Rappers to Watch in 2021

Complex's picks for the rising rappers you need to look out for in 2021, including $NOT, Morray, Rubi Rose, CJ, Hotboii, and more.

Rappers to watch in 2021
Complex Original

Complex Original

Rappers to watch in 2021

Each year, there are new variables that shape the success of up-and-coming artists. And as we enter 2021, there are more questions than answers about what will unfold in the next 12 months. Will a new app like TikTok pop up and change the way people share and consume new music? How will virtual events evolve as the pandemic continues? Will festivals and major concerts return by the end of the year? Despite the uncertainty, however, there are clues that indicate which artists are closing in on their big breakout moments. Throughout 2020, new rappers figured out ways to make a splash during an extremely tumultuous year, and many of them show signs that they’re about to level up in 2021.

For the purposes of this list, we excluded artists who have been featured on our Rappers to Watch lists in past years. So, while we expect to see rappers like Baby Keem (2019’s list) and Flo Milli (2020’s list) have big years in 2021, you won’t see their names here. We also tried to avoid artists who were all over our Best of 2020 lists, like Sada Baby and 42 Dugg, so we could leave more room for rappers who we expect to break through and reach much larger audiences on a national level than they have in the past. So, if you want to stay ahead of the curve on what’s happening in rap and get a preview of what the future of the genre will sound like, here are the artists to keep an eye on. These are Complex’s picks for the rappers to watch in 2021.

$NOT

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Denzel Curry, Xavier Wulf, Tyler, the Creator

Listen to these songs first: “GOSHA,” “Mean,” “Like Me”

“Some people say my sound is dark, but I don’t really see that,” $NOT told Pigeons & Planes. “It’s hella chill.” He’s right. Separating himself from fellow Florida rappers who exploded on SoundCloud with loud and aggressive songs, $NOT uses his naturally deep voice in a more laid back way, effortlessly gliding over bass-heavy production as he delivers deceptively catchy melodies. The 300 Entertainment signee has been steadily building momentum over the past couple of years, earning a placement on the Euphoria soundtrack, releasing viral hits like “GOSHA,” and tapping director Cole Bennett for Lyrical Lemonade’s first back-to-back videos with the same artist. Pulling a hoodie over his head whenever he steps outside, $NOT presents the image of a rapper who likes to keep things low-key and mysterious, but if he keeps making addictive hits like “Mean” and “Like Me,” he might have to adapt to life as a superstar. —Eric Skelton

Morray

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Roddy Ricch, Rod Wave, Drake

Listen to these songs first: “Quicksand,” “Switched Up,” “Big Decisions”

If you watch any of Morray’s music videos, you’ll see he has the kind of natural charisma it takes to become a major star. Busting out dance moves and flashing a gold smile, he commands the spotlight, most noticeably in the video for his breakout hit, “Quicksand.” It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that the North Carolina rapper writes screenplays in his free time and has plans to become an actor someday. For now, though, the quality of his music is more than enough to hold our attention. Possessing an exceptional ear for melody, Morray writes songs that will get stuck in your head after just one listen. And as you keep playing them over and over, you’ll pick up on his knack for storytelling, too. With each new track, Morray lets us in on a new chapter of his life story, while proving himself as one of the best new melodic rappers out. He really has it all. Now, we can’t wait to see what he can do over the course of a full-length project. —Eric Skelton

Popp Hunna

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug, Don Toliver

Listen to these songs first: “Adderall (Corvette Corvette),” “I’m Single,” “Take Off”

