It’s no secret that mainstream Hip Hop confronted some turbulence this previous 12 months, with a sequence of highly-anticipated initiatives not fairly hitting the mark set by their proficient creators. Regardless of a handful of exceptions, the rap sport skilled a little bit of a lull in 2023, as demonstrated by the prolonged time frame it took for a rapper to high the charts. Nonetheless, the silver lining lay in a wave of keen, new rappers hungry for recognition.
In a world boasting micro-fandoms and TikTok sensations, paired with a post-lockdown thirst for reside experiences, the anticipation for contemporary releases from up-and-coming rap stars craving to be your subsequent fav is actual and constructing pleasure for what Hip Hop has in retailer for 2024, day by day. With that mentioned, HipHopDX is proud to introduce its Rising Stars for 2024.
So what’s a HipHopDX Rising Star, precisely? A Rising Star is a burgeoning expertise we pinpoint inside the 12 months earlier than or after their preliminary introduction and rollout of recent rap music. These are the brand new rappers that we really feel have the perfect complete bundle by way of their musical sound, efficiency and real personalities.
Over the course of the 12 months, we’ll spotlight their profession development by way of unique options, interviews, playlists and different surprises.
Very like DX‘s previous new rappers’ iterations of Rising Stars (Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Doechii, BIA, Luh Tyler, EST Gee and GloRilla) the Rising Stars 2024 will undeniably set the bar for a contemporary batch of expertise for Hip Hop this 12 months.
For a lineup of who HipHopDX believes are poised to be the 12 months’s greatest new rappers, and who’re set to make waves by way of authenticity, musical model, and social media charisma, carry on scrolling.
Editor’s Observe: All names beneath are listed in alphabetical order.
BigXthaPlug
One other gem hailing from Texas, BigXthaPlug (actual identify Xavier Landum) has drawn comparisons to the likes of famed Swishahouse rapper Mike Jones, flaunting a uncooked, resonant tone.
Making waves in 2023, the 24-year-old dominated the Lonestar state along with his attention-grabbing debut album, Amar. Elsewhere, singles like “Mmhmm” secured his debut on the Billboard Sizzling 100, whereas the collaborative monitor “Local weather” with Offset made its mark at No. 48 on Sizzling R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
With three initiatives below his belt, together with Bacc From the Lifeless (2020) and Huge Stepper (2022), together with an OG Ron C Chopped Not Slopped model of the latter, BigXthaPlug has confirmed he’s a drive with enduring stamina.
Karrahbooo
Whereas comparatively new to the rap sport, Karrahbooo hit the jackpot together with her breakout hit, “BOX THE 40,” earlier this 12 months. Launched in late March, the visible providing includes a cameo from Lil Yachty and has 600,000 views on YouTube up to now. Extra not too long ago, the Atlanta native signee joined forces with Lil Boat and the rest of the Concrete Boys crew for an On The Radar freestyle that premiered in late October.
Ending the 12 months on a excessive word, Karrahbooo set the airwaves on hearth as the most effective new feminine rappers with and infectious monitor titled “Operating Late.” On that very same day, Karrah linked up with ANYCIA for the straightforward flowing “Splash Brothers,” doubling down on her success.
With consecutive releases in her again pocket, the rising new feminine rapper proves she’s obtained the products to maintain the momentum.
Woman London
Final 12 months, Bronx-born Woman London (actual identify Zaire Miylaun Stewart) placed on for her hometown by scoring A-list collaborations with the likes of Ciara on her TikTok-ready “Da Women” remix, alongside fellow rising artist Lola Brooke.
Persevering with the momentum, the pint-sized powerhouse dropped her “Pop Ya Shit” freestyle, a cheeky tackle Birdman and The Clipse’s “What Occurred to That Boy,” making waves on social media and bagging endorsements from Hip Hop legends Nas and Huge Daddy Kane. Including to her success, Woman London unveiled her debut album, S.O.U.L (Indicators of Common Love), in November, treating followers to her signature storytelling.
Then, in an influence transfer, she joined forces with CÎROC for the discharge of their limited-edition Honey Melon vodka, proving she’s not simply an artist however a trendsetter. With every movement, Woman London paints vivid photos, showcasing her distinctive cadence and tone, making certain she stays on the forefront of dialog as the brand new 12 months begins.
LaRussell
Bay Space rapper LaRussell gained viral traction after the discharge of his genius re-imagination of the enduring Contemporary Prince of Bel-Air theme tune, produced by Hyperlink+Up.
The impartial artist has been recognized to placed on a great present along with his sold-out “Pergola” live performance sequence held in his mother and father’ yard, the place company are handled to scrumptious eats and one-of-a-kind performances. Though, there have been whispers that LaRussell has been flirting with the concept of inking a document take care of Def Jam, the jury is out on whether or not he’ll sacrifice his independence for a large money advance.
Trying ahead, the West Coast MC not too long ago linked up with E-40 for his first monitor of the 12 months, “Grinding” — and he’s simply getting began.
Maiya The Don
Greatest recognized for her viral Sisqó-sampling anthem “Telfy,” Brooklyn-based rapper Maiya The Don has been making waves because the proclaimed “way forward for Hip Hop,” as seen on TMRW Journal‘s January 2024 digital cowl.
Her rise as a formidable MC and the most effective new feminine rappers out proper now could be marked by her numerous catalog, that includes the seductive 2023 single “Physique,” a monitor that cleverly samples Mariah Carey‘s iconic “Contact My Physique”; “Luv U Higher” that includes Shawny Binladen; and a profitable stint opening for Flo Milli’s Thanks for Coming Right here, Ho’ tour, final fall.
