Discover the Top 30 Hottest Artists to Watch Right Now

Written in Partnership with Amir Bakian

b9e401aa44345cfe321bbafd6c0b7c1a725c800a

The world of rap and R&B has always been a vibrant and ever-evolving landscape, constantly birthing new stars and pushing the boundaries of creativity. In this era of musical dynamism, it’s not enough to simply be good; artists need to be extraordinary to capture the hearts and ears of listeners. In this article, we’re going to delve into the realm of rap and R&B and introduce you to the top 30 artists you absolutely need to have on your radar.

One of the fascinating aspects of this list is the incredible diversity it offers. From the gritty storytelling that delves into the harsh realities of life to the magnetic charisma that captures hearts and minds, each artist brings their unique style, personality, and voice to the table. Let’s start by exploring the various styles that these artists embody:

  1. The Storytellers

Some artists have a remarkable ability to weave intricate tales through their lyrics, drawing listeners into the worlds they create. Much like Tupac Shakur, who was a master of storytelling through his music, these artists possess the power to make you feel their stories deep in your soul. Their verses are often a raw reflection of their life experiences, struggles, and triumphs, offering listeners a glimpse into their personal narratives.

  1. The Lyricists

In the world of rap, words are weapons, and some artists wield them with surgical precision. These lyricists, reminiscent of rap legends like Eminem, Jay-Z, and Nas, craft verses that are not only technically impressive but also carry profound messages. They are wordsmiths who play with language, metaphors, and wordplay to deliver verses that leave you pondering long after the beat fades.

  1. The Innovators

Rap and R&B are genres that are constantly evolving, and it’s the innovators who drive this evolution. Artists like Travis Scott and Kanye West are known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in music. They experiment with sounds, production techniques, and genres, creating music that is ahead of its time. When you listen to an innovator, you’re not just hearing music; you’re experiencing a sonic journey.

  1. The Charismatic Performers

Some artists have a magnetic stage presence and a knack for connecting with their audience on a visceral level. Much like YoungBoy NBA, they possess an irresistible charisma that draws fans in and leaves them begging for more. These performers have a knack for turning every live show into an unforgettable experience and have a fanbase that hangs onto their every word.

  1. The Genre-Benders

In an age where musical genres are increasingly fluid, some artists refuse to be confined to a single category. They seamlessly blend elements of rap, R&B, pop, rock, and more to create a sound that defies easy classification. Their music is a testament to the boundless creativity that thrives in the industry today.

  1. The Visionaries

There are artists who are not content with just making music; they want to change the world. They use their platform to address social issues, champion causes, and spark important conversations. Much like Kendrick Lamar, these visionaries have a profound impact on society through their art.

  1. The Authentic Souls

In a world of facades, some artists stand out for their authenticity. They are unapologetically themselves, flaws and all. Their music is a reflection of their true selves, and fans connect with them on a deeply personal level. These artists, like J. Cole, wear their hearts on their sleeves, and their vulnerability is their strength.

  1. The Timeless Creators

While the music industry is often fixated on the latest trends, some artists create music that transcends time. They produce tracks that feel just as relevant today as they did decades ago. These creators, much like the iconic Dr. Dre, have an enduring influence on the genre and leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

Now that we’ve explored the various styles and personas that these artists embody, it’s time to introduce you to the top 30 rising stars who are making waves in the world of rap and R&B. Each artist on this list brings something unique to the table, whether it’s their storytelling prowess, lyrical genius, innovative spirit, or magnetic stage presence. These are the artists who are not just shaping the genre; they are redefining it.

Below, you’ll find the list of the 30 hottest artists to watch right now, along with their Spotify links, so you can dive headfirst into their musical journeys. Whether you’re a dedicated hip-hop head or a casual music lover, these artists are poised to leave an indelible mark on the industry, and you won’t want to miss a beat. So, let’s embark on this musical odyssey together and discover the future of rap and R&B.

