Despite all the chatter and fear-mongering about the state of rap music, one thing is undeniable: the genre has never been this varied, with almost every subgenre enjoying momentum.
So if you’re a fan of rap, you have access to an embarrassment of riches right now, whether it’s lyric-driven, boom-bap-inspired raps; hyperactive, party-driven flows; rage-infused, high-energy hip-hop; or melodic, introspective pain music. At the same time, that abundance creates a saturated landscape. When you’re in a candy store with every option imaginable, how do you not get sick?
That’s why our annual Rappers to Watch list is an important guidepost for the year. It spotlights artists who are just beginning to gain momentum, helping us gauge where the genre might be headed next. Of course, the question of what qualifies someone as a “rapper to watch” is a tricky one. In theory, it could be anyone—Drake is a “rapper to watch” in 2026, for instance. But this list focuses on artists who started buzzing over the past year or so and who we expect to take another leap forward, creatively but also in terms of reach.
Last year’s list included names like Che, 2hollis, Nino Paid, and Samara Cyn, all of whom leveled up. We’re expecting no less from this year’s class, which spans a wide range of
EsDeeKid
For fans of: Yeat, Central Cee, Lancey Foux
Listen to these songs first: “4 Raws,” “Mist” Feat. Rico Ace, “Century”
With co-signs from Yung Lean, Jack Harlow, Cole Bennett, and, uh, Timothée Chalamet, EsDeeKid emerged as the 2025 breakout star of the very competitive UK underground.
Yes, part of his appeal is the mystique. But there is also his hypnotic, haunting blend of ATL trap, jerk, cloud rap, and drill—led by production from Wraith9—that has driven his rapid rise. Despite having only one album, REBEL, and a handful of singles, his late-year surge—he’s already surpassed 19 million monthly listeners on Spotify—suggests 2026 will be even bigger for the Scouse rapper. —Antonio Johri
Zukenee
For fans of: 2 Chainz, T.I., Young Nudy
Listen to these songs first: “KINO DER TOTEN,” “BROMANCE,” “SLAYER DISEASE”
In 2026, aesthetics matter just as much as the music, and it’s rare when an artist excels at both. Sword-wielding Zukenee does so with ease, blending the catchy hooks of 2010s ATL trap with the starkness of the Carti-influenced underground wave. The Atlanta native cuts through with bouncy production, carefree songwriting reminiscent of prime-era Thug, and a one-of-one medieval aesthetic that places him in a lane entirely his own. Dropping a pair of impressive projects in 2025—SLAYTANIC and KNIGHT SHIFT—Zukenee proves that the future of the Atlanta underground isn’t limited to ear-muffling screams and maxed-out 808s. —Jon Barlas
fakemink
For fans of: Nettspend, Yung Lean, xaviersobased
Listen to these songs first: “LV Sandals” with EsDeeKid and Rico Ace, “Chinchilla,” “Music and Me”
How many up-and-coming rappers can say they’ve linked with Frank Ocean in Japan, been brought out by Drake at Wireless Fest, and appeared onstage at Playboi Carti’s LA tour stop? Essex-born rapper fakemink has taken his sudden fame in stride, staying true to his off-kilter sound that mixes indie-electronica, jerk, and cloud rap on tracks like “Fidelio,” “Black Jeep” with Fimigurerro, and “Look At Me,” produced by underground staple WeGoneBeOk. fakemink is now preparing a fully self-produced album, Terrified, and it’s one of our most anticipated releases. After a year of nonstop motion, this album will determine whether he lives up to the hype. —Antonio Johri
BunnaB
For fans of: CupcakKe, Roscoe Dash, Rich Kidz
Listen to these songs first: “Bunna Summa,” “Hoes Be Mad” with Cash Cobain, “Mad Again”
BunnaB may have had Atlanta’s biggest come-up of 2025. Unlike YKNIECE and Pluto, who have flirted with other styles, BunnaB has stayed committed to bringing back the “futuristic era,” a late-2000s inspired sound that Metro Boomin put a spotlight on, merging light-hearted synths, dramatic strings, and a jubilant flow. The results speak for themselves. Tracks like “Bunna Summa,” “Innit,” “Mad Again,” and the anti-carceral state anthem “Free Him” showcase a rapper with a style that is sometimes goofy, sometimes acidly funny, but always a great time. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Zeddy Will
For fans of: 41, Ice Spice, Cash Cobain
Listen to these songs first: “Get Jiggy” with B Jack$, “Cant Go Broke (Remix),” ”Twerkin Wit Ya Friends” Feat. StaySolidRocky
Queensbridge has a reputation for producing rappers who are dead serious. So what do you do with someone like Zeddy Will, a QB native who wants to be taken seriously as a rapper, yet delivers his bars with a direct, nonchalant style that’s unapologetically silly?
