Infamous B.I.G., and later took on the alias That Mexican OT and emulated his heroes with a touch of Southern seasoning. Quick-forward to 2023 and he’s one among Hip Hop’s hottest prospects.
Having put in years of floor work, the 24-year-old spitter started choosing up traction in 2023 with the discharge of two extremely profitable solo initiatives: 1 Double 0 and Lonestar Luchador. The chances had been seemingly stacked towards him as he witnessed his household fall other than a younger age via untimely deaths, incarcerations and abandonment, but he clawed his approach out the opposite aspect and located the highlight regardless of his crippling previous. How will you not root for somebody like that?
Veeze
It’d generally sound as if Veeze is a bit disinterested and even half asleep, however the understated precision with which he shoots and converts every bar clears any doubts about his focus. The Detroit rapper is barely blasé about his personal composure as a result of his hushed bravado takes form within the type of enunciation that’s very distinctive to him. Veeze being from the Motor Metropolis makes quite a bit sense given its lengthy lineage of individuality and unorthodox spitters which incorporates Eminem, Esham, Danny Brown and numerous others.
At 29, he carries himself with an Earl Sweatshirt-like droopiness that seamlessly suits into the energetic instrumentals he so usually spits over. Finest demonstrated on the 2023 LP, Ganger, it’s a part of his attract. Don’t imagine us? Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty and Babyface Ray all obtained in on it, additional illustrating his eccentricity by affiliation.
Return to our Hip Hop Awards nomination web page for extra classes or try the nominees for Largest Comeback of 2023.
These had been our picks for finest new artists in 2023 however tell us yours and be a part of the dialog on any of our socials @hiphopdx. You too can try our earlier Rookie of the Yr award winners under to see how our picks panned out.
Art work and Graphic Design by JR Martinez.
Paragraphs written by Andy Bustard.
