20 Rappers to Watch in 2019

From ALLBLACK to Yungeen Ace, Melii, and Lil TJay, these are 20 up-and-coming rap artists to watch out for in 2019.

Jan 23, 2019

Complex Original

Image via Warren Cochrane

The music industry is moving so fast right now that some of the artists on this list might the biggest stars in the world by the end of the year, even if you’ve never heard of them before. In 2018, Juice WRLD went from being a complete unknown to a Billboard Hot 100 mainstay in a matter of months. So, who will have a similar ascent this year? These things are impossible to predict with certainty, but the Complex staff has put together a list of up-and-coming rappers who we think are worth your time in the coming months. They might not all follow the path of Juice WRLD, but they’re each making quality music and carving out unique lanes for themselves. These are 20 rappers to watch in 2019.

A slick-tongued Oakland rhymer with an incredible eye for detail and a wicked sense of humor, ALLBLACK made major moves over the last 12 months. He dropped Outcalls, which featured a who’s who of rising West Coast rappers, as well as 2 Minute Drills, a roller-coaster ride of an EP with Kenny Beats. Throughout the latter EP, BLACK rides bass-heavy, uptempo instrumentals from one of 2018’s biggest producers and offers a look at life in Oakland that’s so visceral, you feel like you’re prowling the streets right next to him. His flows are always fresh and engaging, and he also happens to be a slang connoisseur, carrying on the Bay’s history of shaping the rap lexicon. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

A slick-tongued Oakland rhymer with an incredible eye for detail and a wicked sense of humor, ALLBLACK made major moves over the last 12 months. He dropped *Outcalls*, which featured a who’s who of rising West Coast rappers, as well as *2 Minute Drills*, a roller-coaster ride of an EP with Kenny Beats. Throughout the latter EP, BLACK rides bass-heavy, uptempo instrumentals from one of 2018’s biggest producers and offers a look at life in Oakland that’s so visceral, you feel like you’re prowling the streets right next to him. His flows are always fresh and engaging, and he also happens to be a slang connoisseur, carrying on the Bay’s history of shaping the rap lexicon. *—Grant Rindner*

youtu.be

A slick-tongued Oakland rhymer with an incredible eye for detail and a wicked sense of humor, ALLBLACK made major moves over the last 12 months. He dropped *Outcalls*, which featured a who’s who of rising West Coast rappers, as well as *2 Minute Drills*, a roller-coaster ride of an EP with Kenny Beats. Throughout the latter EP, BLACK rides bass-heavy, uptempo instrumentals from one of 2018’s biggest producers and offers a look at life in Oakland that’s so visceral, you feel like you’re prowling the streets right next to him. His flows are always fresh and engaging, and he also happens to be a slang connoisseur, carrying on the Bay’s history of shaping the rap lexicon. *—Grant Rindner*

Rexx Life Raj isn’t afraid to enjoy himself, as his partying-at-a-parade video for “Long Way” illustrates. The self-proclaimed “Berkeley superhero” has a lot more going for him than just having a good time, though. The former D1 offensive lineman and son of a Black Panther has already written insightfully about family and love, and also found time to update “Sprinkle Me” with E-Fizzle himself. With all that in his rearview, the chance of Raj following in the footsteps of his beloved Golden State Warriors and forming a dynasty of his own seems pretty strong, indeed. —Shawn Setaro — youtu.be

Rexx Life Raj isn’t afraid to enjoy himself, as his partying-at-a-parade video for “Long Way” illustrates. The self-proclaimed “Berkeley superhero” has a lot more going for him than just having a good time, though. The former D1 offensive lineman and son of a Black Panther has already written insightfully about family and love, and also found time to update “Sprinkle Me” with E-Fizzle himself. With all that in his rearview, the chance of Raj following in the footsteps of his beloved Golden State Warriors and forming a dynasty of his own seems pretty strong, indeed. *—Shawn Setaro*

youtu.be

Rexx Life Raj isn’t afraid to enjoy himself, as his partying-at-a-parade video for “Long Way” illustrates. The self-proclaimed “Berkeley superhero” has a lot more going for him than just having a good time, though. The former D1 offensive lineman and son of a Black Panther has already written insightfully about family and love, and also found time to update “Sprinkle Me” with E-Fizzle himself. With all that in his rearview, the chance of Raj following in the footsteps of his beloved Golden State Warriors and forming a dynasty of his own seems pretty strong, indeed. *—Shawn Setaro*

I fell in love with Melii’s energy when I heard “Balling” and “Icey” last year, and that was before Rihanna played it in one of her Instagram stories. I’ve paid close attention to her rise ever since, and I was hype when she stole the show on her Meek Mill Championships feature, “Wit The Shits.” With Latin rap making a comeback, Melii came thru with a bilingual flow at the perfect time. New York rap needs her to link up with Young M.A and go bar for bar. —Angel Diaz — youtu.be