There weren’t many newcomers who closed out 2020 as well as Popp Hunna did. His song “Adderall (Corvette Corvette)” blew up on TikTok, thanks to its catchy intro and bouncy production, before the release of a remix featuring Lil Uzi Vert poured gas on the viral fire. Soon, the song was everywhere (even Pittsburgh Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster couldn’t help but dance along) and Popp Hunna became one of the most buzzed-about new names in rap. Digging into the rest of his 2020 project, Mud Baby, it’s clear this isn’t a case of an artist who lucked out with one fluky viral moment, though. Songs like “I’m Single” and “Take Off” show he has the ability to churn out upbeat, addictive songs on a consistent basis. Like his collaborator Lil Uzi Vert, it’s very clear how much fun Popp Hunna has making music, and that energy is infectious. No wonder so many people danced and made TikToks when they heard his music last year. It’s impossible to sit still whenever Popp Hunna comes on. —Eric Skelton

Hotboii

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Kodak Black, YNW Melly, YoungBoy Never Broke Again

Listen to these songs first: “Don’t Need Time,” “Noun,” “Goat Talk 2”

The world has been very unpredictable lately, but one thing that remains a constant is that Florida keeps pumping out stars. And who’s up next? Hotboii. Everything about him, from the sound of his music to his two incredibly long wicks, makes it impossible to mistake him for being from anywhere but Florida. The 20-year-old Orlando native received major attention last year when he dropped the video for “Don’t Need Time,” which was shot at the funeral of his friend who had passed away. Then he released Kut Da Fan On, which was one of the best tapes to drop in 2020. Near the end of the year, he dropped his major label debut, Double O Baby, which is full of songs that seem primed to become big hits in 2021, particularly “I Don’t Want.” A natural at singing, rapping, and crafting hooks, Hotboii can do it all. —Eric Wells

CJ

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Pop Smoke, Fivio Foreign, Sheff G

Listen to these songs first: “Whoopty,” “Exposed,” “Understood”

If New York bars and clubs were open in 2020, CJ’s “Whoopty” would have been inescapable. Building on the Brooklyn drill movement ignited by artists like Pop Smoke, Sheff G, and 22Gz, the Staten Island rapper jumped on an explosive beat from Pxcoyo and delivered one of the biggest songs to come from New York City all year. He recently revealed that “Whoopty” was his first attempt at making drill music, after focusing on a more melodic style earlier in his career, so now there’s one big question following CJ: Can he follow it up with another hit? Based on the recent announcements that he signed a deal with Warner Records and French Montana will executive produce his forthcoming EP, it appears he’s building a strong team around himself. We like his chances to build on the “Whoopty” momentum in 2021. —Eric Skelton

Armani Caesar

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Lil’ Kim, Griselda, Foxy Brown

Listen to these songs first: “Simply Done,” “The Nasty Song,” “Mac 10s For Everybody”

Armani Caesar was discovered by the Griselda crew’s late elder statesman DJ Shay, and she rhymed with the rap crew when they were all moving as Buff City Records in the late 2000s to early 2010s. After some time away from Buffalo, she signed to Griselda last March and turned heads with features on “Lil Cease” with Westside Gunn (one of the best rap verses of the year) and two tracks on Gunn’s WHO MADE THE SUNSHINE. Then, her debut album, The Liz, showcased Caesar imbuing the crew’s coke rap cipher with a feminine touch. Armani Caesar is affirming her power in the male-dominated rap world, and doing it with sharp lyricism and an ear for beats that purists have to love. —Andre Gee

Navy Blue

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Earl Sweatshirt, Gil Scott-Heron, Yasiin Bey

Listen to these songs first: “Higher Self,” “Moment Hung,” “1491”

You may know Navy Blue by his real name, Sage Elsesser, as he is a professional skateboarder sponsored by brands like Converse and Fucking Awesome. More recently, though, an increasing amount of attention has been put on his music. After releasing standout songs like “never thought i’d be one to cry like this” on SoundCloud, he released 2020’s Àdá Irin on streaming services, before following it up with another tape called Song of Sage: Post Panic! Both projects showcase his poetic style of rapping, as he mixes in singing and soulful loops. Showing his range, he also produces beats, putting out a 2020 collab album with AnkhleJohn called As Above So Below. At a time when the world is hurting from so many things, Navy Blue makes music to heal the spirit. —Eric Wells

SSGKobe

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Don Toliver, Roddy Ricch, Gunna

Listen to these songs first: “FNF,” “Sandlot,” “Wyd?”