Proudly representing her Puerto Rican heritage, the sweetness influencer and TikTok sensation turned rapper seamlessly blends her love of fashion and tradition into her creative expression as made evident with Sizzling Commodity, an 11-track mixtape which boasts options from Ty Dolla $ign and Maeta. Together with her finger on the heartbeat of what it takes to show heads, Maiya The Don is with out query somebody to maintain your eye on.
MIKE
Born Michael Jordan Bonema, Brooklyn rapper-producer MIKE has been recognized to put on his coronary heart on his sleeve — channeling seasons of unhappiness into solemn, trapsoul-infused bars. A extra seasoned HipHopDX Rising Star, Bonema launched his first mixtape, Could God Bless Your Hustle, at 18. Within the years that adopted, MIKE would add to his arsenal the initiatives Tears of Pleasure (2019), Weight of the World (2020), and Disco! (2021), gaining help from his hero, Earl Sweatshirt.
In 2022, he bagged a partnership with Tommy Hilfiger and Patta, birthing One Extra, a joint EP with Wiki and Alchemist. The epitome of “I be in my bag,” MIKE would go on to flex his expertise as a savvy enterprise man by curating the Younger World Competition, a free occasion in his hometown which has featured performances from the likes of Noname, Slick Rick, Tisakorean, Junglepussy and Mavi.
With ties to the neighborhood, an genuine sound and the mentorship from legendary lyricists, it’s possible MIKE’s rise to mainstream reputation has simply begun.
That Mexican OT
In a whirlwind 12 months, cowboy hat-toting That Mexican OT skyrocketed to fame along with his smash hit “Johnny Dang,” paying homage to the famed Houston jeweler to the celebs. The summer season anthem — which additionally options Johnny’s rap enterprise accomplice Paul Wall — not solely graced the Billboard Sizzling 100 chart for 11 weeks but additionally earned a RIAA GOLD certification.
Capitalizing on his success, the 24-year-old Bay Metropolis, Texas rhymer dropped his debut studio album, Lonestar Luchado, marked by a memorable efficiency at a Houston Spotify live performance and coveted spot on the platform’s Most Essential playlist. Fusing his Tejano roots with influences from East Coast heavyweights like Slick Rick, Eminem, and Huge Pun, the 18-track mission options standout tunes like “Groovin,” “Skelz” and “Missed Calls.”
Kicking the 12 months off with a bang, OT (that means “outta Texas”) unveiled the visible remedy for “02.02.99,” setting the stage for what guarantees to be an thrilling season.
Scar Lip
Backed by Bronx royalty Cardi B and the legendary Busta Rhymes, Scar Lip (actual identify Sierra Lucas), usually in comparison with the late DMX, burst onto the music scene in 2022 with an unflagging depth.
The rough-n-tough rhymer was tapped by Swizz Beatz final 12 months for his Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 EP, alongside Jadakiss and Benny The Butcher. In the meantime, West Coast legend Snoop Dogg joined her on the remix of her breakthrough hit “This Is New York,” remodeling it into “This Is Cali.”
With a Cardi B co-sign, a Snoop Dogg remix, and Swizz Beatz set to supply her debut EP — Scars and Stripes (launch date TBD) — Scar Lip’s journey is on a fast ascent.
Teezo Landing
Identified for his distinctive aptitude and refusal to evolve to conventional genres Teezo Landing has garnered consideration from the likes of fellow oddball Tyler, The Creator — with whom he toured alongside Vince Staples, and Kali Uchis, in 2022 — and Travis Scott, amongst others.
In late-2023, the 31-year-old HipHopDX Rookie of the 12 months nominee stormed onto the Hip Hop scene with the discharge of his electrical debut album How Do You Sleep At Evening?, defying age norms. The solo effort, a pop-punk mashup, was co-signed by Drake who declared the mission to be “a few of the greatest music ever.”
At the moment amassing hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify, the Texas trailblazer not too long ago introduced he’s maximizing his newfound success for his first-ever solo headlining tour, aptly named the Spend The Evening Tour. The 19-date trek is about to kick off in April, with stops in Charlotte, Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto, Los Angeles, Dallas, and extra earlier than wrapping in Atlanta come June.
For sure, if his present trajectory is any indication of the 12 months he’s going to have, it’ll be one for the historical past books.
Veeze
Veeze — who got here into mainstream prominence with the discharge of his 2020 monitor “Regulation N Order” — launched his imprint Navy Wavy in 2023, in partnership with Warner Data and his supervisor Terrence “Snake” Hawkins.
The transfer garnered the eye of Warner’s CEO and Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck, who praised the Detroit lyricist for being an exemplar “of how being resilient, teachable, loyal, in addition to remaining true to your self, can finally change your life for the higher.”
Together with the label, the “Choppas in Hawaii” rapper introduced his first headlining tour which kicked off in early October, with help from Talibando. Doubling down on the success of the almost sold-out tour, Veeze launched his Ganger album, catching the ear of JAY-Z, certainly one of his idols, who opted to function him on his much-talked-about “Couple Songs of ’23” TIDAL playlist.
Try earlier HipHopDX Rising Stars beneath:
You may also take a look at the winners and nominees of the HipHopDX Awards 2023 right here, together with the Greatest Feminine Rappers of 2023.
Paintings and Graphic Design by JR Martinez.