I fell in love with Melii’s energy when I heard “Balling” and “Icey” last year, and that was before Rihanna played it in one of her Instagram stories. I’ve paid close attention to her rise ever since, and I was hype when she stole the show on her Meek Mill *Championships* feature, “Wit The Shits.” With Latin rap making a comeback, Melii came thru with a bilingual flow at the perfect time. New York rap needs her to link up with Young M.A and go bar for bar. *—Angel Diaz*

youtu.be

I fell in love with Melii’s energy when I heard “Balling” and “Icey” last year, and that was before Rihanna played it in one of her Instagram stories. I’ve paid close attention to her rise ever since, and I was hype when she stole the show on her Meek Mill *Championships* feature, “Wit The Shits.” With Latin rap making a comeback, Melii came thru with a bilingual flow at the perfect time. New York rap needs her to link up with Young M.A and go bar for bar. *—Angel Diaz*

Benny the Butcher has been playing the background in the Griselda Records camp for the past few years, while Conway and Westside Gunn rose to fame with Eminem co-signs. But 2018 moved Benny into the spotlight with stellar guest appearances on Gunn’s Supreme Blientele, along with his own superb project, Tana Talk 3. “Where I’m at in my career, one hit and I’ll be set to go,” Benny raps on TT3 standout, “’97 Hov.” 2019 is the year that’ll happen, as certain as Hov knows the difference between a 4.0 and a 4.6. —Shawn Setaro — youtu.be

Benny the Butcher has been playing the background in the Griselda Records camp for the past few years, while Conway and Westside Gunn rose to fame with Eminem co-signs. But 2018 moved Benny into the spotlight with stellar guest appearances on Gunn’s *Supreme Blientele*, along with his own superb project, *Tana Talk 3*. “Where I’m at in my career, one hit and I’ll be set to go,” Benny raps on TT3 standout, “’97 Hov.” 2019 is the year that’ll happen, as certain as Hov knows the difference between a 4.0 and a 4.6. *—Shawn Setaro*

youtu.be

Benny the Butcher has been playing the background in the Griselda Records camp for the past few years, while Conway and Westside Gunn rose to fame with Eminem co-signs. But 2018 moved Benny into the spotlight with stellar guest appearances on Gunn’s *Supreme Blientele*, along with his own superb project, *Tana Talk 3*. “Where I’m at in my career, one hit and I’ll be set to go,” Benny raps on TT3 standout, “’97 Hov.” 2019 is the year that’ll happen, as certain as Hov knows the difference between a 4.0 and a 4.6. *—Shawn Setaro*

YNW Melly’s career is moving so fast, I just had to rewrite this whole blurb because everything I had to say about him last week is already out of date. After impressing us throughout 2018 with songs that paired addictive melodies with brutally honest songwriting (“Murder On My Mind” is a must-listen), the 19-year-old Florida rapper opened 2019 with his biggest moment yet when he dropped a Cole Bennett-directed video for “Mixed Personalities,” featuring Kanye West. After closely studying hip-hop’s biggest stars throughout his childhood, he is now collaborating with his idols. “I watched every video they did, every mistake they made, every good thing they did, [and] every sound they made,” he explains in a self-released documentary. “I know that shit. I know how to do it. How the fuck can I not be your favorite rapper?” Good point, Melly. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

YNW Melly’s career is moving so fast, I just had to rewrite this whole blurb because everything I had to say about him last week is already out of date. After impressing us throughout 2018 with songs that paired addictive melodies with brutally honest songwriting (“Murder On My Mind” is a must-listen), the 19-year-old Florida rapper opened 2019 with his biggest moment yet when he dropped a Cole Bennett-directed video for “Mixed Personalities,” featuring Kanye West. After closely studying hip-hop’s biggest stars throughout his childhood, he is now collaborating with his idols. “I watched every video they did, every mistake they made, every good thing they did, [and] every sound they made,” he explains in a self-released documentary. “I know that shit. I know how to do it. How the fuck can I not be your favorite rapper?” Good point, Melly. *—Eric Skelton*

youtu.be

YNW Melly’s career is moving so fast, I just had to rewrite this whole blurb because everything I had to say about him last week is already out of date. After impressing us throughout 2018 with songs that paired addictive melodies with brutally honest songwriting (“Murder On My Mind” is a must-listen), the 19-year-old Florida rapper opened 2019 with his biggest moment yet when he dropped a Cole Bennett-directed video for “Mixed Personalities,” featuring Kanye West. After closely studying hip-hop’s biggest stars throughout his childhood, he is now collaborating with his idols. “I watched every video they did, every mistake they made, every good thing they did, [and] every sound they made,” he explains in a self-released documentary. “I know that shit. I know how to do it. How the fuck can I not be your favorite rapper?” Good point, Melly. *—Eric Skelton*