SSGKobe is only 17 years old, but he’s already showing signs of a potential takeover in 2021. In the final days of 2020, the Louisiana rapper hit a buzzer-beater with “FNF,” a hypnotic track that displays his knack for writing catchy melodies. It was just the latest in a string of standout singles—including “Sandlot,” “Wyd?,” and “Feelings”—that SSGKobe released throughout the year, as he turned heads with his ability to make addictive, upbeat songs that demand repeat listens. It’s nearly impossible to play an SSGKobe song just once. When you encounter a melody like the one he lays down on “FNF,” it will invariably end up bouncing around in your brain until you give in and play it again (and again). With the backing of Zack Bia’s Field Trip Recordings, the rapper has surrounded himself with a strong support system, setting himself up for an explosive year as he gets ready to drop a new project. Don’t be surprised when you see his name all over your Spotify playlists (and Triller and TikTok feeds) over the next 12 months. The future is bright for SSGKobe. —Eric Skelton

Lil Eazzyy

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: G Herbo, Polo G, NLE Choppa

Listen to these songs first: “Onna Come Up,” “Finally Rich,” “Feeling Different”

The new movement of voices for the Chicago streets is in full swing, and Lil Eazzyy is chief among them. The young rapper has been on the rise since performing “Onna Come Up” as a freestyle that he put on his Instagram page. Since then, he’s steadily gained fans who appreciate his nimble flows and gritty reflections, which were most recently on display next to G Herbo on the “Onna Come Up” remix. He just graduated high school, and now it looks like he’s poised to skip college and head straight to the league of rap stardom. —Andre Gee

Toosii

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Rod Wave, Roddy Ricch, YK Osiris

Listen to these songs first: “Sapiosexual,” “Poetic Pain,” “Love Cycle”

Toosii first caught buzz in 2017 with his EP Why Not Now, a collection of melodic records that featured personal lyrics detailing his life and struggles. And by 2020, he has released a series of projects, including 2020’s Platinum Heart and Poetic Pain. Like those titles might suggest, Toosii wears his heart on his sleeve, often creating soothing tracks that draw on experiences from romantic relationships and his personal life. Though many of his songs appeal to female audiences, he has the range to reach all demographics. Toosii can do everything, and if he keeps the momentum up from 2020, he seems primed to have his best year yet in 2021. —Jessica McKinney

Erica Banks

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Asian Doll, Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby

Listen to these songs first: “Buss It,” “Trip Out,” “Toot That”

Erica Banks’ “Buss It” was one of the first viral sensations of 2021. Like so many hits of the last few years, it became a hit on TikTok, surrounded by a dance called the Buss It Challenge (you can read a primer here). While the single has brought her a lot of casual fans, her future as an MC is more exciting than one viral craze. The Texas rapper favors bass-heavy, club-ready beats, and her taunting flow is ferocious. Banks’ delivery is hypnotic, and she populates her songs with layers of vocals, making it sound like she’s attacking the beat from multiple angles. It’s easy for viral sensations to fall into the abyss, but Erica Banks has more than enough skill to turn her breakthrough moment into a long-lasting career. —Will Schube

Bfb Da Packman

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Sada Baby, Teejayx6, Zack Fox

Listen to these songs first: “Free Joe Exotic,” “Honey Pack,” “Northside Ghetto Soulja”

Michigan rap had a huge year in 2020, delivering lots of exciting new artists, and one of the breakout talents was Flint’s own, BFB Da Packman. His year was highlighted by his viral Sada Baby collab, “Free Joe Exotic,” where he had some of the funniest and most quotable lines of 2020. Packman’s songs are full of humorous bars, but that never overshadows the fact that he’s a very skillful rapper who can hold his own with the best lyricists out. In a genre where a lot of artist can take themselves a little too seriously, he brings a different energy. Every time you press play on a Bfb Da Packman song, you know you’re about to have a good time. —Eric Wells

