A new year means there are new rappers ready to show off their talents to Hip-hop fans who were too focused on the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. These new MCs are talented, unique, confident, and willing to take chances with their music. While it may not always fit within the stereotypical definition of what hip-hop was “meant to be,” these artists are creating new standards of what the genre can be in the future.
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Here are the rappers you need to keep an eye out for in 2025.
Ray Vaughn
This TDE signee has released several impressive singles over the years but has yet to release a full-length project under the respected West Coast label. If it ends up being great, he could cement himself as one of the many up-and-coming Cali artists ready to take over the game.
AZ Chike
AZ Chike had as good a feature run as an artist can have in 2024. He made impressive appearances on albums from Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q.
Lexa Gates
Lexa Gates is another beautiful example of an MC meshing R&B and rap in her music. The thing that separates her from other artists is her expressionless comedic moments in her songs.
Samara Cyn
Rap fans will always have a soft spot for an MC who knows how to perfectly blend spoken word into their music. Samara Cyn does that as well as any artist out right now.
VonOff1700
VonOff1700 is keeping Chicago’s drill scene alive and well. His aggressive raps are sure to entertain fans throughout the year.
Benji Blue Bills
Benji Blue Bills recently took over the internet with his catchy hit “Aye Rage.” It’s sure to carry him for the rest of the year and will have fans begging for more music.
Devin Malik
Although he’s not an official TDE signee, he’s closely affiliated with the label and has worked with several of their artists, most notably Schoolboy Q. It’ll be interesting to see if he can keep the momentum going in 2025.
Gelo
LiAngelo Ball’s “Tweaker” has become such a huge hit on the internet that it landed him a $13 million deal with Def Jam. While some may see it as a gimmick, it’s clear that many fans enjoy it.
Loe Shimmy
Loe Shimmy’s melodic flow has captured hip-hop fans across the internet. It’s a chill laid-back style of music that is perfect for those vibey nights out.
Star Bandz
Recently releasing her debut album, “Estrella” in November, Star Bandz has a chance to take advantage of her buzz and turn into the next great rap star from Chicago.
Laila!
Yeah, I know. Laila! isn’t technically rap. But I had to include the daughter of rap legend Mos Def on this list. Her debut project, “Gap Year!” impressed and is a good stepping stone for her to continue experimenting with her music and sounds.
Isaiah Falls
Isaiah Falls is similar to that of Bryson Tiller and other singers who have been able to blend laid-back R&B and rap into their music.
Nino Paid
Don’t let his style or flow fool you, DMV rapper Nino Paid is one of the most vulnerable artists out right now. This makes his music easy to relate to while also being extremely enjoyable.
Mello Buckzz
Yes, that’s right. Another Chicago artist is on this list. No, it’s not a bias, they just have a knack for breading some of the hardest MCs out right now. Mello Buckz fits into that mold and has no plans of slowing down in 2025.
Ovrkast
Ovrkast has been a lowkey gem for rap artists for some years now. This Bay Area MC deserves his flowers in 2025 and is someone more fans need to pay attention to.
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