Pink Siifu is a delightful mystery. You can’t quite put your finger on what his style is from any given song or project. He’s committed to keeping his listeners on their toes, and every genre is his playground. “Ensley (Smile Made of Gold),” the intro of his critically acclaimed 2018 album, Ensley, sounds like the perfect marriage of blues and dream pop. The following track, “Pops Tired,” has a dense and devolved beat that sounds like something Earl Sweatshirt would have gladly swiped for his Some Rap Songs album. The key word that keeps popping into my head as I listen to Pink Siifu is “patience.” He’s not an artist who makes simplistic albums that you can skip through and still fully understand conceptually. He employs this scattered (but cohesive) approach for each of his projects, which means the next one, whenever it comes, will be just as much of a brainteaser. —Kiana Fitzgerald — youtu.be

Pink Siifu is a delightful mystery. You can’t quite put your finger on what his style is from any given song or project. He’s committed to keeping his listeners on their toes, and every genre is his playground. “Ensley (Smile Made of Gold),” the intro of his critically acclaimed 2018 album, *Ensley*, sounds like the perfect marriage of blues and dream pop. The following track, “Pops Tired,” has a dense and devolved beat that sounds like something Earl Sweatshirt would have gladly swiped for his *Some Rap Songs* album. The key word that keeps popping into my head as I listen to Pink Siifu is “patience.” He’s not an artist who makes simplistic albums that you can skip through and still fully understand conceptually. He employs this scattered (but cohesive) approach for each of his projects, which means the next one, whenever it comes, will be just as much of a brainteaser. *—Kiana Fitzgerald*

youtu.be

Pink Siifu is a delightful mystery. You can’t quite put your finger on what his style is from any given song or project. He’s committed to keeping his listeners on their toes, and every genre is his playground. “Ensley (Smile Made of Gold),” the intro of his critically acclaimed 2018 album, *Ensley*, sounds like the perfect marriage of blues and dream pop. The following track, “Pops Tired,” has a dense and devolved beat that sounds like something Earl Sweatshirt would have gladly swiped for his *Some Rap Songs* album. The key word that keeps popping into my head as I listen to Pink Siifu is “patience.” He’s not an artist who makes simplistic albums that you can skip through and still fully understand conceptually. He employs this scattered (but cohesive) approach for each of his projects, which means the next one, whenever it comes, will be just as much of a brainteaser. *—Kiana Fitzgerald*

Blueface emerged in 2018 as a curiosity, and we all had a lot of questions: Is he a joke? Is his offbeat delivery a sign of inexperience, or is it a flash of brilliance? Now, as we enter 2019, it’s becoming clear that Blueface knows exactly what he’s doing: He has the look and charisma of a megastar, his songs are full of witty internet-friendly lyrics, and his unique style separates him from a pack of emerging artists who sound just like their influences. After clips of his off-kilter flow took over Twitter this winter, he dropped a Cole Bennett-directed video for “Bleed It,” which marked his most accessible (and commercially successful) work to date. Twenty-six million views later, it looks like Blueface is figuring out how to turn his internet buzz into a viable career, and artists like YG and Drake are already reaching out for collaborations. We’ll be seeing a lot Blueface in 2019. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

Blueface emerged in 2018 as a curiosity, and we all had a lot of questions: Is he a joke? Is his offbeat delivery a sign of inexperience, or is it a flash of brilliance? Now, as we enter 2019, it’s becoming clear that Blueface knows exactly what he’s doing: He has the look and charisma of a megastar, his songs are full of witty internet-friendly lyrics, and his unique style separates him from a pack of emerging artists who sound just like their influences. After clips of his off-kilter flow took over Twitter this winter, he dropped a Cole Bennett-directed video for “Bleed It,” which marked his most accessible (and commercially successful) work to date. Twenty-six million views later, it looks like Blueface is figuring out how to turn his internet buzz into a viable career, and artists like YG and Drake are already reaching out for collaborations. We’ll be seeing a lot Blueface in 2019. *—Eric Skelton*

youtu.be

Blueface emerged in 2018 as a curiosity, and we all had a lot of questions: Is he a joke? Is his offbeat delivery a sign of inexperience, or is it a flash of brilliance? Now, as we enter 2019, it’s becoming clear that Blueface knows exactly what he’s doing: He has the look and charisma of a megastar, his songs are full of witty internet-friendly lyrics, and his unique style separates him from a pack of emerging artists who sound just like their influences. After clips of his off-kilter flow took over Twitter this winter, he dropped a Cole Bennett-directed video for “Bleed It,” which marked his most accessible (and commercially successful) work to date. Twenty-six million views later, it looks like Blueface is figuring out how to turn his internet buzz into a viable career, and artists like YG and Drake are already reaching out for collaborations. We’ll be seeing a lot Blueface in 2019. *—Eric Skelton*

Megan Thee Stallion earned major attention when she tamed the bronco that is Rojas and Jimmy Duval’s “Look At Me!” beat with a killer freestyle that later became her standout track “Stalli.” From there, the Houston rapper has kept her city’s rich tradition of strong lyricism and outhern bravado alive with projects like Make It Hot and Tina Snow. On the latter, she shows off on brolic trap production like “Cocky AF,” updates New Orleans bounce on “Hot Girl,” and crafts an R-rated slow jam with “Cognac Queen.” Her next release, Fever, is due out early this year, and she seems poised to bring her buzz from bubbling to a full boil in 2019. —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