Rubi Rose

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Nicki Minaj, K. Camp, Cardi B

Listen to these songs first: “Pogo,” “Big Mouth,” “He In His Feelings” 

With a distinct voice and sex appeal, Rubi Rose is a great new addition to the growing list of women rappers who are taking over the genre right now. Her music is confident, with a mix of raunchy and gutter bars that make for ideal Instagram captions. In the past year, she’s shown an ability to slide on all kinds of different beats, from the harmonious guitar strings on “He In His Feelings” to the trap-inspired beat on “Pogo.” Casual fans might recognize Rubi Rose from her appearance in Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP” music video, and we expect her to be involved in even more viral moments as she releases more music of her own in 2021. For now, make sure to check out her excellent 2020 project, For The Streets, if you haven’t already. —Jessica McKinney

Pooh Shiesty

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Young Dolph, Yo Gotti, Key Glock

Listen to these songs first: “Back In Blood,” “7.62 God,” “Twerksum”

Signed to Gucci Manes’s 1017 record label, Pooh Shiesty is one of the hardest new rappers out. The Memphis artist generated major buzz with “7.62 God,” which would have probably been even bigger if everything were open outside. Songs like “Twerksum” feature his already popular ad-lib “bdrrrrrr,” which has become synonymous with Shiesty. He has a limited discography so far, but his potential is through the roof, as nearly everything he’s dropped has attracted tens of millions of plays. He’s yet to drop a debut project, but when it arrives in February, we expect it will send him into a different stratosphere. —Eric Wells

SpotemGottem

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Kodak Black, Jackboy, YoungBoy Never Broke Again

Listen to these songs first: “BeatBox,” “BeatBox 2,” “Attic”

Few up-and-coming artists got off to a better start in 2021 than SpotemGottem, whose hit “BeatBox” single went extremely viral thanks to dance challenges on TikTok. As you’ll hear throughout his recently-released project, Final Destination, the Jacksonville rapper has plenty of other great music ready to capitalize on the wave of attention coming his way right now. On songs like “BeatBox 2” and “Attic,” he flexes his versatility, showing he’s equally comfortable rapping over a hard-hitting beat as he is floating over a mellow vocal sample. Like clockwork, a new class of Florida rappers find mainstream success each and every year, and it’s a safe bet that SpotemGottem will be one of them in 2021. —Eric Skelton

Radamiz

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: J. Cole, Joey Badass, Beast Coast

Listen to these songs first: “I am Blessed, I’m Alive, I’m Amazing,” “Knuckles,” “God Is Not Money (H. ILLA Remix)”

Radamiz just might be the best lyricist on this list. The Brooklyn MC has steadily developed his craft in the New York “underground” scene over the 2010s, refining a skillset that allows him to weave thoughtful, poetics into at-times dizzying cadences. He’s the rare MC that’s relentlessly positive on songs like “I am Blessed, I’m Alive, I’m Amazing,” but he also makes it clear that he would kill your favorite MC bar-for-bar. So far, he’s released three strong projects: 2016’s Writeous, 2019’s Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes, and last year’s Synonyms Of Strength. Get up on Radamiz now, and beat your favorite New York rap aficionado to the punch. —Andre Gee

KBFR

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: DaBaby, BlocBoy JB, Doe Boy

Listen to these songs first: “Hood Baby,” “WEGO,” “Roll the Dice”