Zeddy is deeply versed in hip-hop history, and he channels that knowledge into some of the most addictive, party-ready jams in New York City rap. Last year, he dropped two standout tracks: “Get Jiggy,” a house-hop summer jam with New Jersey’s B Jack$, and “Can’t Go Broke (Remix),” a slightly darker, but still self-deprecating, banger. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Pluto
For fans of: Sexyy Red, Monaeleo, Mello Buckzz
Listen to these songs first: “WHIM WHAMIEE” Feat. YK Niece, “Motion” Feat. Sexyy Red, “What Da Fuk
Some rappers spend their whole careers chasing a “song of the summer” anthem. For Pluto, she got one with her second song recorded—“WHIM WHAMIEE,” which features frienemy YK Niece.
Songs like that and “Motion,” with Sexyy Red, might have established her within that nostalgic Atlanta sound. But she actually hits a lot more pockets, often channeling the energy from her collaborators. She does drill (“How Ya Feeling” with Narco Whick), she can be melodic and mournful (“Keep My Head Strong” with Lil Poppa), and she could even make ballads (“How Ya Feeling” with Rylo Rodriguez). —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
2slimey
For fans of: LAZER DIM 700, OsamaSon, Che
Listen to these songs first: “Meat,” “Roc,” “Vet”
You thought Che was extreme? Well, meet 2slimey. The Oklahoma-bred rapper sits at the cutting edge of internet rap, pulling from hyperpop, rage, digicore, and noise. His music is not for the weak, built around overstimulating blasts of bass, distortion, and bouncy rhythms. Everything is pushed to the limit, from aggressive Auto-Tune to blown-out 808s that feel like standing next to a subwoofer. It can be… a lot. But when the formula clicks, it makes for especially catchy tracks like “meat,” where a hypnotic synth melody and the looping “shawty in love with the meat” hook have you singing along long after the song ends. It might sound goofy to some, but 2slimey is pushing rage rap to its outer edges—and the only real question is how much further he’s willing to go in 2026. —Antonio Johri
Tezzus
For fans of: Young Thug, SahBabii, Lil Keed
Listen to these songs first: “bada bing, bada bØØm” with diamond*, “ØUTRØ,” “Brazy Brazy” Feat. Percaso
The underground collective Ø WAY has already started the year strong with their raucous Underground Sound Cypher. The de-facto leader of the collective is Tezzus, who channels the warped, elastic energy of his mentor Young Thug, twisting his voice through strange flows over airy, psychedelic production. His music floats between chaos and melody, filled with bars about fame, money, and desire.