Megan Thee Stallion earned major attention when she tamed the bronco that is Rojas and Jimmy Duval’s “Look At Me!” beat with a killer freestyle that later became her standout track “Stalli.” From there, the Houston rapper has kept her city’s rich tradition of strong lyricism and outhern bravado alive with projects like *Make It Hot* and Tina Snow. On the latter, she shows off on brolic trap production like “Cocky AF,” updates New Orleans bounce on “Hot Girl,” and crafts an R-rated slow jam with “Cognac Queen.” Her next release, *Fever*, is due out early this year, and she seems poised to bring her buzz from bubbling to a full boil in 2019. *—Grant Rindner*

youtu.be

Megan Thee Stallion earned major attention when she tamed the bronco that is Rojas and Jimmy Duval’s “Look At Me!” beat with a killer freestyle that later became her standout track “Stalli.” From there, the Houston rapper has kept her city’s rich tradition of strong lyricism and outhern bravado alive with projects like *Make It Hot* and Tina Snow. On the latter, she shows off on brolic trap production like “Cocky AF,” updates New Orleans bounce on “Hot Girl,” and crafts an R-rated slow jam with “Cognac Queen.” Her next release, *Fever*, is due out early this year, and she seems poised to bring her buzz from bubbling to a full boil in 2019. *—Grant Rindner*

On August 2 of last year, Don Toliver released what would become his breakout project, Donny Womack. The very next day, Travis Scott dropped his chart-dominating opus ASTROWORLD, and Toliver was featured on one of the album’s best songs (I’m not here to argue), “Can’t Say.” Because we’re in the era of artists no longer listing their featured collaborators, many fans guessed that Toliver was Nav trying a different singing style. But, eventually, the credits rolled, and much of the world saw the name Don Toliver for the first time. Because Toliver had just dropped Donny Womack the previous day, the new excitement doubled. At the same time, since music is quickly consumed and forgotten these days, that project is now, in 2019, old news. This year, it’s up to Toliver to remind us why Travis Scott plucked him out of the streets of Houston and presented him to an audience in desperate need of a fresh sound. —Kiana Fitzgerald — youtu.be

On August 2 of last year, Don Toliver released what would become his breakout project, *Donny Womack*. The very next day, Travis Scott dropped his chart-dominating opus *ASTROWORLD*, and Toliver was featured on one of the album’s best songs (I’m not here to argue), “Can’t Say.” Because we’re in the era of artists no longer listing their featured collaborators, many fans guessed that Toliver was Nav trying a different singing style. But, eventually, the credits rolled, and much of the world saw the name Don Toliver for the first time. Because Toliver had just dropped *Donny Womack* the previous day, the new excitement doubled. At the same time, since music is quickly consumed and forgotten these days, that project is now, in 2019, old news. This year, it’s up to Toliver to remind us why Travis Scott plucked him out of the streets of Houston and presented him to an audience in desperate need of a fresh sound. *—Kiana Fitzgerald*

youtu.be

On August 2 of last year, Don Toliver released what would become his breakout project, *Donny Womack*. The very next day, Travis Scott dropped his chart-dominating opus *ASTROWORLD*, and Toliver was featured on one of the album’s best songs (I’m not here to argue), “Can’t Say.” Because we’re in the era of artists no longer listing their featured collaborators, many fans guessed that Toliver was Nav trying a different singing style. But, eventually, the credits rolled, and much of the world saw the name Don Toliver for the first time. Because Toliver had just dropped *Donny Womack* the previous day, the new excitement doubled. At the same time, since music is quickly consumed and forgotten these days, that project is now, in 2019, old news. This year, it’s up to Toliver to remind us why Travis Scott plucked him out of the streets of Houston and presented him to an audience in desperate need of a fresh sound. *—Kiana Fitzgerald*

“I wanted to speak on something bigger than me,” GRIP told Pigeons & Planes last year. With his conceptual debut, PORCH, he's succeeded. He’s been quiet lately, releasing only one single (“Bernie Mac”) in recent months. But that track left us hungry for more of GRIP’s thoughtfulness, fire, ambition, and confidence. “Bernie Mac” explicitly mentions CyHi and J.I.D as hometown contemporaries whom the Atlanta-based GRIP respects. 2019 will be the year he's mentioned in the same breath as them. —Shawn Setaro — youtu.be

