A lot of new rappers these days are gaining popularity off the strength of their charisma, style, and/or catchy hooks. There's nothing wrong with that. For hip-hop fans looking for substance and rap skills, there are options—Isaiah Rashad, Chance The Rapper, Mick Jenkins, YG, and Vince Staples to name a few—but it seems like abilities that were once essential are becoming increasingly unnecessary for success.
That makes the discovery of a young rapper like John Givez even more impressive. The 24-year-old rapper from outside of San Diego released a project called Soul Rebel last year, and he's got the kind of intense lyricism that should sit well with fans of TDE—intelligent, thoughtful words packaged up in complex flows and sharp deliveries.
Check out some music from John Givez here, and keep an eye out.