That sound has already drawn major attention. In a Kids Take Over interview, Tezzus said Playboi Carti, Young Thug, and NBA YoungBoy all tried to sign him, with Thugger ultimately winning out. Notably, his performance with Diamond* on “bada bing, bada bØØm” was a highlight of Young Thug’s ComplexCon set. —Antonio Johri
Lelo
For fans of: Veeze, Babyface Ray, Luh Tyler
Listen to these songs first: “Limbless,” “Bathing Ape,” “Perfect Blue”
Lelo embodies the “New Detroit,” a rapper using low-key lyricism akin to a fast-rapping Earl Sweatshirt. Tracks like “Soldier,” “Forever in a Day,” and “Good for Your Health” display the Detroit MC’s affinity for wordplay. Lelo is a natural storyteller, with precise lines and scam-rap flows that playfully jump from quip to quip. Past efforts like the Sade-sampling “Main Event” and the Babyface Ray co-signed “On The Wall” launched Lelo last year., New Detroit solidified his trajectory, positioning him as one of the strongest up-and-coming lyricists in his class. —Jon Barlas
Feng
For fans of: YT, Len, 2hollis
Listen to these songs first: “Cali Crazy,” “XOXO,” “kids from the west”
Feng broke through in early 2024 with his debut single “swag,” planting a flag for his bubbly Y2K sensibilities. His debut project, What The Feng, instantly distinguished him from his peers, finding him effortlessly flowing over colorful production on standouts like “YOLO,” “Kids from the West,” and “XY.” And he’s still growing. The recently released “Cali Crazy” is a sharp deviation from that project: a whirring synth-pop cut that spikes serotonin levels and plays like a sun-soaked H&M anthem—think Wiz Khalifa and Empire of the Sun’s “The Thrill.” —Jon Barlas
Hurricane Wisdom
For fans of: Future, Loe Shimmy, Lil Baby
Listen to these songs first: “Drugs Calling” (Remix) Feat. Lil Baby, “Woosah,” “On God” Feat. Raq Baby
From Kendrick Lamar’s “Michael Jordan” to Chief Keef’s “Kobe” to Migos’ “Charles Barkley,” there have been plenty of great rap songs named after even greater basketball players. It’s awesome to see another join the rafters, this time with Hurricane Wisdom’s “Giannis,” the only rap song named after a hooper to feature steel drums.
“Giannis” was the breakout. The Tallahassee, Fla. rapper kept working, often taking influences and samples from other artists and transforming them into his own bluesy concoction, like the Future-inspired banger “Drugs Calling,” the XXXTentacion-sampling “Hope,” or the depressingly titled “Monday,” which flips the sample source of Ice Cube’s “It Was A Good Day.” —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
sosocamo
For fans of: Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Lil Tecca
Listen to these songs first: “keep steady,” “soulless,” “shot caller”
sosocamo’s sound is hard to pin down. One moment, he’s singing falsettos over the R&B-laced keys of “Keep Steady”; the next, he’s delivering trap bangers like the Justin Bieber-cosigned “200.” In 2025, he released his debut album No Service, which dabbles in trap, neo-soul, and R&B, seamlessly blending those influences into a polished, accessible collection of ear-candy bops. —Antonio Johri
YKNIECE
For fans of: Gucci Mane, OJ da Juiceman, Rocko
Listen to these songs first: “Take Me Thru Dere” with Metro Boomin, Quavo, Breskii, and DJ Spinz, “Innit” with BunnaB, “Friend Do” (Remix) with Belly Gang Kushington
Unlike BunnaB and Pluto, YKNIECE has yet to release a solo album. But she’s been on such a crazy feature run that leaving her out would be absurd. There’s her song-stealing verse on Metro Boomin’s sunny “Take Me Thru Dere,” her high-energy appearance on “WHIM WHAMIEE,” her peak shit-talking on BunnaB’s “Innit,” the X-rated raps on Belly Gang Kushington’s “Friend Do,” and even a sneaky heater on Bhad Bhabie’s ridiculous “Yams.” —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Lil Noonie
For fans of: Lucki, Chuckyy, Skrilla
Listen to these songs first: “Mari Glock” with Lil Sy, “Ready or Not,” “In Action”
Last month, Chicago rapper Lil Noonie got one of the most coveted endorsements in rap right now: the North West cosign. For some, this might be surprising—Lil Noonie is more rooted in drill than in the zany, unhinged sounds of the rap underground that North usually aligns with. His songs are unsparingly dark and bleak, delivered in the breathless style young drill rappers favor. Even more extreme are the AI-generated videos he’s been making, which often depict outrageous amounts of violence. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Marco Plus
For fans of: JID, Lupe Fiasco, Smino
Listen to these songs first: “Airmail!,” “out my way” with Smino, “jamal crawford” with Boldy James
Atlanta rapper Marco Plus is proving that the South still has something to say. A spiritual successor to rappers like JID (who has already co-signed him), Marco swims with the current of his beats rather than trying to fight against it.