“I wanted to speak on something bigger than me,” GRIP told Pigeons & Planes last year. With his conceptual debut, *PORCH*, he's succeeded. He’s been quiet lately, releasing only one single (“Bernie Mac”) in recent months. But that track left us hungry for more of GRIP’s thoughtfulness, fire, ambition, and confidence. “Bernie Mac” explicitly mentions CyHi and J.I.D as hometown contemporaries whom the Atlanta-based GRIP respects. 2019 will be the year he's mentioned in the same breath as them. *—Shawn Setaro*

youtu.be

“I wanted to speak on something bigger than me,” GRIP told Pigeons & Planes last year. With his conceptual debut, *PORCH*, he's succeeded. He’s been quiet lately, releasing only one single (“Bernie Mac”) in recent months. But that track left us hungry for more of GRIP’s thoughtfulness, fire, ambition, and confidence. “Bernie Mac” explicitly mentions CyHi and J.I.D as hometown contemporaries whom the Atlanta-based GRIP respects. 2019 will be the year he's mentioned in the same breath as them. *—Shawn Setaro*

youtu.be

There’s a simple explanation for Roddy Ricch’s momentum entering 2019: He’s an exceptionally gifted and charismatic songwriter. The Compton artist, who acknowledges late South Carolina rapper Speaker Knockerz as a formative influence, has unlocked his idol’s rare ability to balance meaningful, storytelling lyricism with an endless arsenal of catchy melodies. Ricch’s ascent accelerated after the release last July of “Die Young,” a London On Da Track-produced single written in reaction to the murder of XXXTENTACION and in tribute to the lives of X, Lil Snupe, and Speaker Knockerz. As “Die Young” climbed into public consciousness in late 2018, Ricch unleashed an onslaught of quality music and high-profile looks, including his well-received *Feed Tha Streets II* project, a feature on Meek Mill’s *Championships* album, and a single with masked EDM star Marshmello. With a fan base that’s growing by the second and a rapid output of streaming hits, Roddy Ricch is set up well for a massive year in 2019. *—Arjun Grover*

youtu.be

A year ago, Keem (also known as Baby Keem and Two Phone Baby Keem) mysteriously floated onto the scene with production placements on projects of a much higher profile than newcomers typically find themselves: TDE's *Black Panther* soundtrack and Jay Rock's *Redemption* album. You'll find him in the credits under his government name Hykeem Carter, but aside from that, not much is known about the reclusive writer-rapper-singer-producer. What we do know is that Keem knows how to craft a fully-fleshed song, as he displayed on his EPs *Midnight* and *Hearts & Darts*. Then he linked up with Cardo for a full-length, *The Sound of Bad Habit*. On bangers like “Check Please” and “Gang Activities,” you can hear his powers growing in real time. If the project’s thunderous, chest-thumping self-titled track is any indication, Keem is here to body shit and take no prisoners in 2019. —*Frazier Tharpe*

Young Thug’s Slime Language put me on to Lil Keed, I can’t even front. But his song “Nameless” from Keed Talk To ’Em is what made me a believer. I listen to “Nameless” on repeat for at least half an hour whenever I stumble across it in my iTunes. Also, my dumbass self thought he was from Ohio the way he was shouting out Cleveland so much on his tapes (honest mistake!). Turns out he was talking about Cleveland Ave in Atlanta’s Zone 3. Anyway, Keed is going to be a star if he keeps making hits like “Nameless.” That song needs to be all over the radio. —Angel Diaz — youtu.be

Young Thug’s *Slime Language* put me on to Lil Keed, I can’t even front. But his song “Nameless” from *Keed Talk To* ’Em is what made me a believer. I listen to “Nameless” on repeat for at least half an hour whenever I stumble across it in my iTunes. Also, my dumbass self thought he was from Ohio the way he was shouting out Cleveland so much on his tapes (honest mistake!). Turns out he was talking about Cleveland Ave in Atlanta’s Zone 3. Anyway, Keed is going to be a star if he keeps making hits like “Nameless.” That song needs to be all over the radio. *—Angel Diaz*

youtu.be

Young Thug’s *Slime Language* put me on to Lil Keed, I can’t even front. But his song “Nameless” from *Keed Talk To* ’Em is what made me a believer. I listen to “Nameless” on repeat for at least half an hour whenever I stumble across it in my iTunes. Also, my dumbass self thought he was from Ohio the way he was shouting out Cleveland so much on his tapes (honest mistake!). Turns out he was talking about Cleveland Ave in Atlanta’s Zone 3. Anyway, Keed is going to be a star if he keeps making hits like “Nameless.” That song needs to be all over the radio. *—Angel Diaz*

You don’t know much about Brandon Ares and his Pink Room Project collective. Hopefully that changes in 2019. The New Orleans rapper sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard before, and he has the stage presence of an artist who has been performing for years. It was actually his performance in a cage fence at 2018’s Buku Fest that put me on. It featured someone who sounded like Juvenile rapping over house music while a hype man wearing a choir robe treated the performance like a sermon. In short, the shit was incredible. Ares and his crew (shouts to Lil Jodeci) mix all types of genres and sounds, with an emphasis on house, rap, and New Orleans bounce. Listen to Good Love 2017: Dyke and “Back To ’99,” and get involved! —Angel Diaz — youtu.be