1: Sexyy Red City: St. Louis, Missouri https://instagram.com/sexyyred?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Sexyy Red (@SexyyRed314_) / X – Twitter https://twitter.com/sexyyred314_?lang=en https://youtube.com/@SexyyRed?si=qPFfrdlMzE5_dF69 https://open.spotify.com/artist/3DbwFQlvLxRSi2uX8mf81A?autoplay=true&source_application=google_assistant https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sexyy-red/1409330762

2: Sukihana City: Wilmington, Delaware

Suki With The Good Coochie (@sukihanagoat) https://www.instagram.com/sukihanagoat/?hl=en https://x.com/sukihanagoat?s=21&t=rsc9HbkUnNbQMHgfX6tn6Q https://youtube.com/@Sukihanagoat?si=DaeR3XvFZlnA-uGp https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sukihana/1309249420

3: Enchanting City: Forth Worth, TX

Enchanting (@luvenchanting) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/luvenchanting/ Enchanting (@luv_enchanting) / X – Twitter https://twitter.com/luv_enchanting?lang=en https://music.apple.com/us/artist/enchanting/1131968283 Enchanting – Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/26XGM4cZDcTgrXo1nis5HT https://youtube.com/@Enchanting?si=9nHRLDAL-AgkvZiL

4: Famous Kid Brick City: Tampa, Florida https://instagram.com/famouskidbrick3?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Famous Kid Brick (@callmebrickduh) / X – Twitter https://twitter.com/callmebrickduh Famous Kid Brick – Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2reMcGkhB81Dwm8ywl8qB3 https://music.apple.com/us/artist/famous-kid-brick/431721948 https://youtube.com/@FamousKidBrickTV?si=Z6XoI4ye4xRDo8h9

5: Finesse Gang Polo City: Orlando, Florida

Finesse Gang Polo (@finessegangpolo) – Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finessegangpolo/?hl=en Finesse Gang Polo (@finessegangpolo) / Twitter https://twitter.com/finessegangpolo?lang=en Finesse Gang Polo (@finessegangpolo) – TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@finessegangpolo?lang=en https://youtube.com/@finessegangpolo8298?si=njKyST6df2rH_GLC Finesse Gang Polo | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/60FS1gJBcIG1Wnq0fAHlTN ‎Finesse Gang Polo on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/finesse-gang-polo/1508202191F

6: Lil Conscious City: Midland, Texas

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilconscious/ Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lilconscious YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lilconsciouss https://open.spotify.com/artist/1PvhZF8zAxwuizpMB7OR1J

7: LEGACY City: Phoenix, Arizona

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1BMGQdMG80D8sxEL8Z0bmv https://instagram.com/mc_legacy_officiall?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mc-legacy/1661485915 https://youtube.com/@Mc_Legacy

8: Artist Name: Polo Shak City: Queens, NY

https://instagram.com/poloshak?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Polo Shak (@poloshaknyc) / Twitter https://twitter.com/poloshaknyc/ Polo Shak (@poloshak) – TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@poloshaknyc?_t=8fJHAbn4KAU&_r=1 https://youtube.com/@PoloShak?si=mIQE7jJJMwztZV7k Polo Shak | Spotify Polo Shak ‎Polo Shak on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/polo-shak/1398455309

9: Zoey Brinxx City: North Miami, Florida

Zoey Brinxx   (@zoeybrinxx) – Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zoeybrinxx/?hl=en Zoey Brinxx  (@zoeybrinxx1) / Twitter https://twitter.com/zoeybrinxx1 Zoey Brinxx (@zoeybrinxx) – TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeybrinxx Brinxx Squad Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@brinxxsquad1697 Zoey Brinxx   | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/09hEsw4ENXhbf44Z5HqMcG Zoey Brinxx  on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/zoey-brinxx/1398450055

10: Mugs International

Label:TNF/Empire Hometown Chicago,Illinois Residece: Philidelphia,PA https://en.everybodywiki.com/Mugs_International#Referenceshttps%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2Fyk7ut-vkKVY%3Fsi%3DjHNaYMOUD4c2lCRf https://www.facebook.com/reel/1960823597627592?fs=e&s=9RfQYY&mibextid=wa05Vy https://youtu.be/h-5tXfxwLfs?si=woVUxk6DWlXl3daU