Plus’ lyrical dexterity was on full display last year during his “Mafiathon” freestyle with Kai Cenat, momentum he’s continued to build on ever since. He represents a bubbling lyrical rap renaissance alongside young spitters like New Jersey’s Chris Patrick and fellow Atlantan Swavay. These are artists carving their own lanes, bringing energy the game desperately needs. —Jordan Rose
Babyfxce E
For fans of: Rio Da Yung OG, Peezy, BabyTron
Listen to these songs first: “PTP” (Remix) Feat. Monaleo, “County Time,” “Real Flex”
There have been a number of talented rappers to come out of Flint, Mich. since Rio da Yung OG put the city on the map. But none are as promising as Babyfxce E, who has been bubbling for a couple of years now, and is ready to break out with his debut album, Da Realest Out, dropping in February. He has that Flint punchline style down pat, with a sharp eye for the absurd and random—like when he raps, “I keep dookie on me like Johnny Test” on “Blackout.” —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Luhh Dyl
For fans of: Nino Paid, Scarface,
Listen to these songs first: “Wouldn’t Believe” Feat. Lil Tony, “Prayed 4,” Nite N Day” Feat. Babyfxce E and 1UP Tee
Detroit is known for birthing spitters. But while the city’s rappers are often associated with slick talk and cash-heavy bravado, Luhh Dyl makes rap music that’s deeply emotive, introspective, and increasingly spiritual. His latest album, Hear My Cry, pulls from a wide spectrum of sample sources—from Duke Ellington to Kid Cudi—but stands out for how locked in he is on confronting his inner demons and imagining what it means to emerge from darkness. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Thirteendegrees °
For fans of: Trippie Redd, T-Pain, Lil Wayne
Listen to these songs first: “da problem solva,” “Teardropz,” “CHAMPAIN” In just over a year, rising Chicago rapper Thirteendegrees ° has turned heads with his unique approach and polished skills as a singer and MC. The self-proclaimed “ghetto hipster” possesses an unabashed swagger, employing syrupy melodies reminiscent of early SoFaygo or mixtape-era Thugger, and a nostalgic presence that could resonate with multiple generations. Thirteen’s breakout hit, “DA PROBLEM SOLVA,” shot the BLACK FRIDAYZ rapper to acclaim last summer; its eye-catching Tumblr-esque visuals were just the first impression of a hook that dominated timelines for weeks. —Jon Barlas
Sturdyyoungin
For fans of: Bay Swag; Jordan Adetunji, 2Rare
Listen to these songs first: “Trippin” with Ohthatsmizz and ZEDDY WILL, “Respectfully,” BUMBAA with Ohthatsmizz
The grittier, dramatic sounds of Philly drill might dominate the city, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t rappers who just want to have fun. Sturdyyoungin takes familiar sounds from the past and speeds them into something you can dance to. Last year, he dropped “Trippin” with Zeddy, and partner in crime Ohthatsmizz which was a flip on Fergie’s 2006 hit “Clumsy.” And he followed that up with his own spin on the No Limit classic “Choppa Style” with “Respectfully.” —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Chef Boy
For fans of: Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, YG
Listen to these songs first: “Gang Gang” Feat. Rosecrans Hopout, YS, PhoPho8ight and Hitta J3, “I Like It Like This” Feat. RJMrLA and G Perico, “I Believe It”
“We got one coming… say less.”