You don’t know much about Brandon Ares and his Pink Room Project collective. Hopefully that changes in 2019. The New Orleans rapper sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard before, and he has the stage presence of an artist who has been performing for years. It was actually his performance in a cage fence at 2018’s Buku Fest that put me on. It featured someone who sounded like Juvenile rapping over house music while a hype man wearing a choir robe treated the performance like a sermon. In short, the shit was incredible. Ares and his crew (shouts to Lil Jodeci) mix all types of genres and sounds, with an emphasis on house, rap, and New Orleans bounce. Listen to *Good Love 2017: Dyke* and “Back To ’99,” and get involved! —*Angel Diaz*

youtu.be

You don’t know much about Brandon Ares and his Pink Room Project collective. Hopefully that changes in 2019. The New Orleans rapper sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard before, and he has the stage presence of an artist who has been performing for years. It was actually his performance in a cage fence at 2018’s Buku Fest that put me on. It featured someone who sounded like Juvenile rapping over house music while a hype man wearing a choir robe treated the performance like a sermon. In short, the shit was incredible. Ares and his crew (shouts to Lil Jodeci) mix all types of genres and sounds, with an emphasis on house, rap, and New Orleans bounce. Listen to *Good Love 2017: Dyke* and “Back To ’99,” and get involved! —*Angel Diaz*

Memphis is having a moment right now. In 2018, BlocBoy JB and Tay Keith emerged on the national scene with one of the best songs of the year, “Look Alive,” but that was just a glimpse at a city full of talented new artists. Who’s up next, you ask? Our bets are on Key Glock. The charismatic 21-year-old rapper is racking up millions of plays on hard-hitting cuts like his Tay Keith-produced Glock Bond standout “Russian Cream,” and he’s doing it all without big-name collaborations. “I know if I would have used the big features, I would have reached a higher peak than I’m at right now,” he says. “I know I’m going to still get to that point eventually. I’m going to do it my way.” —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

Memphis is having a moment right now. In 2018, BlocBoy JB and Tay Keith emerged on the national scene with one of the best songs of the year, “Look Alive,” but that was just a glimpse at a city full of talented new artists. Who’s up next, you ask? Our bets are on Key Glock. The charismatic 21-year-old rapper is racking up millions of plays on hard-hitting cuts like his Tay Keith-produced *Glock Bond* standout “Russian Cream,” and he’s doing it all without big-name collaborations. “I know if I would have used the big features, I would have reached a higher peak than I’m at right now,” he says. “I know I’m going to still get to that point eventually. I’m going to do it my way.” *—Eric Skelton*

youtu.be

Memphis is having a moment right now. In 2018, BlocBoy JB and Tay Keith emerged on the national scene with one of the best songs of the year, “Look Alive,” but that was just a glimpse at a city full of talented new artists. Who’s up next, you ask? Our bets are on Key Glock. The charismatic 21-year-old rapper is racking up millions of plays on hard-hitting cuts like his Tay Keith-produced *Glock Bond* standout “Russian Cream,” and he’s doing it all without big-name collaborations. “I know if I would have used the big features, I would have reached a higher peak than I’m at right now,” he says. “I know I’m going to still get to that point eventually. I’m going to do it my way.” *—Eric Skelton*

Lil Tjay refers to himself as the “Prince of New York” on Instagram. With only three songs currently on Spotify, it’s a bold claim for a 17-year-old rapper to make, but he’s well on his way to manifesting those words into reality. With a bouncy, melodic sound that seems to draw more inspiration from A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie than JAY-Z, he represents a new era for New York. After having grown up listening to the pop-friendly sounds of Michael Jackson and Usher, as well as Disney stars like Ariana Grande, Tjay isn’t afraid of sampling Justin Bieber songs and leaning into the “hip-hop hearthrob” label that keeps getting thrown his way. With label backing from Columbia Records and a rapidly growing following of young fans, everything is in line for a breakout year from Lil Tjay in 2019. —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

Lil Tjay refers to himself as the “Prince of New York” on Instagram. With only three songs currently on Spotify, it’s a bold claim for a 17-year-old rapper to make, but he’s well on his way to manifesting those words into reality. With a bouncy, melodic sound that seems to draw more inspiration from A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie than JAY-Z, he represents a new era for New York. After having grown up listening to the pop-friendly sounds of Michael Jackson and Usher, as well as Disney stars like Ariana Grande, Tjay isn’t afraid of sampling Justin Bieber songs and leaning into the “hip-hop hearthrob” label that keeps getting thrown his way. With label backing from Columbia Records and a rapidly growing following of young fans, everything is in line for a breakout year from Lil Tjay in 2019. —*Eric Skelton*

youtu.be

Lil Tjay refers to himself as the “Prince of New York” on Instagram. With only three songs currently on Spotify, it’s a bold claim for a 17-year-old rapper to make, but he’s well on his way to manifesting those words into reality. With a bouncy, melodic sound that seems to draw more inspiration from A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie than JAY-Z, he represents a new era for New York. After having grown up listening to the pop-friendly sounds of Michael Jackson and Usher, as well as Disney stars like Ariana Grande, Tjay isn’t afraid of sampling Justin Bieber songs and leaning into the “hip-hop hearthrob” label that keeps getting thrown his way. With label backing from Columbia Records and a rapidly growing following of young fans, everything is in line for a breakout year from Lil Tjay in 2019. —*Eric Skelton*