11: Rob Run

Corleone Label:RRC/Empire Hometown:Louisville,Ky Residence: Cave City,Ky https://instagram.com/robrun_corleone?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://youtube.com/@rob_run_corleone?si=5GG2z0CUCCNYF56x https://www.facebook.com/robert.boyd.1447?mibextid=ZbWKwL https://www.tiktok.com/@rob_run_corleone?_t=8fKx87NSxnn&_r=1

12: Artist Name: Mars City: Antioch, California

Mars (@mars) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/mars/ Mars (@Mars) / X – Twitter https://twitter.com/Mars Mars – Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3WqnrB8EYKR66l9k3wThNP https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mars/672815695 https://youtube.com/channel/UCJVUXPOOJA_YEVKZaWMeCQg?si=Pi_QOUmkt3Bag0dk

13: Leegit City: Lakeland, Florida

WHITEBOYBADD (@leegitlive) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/leegitlive/ Leegit – YouTube https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCf9zKAxOIzbjrnHKsnUbqBQ Leegit | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/50K6asqGKTRf4DW78YBxhE ‎Leegit on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/ae/artist/leegit/510697358

14: Kiddo Marv City: Miami, Florida

(@kiddomarv) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/kiddomarv/ Kiddo Marv (@KiddoMarv) / X – Twitter https://twitter.com/kiddomarv?lang=en Kiddo Marv – YouTube https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCSk1ZEFexSGerJxw76gLLFw ‎Kiddo Marv on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kiddo-marv/1023479346 Kiddo Marv – Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/6HOYSQk7Npiuuy5KDdJQ3o

15: Gmac Cash City: Detroit, Michigan

Gmac Cash (@gmaccash) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/gmaccash/ https://youtube.com/@Gmac_Cash?si=E1-KLM5UcBJtY6Es ‎Gmac Cash on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gmac-cash/1111344747 Gmac Cash – Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/56O48rToXOkA9f8cQVptE8

16: 2kBaby City: Louisville, Kentucky

(@2kbaby) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/2kbaby/?hl=en 2kBaby – Twitter https://twitter.com/2kbaby?lang=en 2KBABY – YouTube https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCndzZMAL-lhenEzyGuL-f0A ‎2KBABY on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/2kbaby/1479737183

17:Michael Dión City: Orlando, Florida

MICHΛΞL DIÓN (@iammichaeldion) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/iammichaeldion/?hl=en MICHΛΞL DION ™ ® (@iammichaeldion) / Twitter https://twitter.com/iammichaeldion?lang=en Michael Dion – YouTube https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCTt3kXS0r3gHGk9OPFbcAZg Michael Dión | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ZfcOxA6Wi68Plm1SMmUA3

18: Spaceboi Kenny City: Las Vegas Nevada

Spaceboi Kenny (@spaceboikenny) – Instagram: https://instagram.com/spaceboikenny?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ== (https://instagram.com/spaceboikenny?igshid=NzZhOTFlYzFmZQ==) Spaceboi Kenny (@spaceboikenny) – X: https://x.com/spaceboy_kenny?s=21 (https://x.com/spaceboy_kenny?s=21) Spaceboi Kenny (@spaceboikenny) – TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spaceboikenny444?_t=8fMk7pW9fUg&_r=1 (https://www.tiktok.com/@spaceboikenny444?_t=8fMk7pW9fUg&_r=1) Spaceboi Kenny (@spaceboikenny) – YouTube: https://youtube.com/@spaceboikenny?feature=shared (https://youtube.com/@spaceboikenny?feature=shared) Spaceboi Kenny (@spaceboikenny) – Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1kPftfOaDjMJmHLSNC2BCX?si=8kCX0XwbTyS0n-PQbYwdDw (https://open.spotify.com/artist/1kPftfOaDjMJmHLSNC2BCX?si=8kCX0XwbTyS0n-PQbYwdDw)