With just six words, Kendrick Lamar, the best rapper in the world, co-signed one of his city’s most promising young talents: Chef Boy, who blew up locally thanks to the success of “Gang Gang,” the riotous posse cut that is just one of many slappers featured on his debut I Am Summer. On the surface, the track seems to just be another rap track celebrating the lawless nature of gang life, but it’s really about something people from all walks of life can relate to: hanging out with your squad. (“And I be slidin’ down Rosecrans… with my close friends,” he raps on the intro.) —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Apollored1
For fans of: Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, Playboi Carti
Listen to these songs first: “Georgia Boy,” “RedFlag,” “Face Tattoos”
As the latest figure in Opium’s orbit, Apollored1, Playboi Carti’s cousin, leans more melodic than his peers, drawing influence from indie acts like Girl in Red (who even inspired his name) and Clairo. His sound offers a woozy, more restrained take on rage beats, backed by laid-back flows that chronicle his come-up and the struggles of newfound fame.
With his upcoming project, Demon Heart Radio, Apollo has the biggest opportunity of his career under Carti’s wing—few rappers can say, “One-of-one Opium jacket, got it from my cousin.” —Antonio Johri
SALIMATA
For fans of: MIKE, Doja Cat, Samara Cyn
Listen to these songs first: “u kno who u are” Feat. Mike, “Moonlight,” “foil”
With co-signs from MIKE, standout appearances on On the Radar, and a rap style that merges versatile flows with incisive wordplay and a splash of Brooklyn spunk, SALIMATA made noise last year. The Happening, which dropped in December during the end-of-year rush, emerged as one of the year’s most unexpected treats. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
H3adband
For fans of: Youngboy Never Broke Again, Boosie Badazz
Listen to these songs first: “Boo,” “Ian Lying”
This is one of the newer names on the list. But H3adband has gained so much momentum that it’s hard to ignore him—especially since, within the last couple of weeks, he’s had his breakout “Boo” become a viral hit on TikTok. A lot of the attention comes from how much theBaton Rouge rapper sounds like YB, but there’s something charming about the song, which taps into New Orleans’ long lineage of flipping horror movie sounds and merges it with a wacky video aesthetic reminiscent of “A Nightmare on My Street.” —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Lil Tony
For fans of: Starlito, CEO Trayle, Witchdoctor
Listen to these songs first: “Can’t Leave My Bible,” “Mrs.Key,” “Overcame Feat. Nino Paid
Google “Lil Tony,” and you’ll find several podcast interviews where the rapper talks about finding Jesus Christ. At just 21, he has lived a life—going from time in jail to becoming a born-again Christian rapper. Faith is a key part of his music, but he approaches without lecturing. Instead, he has a searching, at times heart-wrenching perspective. In some ways, he’s kin to the Dungeon Family: songs like “Can’t Leave My Bible” and “Talkin2Jesus” carry the grit and soul of a Witchdoctor track. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
FattMack
For fans of: Rod Wave; Lil Poppa; Polo G
Listen to these songs first: “IRL,” “On God,” “Hit It” Feat. Lil Tony
Alabama has quietly become a hotbed for rap talent over the years, from the vivid storytelling of NoCap to the bluesy vocals of Rylo Rodriguez. FattMack—who at one point weighed over 300 pounds but shed half of it partially due to a diet of “percs and weed”—combines elements of both. He’s entrenched in the genre of gut-wrenching, emo street rap, but with a vocal delivery that is slightly higher-pitched and more energetic than some of the more self-lacerating rappers of a similar ilk. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Rico Ace
For fans of: Dave, Skepta, Jim Legxacy,
Listen to these songs first: “Gettin’ It In,” “H3LLO.,” “SKATTI”
EsDeeKid and fakemink broke through, and frequent collaborator Rico Ace has been moving right alongside them. On EsDee’s album REBEL, he appears on four of the project’s eleven tracks, injecting grit and momentum into EsDee’s dark, brooding world. Even when sharing records with EsDee, the chemistry feels less like a standard feature and more like a true partnership, with Rico often holding his own lyrically. Rico’s catalog is still small, but that should change soon: EsDee has already teased that “Rico’s tape will kill everyone.” With a US tour alongside EsDee on the way, Rico Ace is the UK’s best well-kept secret. —Antonio Johri