The majority of young rappers out right now excel with melody or with bars, but it's rare to find a new artist who has a proficiency in both. Bernard Jabs is one of those exceptions. The 17-year-old got a head start last year as a headliner on Pusha-T's tour, and he's used that proximity to greatness to soak up game. He’s coming into 2019 with a fully-loaded clip. “Big Tymers” is a nice appetizer, but having heard a preview of his upcoming project already, I can say that Bernard's penchant for infectiously fun melodies, breezy beats, and deceptively layered bars will catch on in no time. —Frazier Tharpe — youtu.be

The majority of young rappers out right now excel with melody or with bars, but it's rare to find a new artist who has a proficiency in both. Bernard Jabs is one of those exceptions. The 17-year-old got a head start last year as a headliner on Pusha-T's tour, and he's used that proximity to greatness to soak up game. He’s coming into 2019 with a fully-loaded clip. “Big Tymers” is a nice appetizer, but having heard a preview of his upcoming project already, I can say that Bernard's penchant for infectiously fun melodies, breezy beats, and deceptively layered bars will catch on in no time. *—Frazier Tharpe*

youtu.be

The majority of young rappers out right now excel with melody or with bars, but it's rare to find a new artist who has a proficiency in both. Bernard Jabs is one of those exceptions. The 17-year-old got a head start last year as a headliner on Pusha-T's tour, and he's used that proximity to greatness to soak up game. He’s coming into 2019 with a fully-loaded clip. “Big Tymers” is a nice appetizer, but having heard a preview of his upcoming project already, I can say that Bernard's penchant for infectiously fun melodies, breezy beats, and deceptively layered bars will catch on in no time. *—Frazier Tharpe*

Yungeen Ace’s 2018 was full of dramatic highs and lows. The 20-year-old Florida rapper made a strong introduction with two excellent projects, Life of Betrayal and Life I’m Livin, which were released after a July shooting took the lives of his brother and two friends and left Ace in critical condition. Speaking with Complex about his motivation to make music in the wake of the shooting, Ace says, “The music speaks for me. I've got a message. Somebody going to want to hear it. Somebody going to hear it, even if it's one person.” He adds, “I'm going to make the world feel this, you know. If I can't change the world, I'm going to change somebody's life.” It’s more than just talk: Yungeen Ace has been releasing music with a sense of urgency that separates him from the pack. If you’re just catching up, start with Life of Betrayal’s anguished standout, “Pain.” —Eric Skelton — youtu.be

Yungeen Ace’s 2018 was full of dramatic highs and lows. The 20-year-old Florida rapper made a strong introduction with two excellent projects, *Life of Betrayal* and *Life I’m Livin*, which were released after a July shooting took the lives of his brother and two friends and left Ace in critical condition. Speaking with Complex about his motivation to make music in the wake of the shooting, Ace says, “The music speaks for me. I've got a message. Somebody going to want to hear it. Somebody going to hear it, even if it's one person.” He adds, “I'm going to make the world feel this, you know. If I can't change the world, I'm going to change somebody's life.” It’s more than just talk: Yungeen Ace has been releasing music with a sense of urgency that separates him from the pack. If you’re just catching up, start with *Life of Betrayal*’s anguished standout, “Pain.” *—Eric Skelton*

youtu.be

Yungeen Ace’s 2018 was full of dramatic highs and lows. The 20-year-old Florida rapper made a strong introduction with two excellent projects, *Life of Betrayal* and *Life I’m Livin*, which were released after a July shooting took the lives of his brother and two friends and left Ace in critical condition. Speaking with Complex about his motivation to make music in the wake of the shooting, Ace says, “The music speaks for me. I've got a message. Somebody going to want to hear it. Somebody going to hear it, even if it's one person.” He adds, “I'm going to make the world feel this, you know. If I can't change the world, I'm going to change somebody's life.” It’s more than just talk: Yungeen Ace has been releasing music with a sense of urgency that separates him from the pack. If you’re just catching up, start with *Life of Betrayal*’s anguished standout, “Pain.” *—Eric Skelton*

If you’ve never been to a Texas club, one thing to know is our lasting legends can get (and keep) people moving. From Big Tuck to Beat King, the songs that stand the test of time are the ones that can either get people to fight, celebrate, twerk something, or a mixture of all three. 10k.Caash is following in the footsteps of said legends, while taking a detour through hip-hop’s new obsession with dance crazes. At this point, 10k.Caash is best known for being one of a few possible creators of the Woah, a Dallas dance that has taken over Texas (and the industry at large). Drake, Travis Scott, and Odell Beckham Jr. have already been spotted hitting the move. Not content to be seen as a mere dance creator, Caash has also officially entered the hip-hop arena as a rapper. His latest project, The Creator, features Rico Nasty and Lil Yachty, as well as production from last year’s MVPs Tay Keith and Kenny Beats. 10.Caash is a prime example of what’s possible for a new rapper with good connections, great producers, and enough energy to turn the most popping Texas club inside out. —Kiana Fitzgerald — youtu.be