In 2020, KBFR’s breakout hit “Hood Baby” went viral on TikTok, inspiring the #HoodBabyChallenge, which caught the attention of everyone from Ciara to the Kardashians. It was a fun, catchy moment, but it wasn’t until the Philadelphia rapper started releasing follow-ups that we saw his true potential. On recently-released songs like “WEGO” and “Roll the Dice,” KBFR shows an ability to consistently make addictive, danceable music full of quotables. “WEGO,” in particular, sounds like the kind of song that could take the leap from 15-second re-shares on TikTok to a full-blown radio hit. We’re still in the early days of his career, but with a clear knack for songwriting and the backing of Columbia Records, everything is in place for KBFR to have a huge year in 2021. —Eric Skelton

Che Noir

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Foxy Brown, Benny the Butcher

Listen to these songs first: “Hunger Games,” “Divine Knowledge,” “2K20” 

There is something extremely captivating about Che Noir. Her music has a particular emphasis on lyricism and storytelling, and while she doesn’t make records that are obvious radio hits, she’s carved out a lane for herself thanks to the polished skillset she brings to the table. A lot of her best work last year came in collaboration with artists like 38 Spesh and El Camino, and she had a habit of stealing the show on most records she appeared on. She delivered one of the best rap verses of the year on “2K20,” and we expect to see her name on that list (in addition to many other accolades) in 2021. Che Noir is a refreshing new talent. —Jessica McKinney

Symba

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: REASON, Dave East, Keak Da Sneak

Listen to these songs first: “Reality Is,” “Birds in the Bando,” “I’m 4Real”

Symba is signed to Atlantic Records but manages to hustle with an independent spirit and a tenacity that’s catapulted him to a top tier of California’s rap heap. His 2020 album, Don’t Run From R.A.P., was a coming out party for the young MC, featuring performances from artists like 2 Chainz, Ty Dolla Sign, and Moneybagg Yo. “I’m 4Real” is a standout from the album, a swaggering, lightning-fast track that finds Symba sitting in the pocket and looking back on his staggering come-up. He is one of the most exciting voices in California, able to synthesize a number of styles from Cali and across the country. He’s got a little bit of Atlanta in his style and a bunch of Bay Area swagger, but he’s combined these disparate parts into a cohesive sound that’s uniquely his own. —Will Schube

Seddy Hendrinx

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Lil Durk, Gunna, Ty Dolla Sign

Listen to these songs first: “Lowkey,” “Dickies & Vlones,” “45”

Seddy Hendrinx is Generation Now’s next star. He is following the breakout success of fellow labelmate Jack Harlow, and we expect him to have a breakthrough moment of his own in 2021. Seddy Hendrinx is a versatile artist who excels at creating emotionally-rich and cathartic music. There’s an R&B vibe present in songs like “Dickies & Vlones” and “Lowkey,” which samples SWV’s “Weak,” but he has the range to resonate with listeners of all kinds of music. “He creates incredible songs, and we’re really looking forward to his next release, as well as what’s he’s going to do for this upcoming year,” Generation Now co-founder DJ Drama told Complex in 2020. —Jessica McKinney

Big Mali

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Asian Doll, City Girls, DaBaby

Listen to these songs first: “4,5,6,” “Outro,” “What’s Craccin”

Big Mali’s flow is unimpeachable, ferocious, aggressive, and precise. Her dexterity is next-level, and her ability to move in and out of flows, dance around the beat, and carry songs with her endlessly energetic voice is practically unmatched in the genre. Though she’s just out of high school, the North Carolina MC carries herself with the confidence of an industry vet. She recently inked a deal with South Coast Music Group, and having the savvy of DaBaby’s marketing team behind her work will only result in further exposure to mainstream audiences. She’s best in rapid-fire clips, unfurling menacing bars with tenacity on songs like “Outro” from Gangsta Talk. Her 2020 was particularly fruitful, with the release of the aforementioned Gangsta Talk in addition to First Lady, which was released in March. At just 19, Mali still has plenty of untapped potential, but with how fully-formed she already is, we expect her to have a long and successful career. —Will Schube

Babyface Ray

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Tee Grizzley, Sada Baby, 42 Dugg