If you’ve never been to a Texas club, one thing to know is our lasting legends can get (and keep) people moving. From Big Tuck to Beat King, the songs that stand the test of time are the ones that can either get people to fight, celebrate, twerk something, or a mixture of all three. 10k.Caash is following in the footsteps of said legends, while taking a detour through hip-hop’s new obsession with dance crazes. At this point, 10k.Caash is best known for being one of a few possible creators of the Woah, a Dallas dance that has taken over Texas (and the industry at large). Drake, Travis Scott, and Odell Beckham Jr. have already been spotted hitting the move. Not content to be seen as a mere dance creator, Caash has also officially entered the hip-hop arena as a rapper. His latest project, *The Creator*, features Rico Nasty and Lil Yachty, as well as production from last year’s MVPs Tay Keith and Kenny Beats. 10.Caash is a prime example of what’s possible for a new rapper with good connections, great producers, and enough energy to turn the most popping Texas club inside out. —*Kiana Fitzgerald*

youtu.be

If you’ve never been to a Texas club, one thing to know is our lasting legends can get (and keep) people moving. From Big Tuck to Beat King, the songs that stand the test of time are the ones that can either get people to fight, celebrate, twerk something, or a mixture of all three. 10k.Caash is following in the footsteps of said legends, while taking a detour through hip-hop’s new obsession with dance crazes. At this point, 10k.Caash is best known for being one of a few possible creators of the Woah, a Dallas dance that has taken over Texas (and the industry at large). Drake, Travis Scott, and Odell Beckham Jr. have already been spotted hitting the move. Not content to be seen as a mere dance creator, Caash has also officially entered the hip-hop arena as a rapper. His latest project, *The Creator*, features Rico Nasty and Lil Yachty, as well as production from last year’s MVPs Tay Keith and Kenny Beats. 10.Caash is a prime example of what’s possible for a new rapper with good connections, great producers, and enough energy to turn the most popping Texas club inside out. —*Kiana Fitzgerald*

There’s an elite crop of shit-talking MCs popping out of Los Angeles right now, and Compton’s 1TakeJay is one of the best (he literally named an EP Talkin Shit). Whether he’s calling out a woman for only being around when he’s got the money for Benihana on “Can’t Fuck With You” or bragging about his weed connections despite not smoking on “Arco,” you never know what Jay is going to cook up from one bar to the next. So far, Jay has mostly flexed atop distinctly West Coast beats, as he did on The Winning Team, but he’s also proven he can put his signature stamp on more widely commercial joints (check out his “ZEZE” remix). —Grant Rindner — youtu.be

There’s an elite crop of shit-talking MCs popping out of Los Angeles right now, and Compton’s 1TakeJay is one of the best (he literally named an EP *Talkin Shit*). Whether he’s calling out a woman for only being around when he’s got the money for Benihana on “Can’t Fuck With You” or bragging about his weed connections despite not smoking on “Arco,” you never know what Jay is going to cook up from one bar to the next. So far, Jay has mostly flexed atop distinctly West Coast beats, as he did on *The Winning Team*, but he’s also proven he can put his signature stamp on more widely commercial joints (check out his “ZEZE” remix). *—Grant Rindner*

youtu.be

There’s an elite crop of shit-talking MCs popping out of Los Angeles right now, and Compton’s 1TakeJay is one of the best (he literally named an EP *Talkin Shit*). Whether he’s calling out a woman for only being around when he’s got the money for Benihana on “Can’t Fuck With You” or bragging about his weed connections despite not smoking on “Arco,” you never know what Jay is going to cook up from one bar to the next. So far, Jay has mostly flexed atop distinctly West Coast beats, as he did on *The Winning Team*, but he’s also proven he can put his signature stamp on more widely commercial joints (check out his “ZEZE” remix). *—Grant Rindner*

New Music New-Artists Blueface Rappers Rappers To Watch Newsletter Features

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our

and

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.

Channels

Follow On

Read On

Complex Global

Work with us

20 Rappers to Watch in 2019

ALLBLACK

View this video on YouTube

Rexx Life Raj

View this video on YouTube

Melii

View this video on YouTube

Benny the Butcher

View this video on YouTube

YNW Melly

View this video on YouTube

Pink Siifu

View this video on YouTube

Blueface

View this video on YouTube

Megan Thee Stallion

View this video on YouTube

Don Toliver

View this video on YouTube

GRIP

View this video on YouTube

Roddy Ricch

View this video on YouTube

Baby Keem

View this video on YouTube

Lil Keed

View this video on YouTube

Brandon Ares

View this video on YouTube

Key Glock

View this video on YouTube

Lil Tjay

View this video on YouTube

Bernard Jabs

View this video on YouTube

Yungeen Ace

View this video on YouTube

10k.Caash

View this video on YouTube

1TakeJay

View this video on YouTube

Complex MusicNewsletter

Latest in Music