Listen to these songs first: “Tap In,” “Free The Ghetto,” “My Thoughts Part 2”

Babyface Ray is an anchor of the modern Detroit rap scene. His relaxed, easygoing mic presence belies the precision of the street tales he’s exploring on projects like Product Of My Environment and 2019’s MIA Season 2, the sequel to his breakout 2015 tape. He didn’t release a project last year, but he fed the streets with singles like “Paperwork Party,” “Tap In,” and “The Sit Down” with Icewear Vezzo. It’s likely he drops a new project in 2021 that helps him further transcend the D and reach the rap world at large. —Andre Gee

BRS Kash

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

For fans of: Ty Dolla Sign, Megan Thee Stallion, 6LACK

Listen to this song first: “Throat Baby”

BRS Kash only had to release one single to earn a spot on this list. The Atlanta rapper’s hit single “Throat Baby” was released in 2019, but has only grown in popularity since then, racking up tens of millions of views on YouTube alone. The track is overtly explicit, with raunchy lyrics describing sexual acts in detail. Kash’s vulgar style might catch you off guard at first, but it’s that exact quality that will have you dancing and playing replaying it over and over. Although he has only released one major record in the last year, we expect BRS Kash to build on all the “Throat Baby” momentum in 2021, establishing himself as a breakout star. —Jessica McKinney

Deante’ Hitchcock

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: J. Cole, Aminé, Smino

Listen to these songs first: “How TF,” “I Got Money Now,” “Plug Me In”

Deante’ Hitchcock first started making noise in Atlanta off the strength of his 19 Summers mixtape back in 2012, and from that point forward, he has continually improved upon his brand of heady, funny rap music that effortlessly blends witty punchlines with introspective lines about his come-up in ATL. His inclusion on Revenge of the Dreamers III situated him amongst peers who put an emphasis on deeply felt lyrics, and his 2020 LP, BETTER, was a critical and artist breakthrough, firmly positioning Hitchcock’s place in Atlanta’s sprawling ecosystem. With appearances from JID, Young Nudy, and 6LACK, BETTER is a star-studded affair, but Hitchcock more than holds his own amongst these powerful voices. He’s a slow burning star, eager to build his career exactly as he pleases. He’s a wise study for aspiring MCs looking to navigate the industry, and we expect him to have his biggest and best year yet in 2021. —Will Schube

KenTheMan

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby, Saweetie

Listen to these songs first:  “IDGAF,” “Dime,” “ Freaky Freestyle” 

KenTheMan has been bubbling in Houston’s rap scene for years, and all of her hard work is starting to pay off. On wax, Ken has the ego of five rappers, flexing her lavish lifestyle and ability to make any man fall to their knees. She has a knack for finding excellent samples, often incorporating classic 2000s hits in her music, like Travis Porter’s “Do It” on “IDGAF” or the Ying Yang Twins and Mike Jones song “Badd” on “Dime.” You can hear her thick Texas drawl over fun and bouncy beats throughout her discography, and that’s exactly what makes her stand out. Expect to hear a lot more of KenTheMan in 2021. —Jessica McKinney

Blxst

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Ty Dolla Sign, Brent Faiyaz, Drake

Listen to these songs first: “Overrated,” “Chosen,” “Be Alone”

It’s not always easy to stand out in L.A. Aside from the plethora of rising MCs and singers in the city, aspiring artists have to compete with the allure of Hollywood and championship-level sports teams. Despite all this, Blxst attracted a lot of attention to himself in 2020. He first began releasing music in the City of Angels in 2015 and he’s been a steady presence in the scene ever since, but he truly found a singular style on his 2020 album, No Love Lost. The project is full of hits, but songs like “Be Alone” have further established his familiar but distinct blend of rapping and singing. He’s alongside other L.A. rap-R&B hybrids like Ty Dolla Sign, effortlessly infusing his hypnotic love-sick jams with a hip-hop aesthetic. Blxst has been bubbling for half a decade, and has grown a loyal and rabid fanbase, but he’s bound to further cash in on his immense talent in 2021. —Will Schube

Maassai


For fans of: Earl Sweatshirt, Mick Jenkins, R.A.P. Feirreira 

Listen to these songs first: “My Name Jack?,” “sonder,” “take a hold”

Maassai is a rapper’s rapper. The Brooklyn-based MC excels at thoughtful, introspective rhymes like the ones unleashed all over ve·loc·i·ty, her collaboration tape with producer JWords (as H31R). The most impressive thing about Maassai is her range. She has no trouble finding her pocket over more experimental tracks like some “take a hold” from ve·loc·i·ty, but she can also navigate a more mellow soundscape like “sonder” from unsounded points of view. She’s the kind of artist who makes you wonder why “left of center” isn’t just the actual center. —Andre Gee

BlueBucksClan

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Shoreline Mafia, YG, Schoolboy Q

Listen to these songs first: “Walkin’ In,” “Risk,” “Flyin’ Up” 

BlueBucksClan have continued L.A.’s long tradition of badass rap crews. There’s Drakeo’s Stinc Team, Shoreline Mafia, and if you go back further, Odd Future. The collective effort of rap groups is as native to L.A. as rap itself, with different squads repping their hoods, their gangs, and their familial ties. BlueBucksClan is the latest iteration of this storied history, and their unique take on West Coast rap is equal parts innovative and captivating. They’ve been bubbling in the city for quite a while now, but they solidified their dominance in L.A. off the strength of their 2020 LP, Clan Way 2. With the group’s members carrying equal weight, every song has the feel of a posse cut, and they each have enough stylistic diversity to keep their community approach fresh and exciting. There’s a tangible cohesion and the whole is bigger than the members who encompass it. It’s clear that BlueBucksClan is only getting started. —Will Schube

Marlon Craft

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: J. Cole, Maxo Kream, Ab-Soul

Listen to these songs first: “Can’t Call It,” “Mom’s Whiskey,” “Lot to Give”

Marlon Craft is a Hell’s Kitchen-born MC, whose father played in the city’s eclectic scene while his mother worked on plays just a stone’s throw away from theater’s brightest stars. Craft’s eclectic upbringing reverberates throughout his work, as he blends the NYC street rap he grew up on with a poetic attraction to the way words sound. One of his breakthrough hits from this year, “Can’t Call It,” isn’t particularly flashy, but his ability to blend heady wordplay with the innate musicality of his voice makes him one to watch in 2021. Elsewhere, his collaboration with Kota the Friend, “Mom’s Whiskey,” has become a staple in NYC with his bars about tanking this year like he’s the Knicks. On “Can’t Call It,” he eloquently lays out the middle ground between artistic achievements and commerce: “Therapist say I got trauma, Manager say I need commas, I just think I really need solace.” It’s an intimate look at an artist wholly dedicated to their work, chasing a dream even when it doesn’t seem logical. Wasting no time, he’s already started 2021 on a strong note, dropping “State of the Union” and announcing his new album will arrive in February. —Will Schube

No Savage

View this video on YouTube

youtu.be

For fans of: Q Da Fool, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Gucci Mane

Listen to these songs first: “Reaper,” “Slandering My Name,” “Dirty 38”


No Savage is poised to be one of the next to go national from the DMV. The young rhymer is gaining a healthy buzz in the area by feeding the streets with 2020’s Until The Album and Life Of A Savage, an unflinching 17-song album. No Savage is just as adept at harmonizing as he is snapping over horror soundtracks like “Reaper,” and his skills earned him a feature on “Forever Tre 7” from Shy Glizzy’s Young Jefe 3 project. With more music like his recent output, it’s only a matter of time before No Savage is the one giving the look. —Andre Gee

Latest in Music