19: Elijah The Boy South Bronx, New York

Toxic Lover Boy (@elijahtheboy) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/elijahtheboy/ ELIJAH THE BOY – YouTube https://m.youtube.com/c/ElijahTheBoy ‎Elijah the Boy on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/elijah-the-boy/1210144658 Elijah the Boy | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5XpJbIBARySGZhpPyz3v1k

20: Geo

https://instagram.com/geomafiaa?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://youtube.com/@geomafiaa?si=OwYsxdo2Si-L7drz https://music.apple.com/us/artist/geo/1700268666

21: Killed by Nature City: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Killed by Nature (@killedbynature) – Instagram: https://instagram.com/killedbynature?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== (https://instagram.com/killedbynature?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==)(https://instagram.com/killedbynature?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== (https://instagram.com/killedbynature?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==)) Killed by Nature (@killedbynature) – X: https://twitter.com/killedbynature (https://twitter.com/killedbynature) (https://twitter.com/killedbynature (https://twitter.com/killedbynature)) Killed by Nature (@killedbynature) – TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@killedbynature47?_t=8fMnZquYqsN&_r=1 (https://www.tiktok.com/@killedbynature47?_t=8fMnZquYqsN&_r=1)(https://www.tiktok.com/@killedbynature47?_t=8fMnZquYqsN&_r=1 (https://www.tiktok.com/@killedbynature47?_t=8fMnZquYqsN&_r=1) ) Killed by Nature (@killedbynature) – YouTube: https://youtube.com/@killedbynature?si=_JAJVkszY7SgyzQ8 (https://youtube.com/@killedbynature?si=_JAJVkszY7SgyzQ8) ( https://youtube.com/@killedbynature?si=_JAJVkszY7SgyzQ8 (https://youtube.com/@killedbynature?si=_JAJVkszY7SgyzQ8) ) Killed by Nature (@killedbynature) – Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2EvdFMswCOOYS3SCl9WSee (https://open.spotify.com/artist/2EvdFMswCOOYS3SCl9WSee) ( https://open.spotify.com/artist/2EvdFMswCOOYS3SCl9WSee (https://open.spotify.com/artist/2EvdFMswCOOYS3SCl9WSee) )

22:Eighty8 City: Miami, Florida

THE BIG 8PE (@eighty8) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/eighty8/ ‎Eighty8 on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/eighty8/139319597 Eighty8 | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Ee4P6HX3wAsehGNIvpZTA https://youtube.com/@officialeighty8204?si=bfsGR3AQ13Y-iAxk

23:Lay Bankz City: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Big Bankz (@laybankz) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/laybankz/?hl=en Lay Bankz – Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/4OVbrPbhvK46A1uXTU1u5F ‎Lay Bankz on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lay-bankz/1531711280 https://youtube.com/@laybankz?si=psydh3Zhq-QU4bny

24: Bandmanrill City: Newark, New Jersey https://instagram.com/bandmanrill?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== ‎Bandmanrill on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bandmanrill/1516069210 Bandmanrill – Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2SyMN1PdSuQpZgrYXrkai1

25: CeeFineAss City: New Orleans, Louisiana https://www.tiktok.com/@ceefineass?_t=8fOFWcQUYsJ&_r=1 CeeFineAss – YouTube https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCVEDSB36Agu4zL_pcliC86w ‎CeeFineAss on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ceefineass/1474254436 CeeFineAss – Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YktUKrSYzQFSFKAAHMiuh

26: Omeretta The Great City: Atlanta, Georgia

RETTA (@omeretta) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/omeretta/?hl=en Omeretta – YouTube https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPmWEXnNl4-A0qDGmDnxh-w Omeretta the Great | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3wFzTRAvCLEACzbRmgBEHx ‎Omeretta the Great on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/omeretta-the-great/1190370797

27: Bandit Gang Marco City: Atlanta, Georgia

Bandit Gang Marco (@banditgvngmvrco) – Instagram https://www.instagram.com/banditgvngmvrco/reels/ Bandit Gang Marco – YouTube https://m.youtube.com/c/BanditGangMarco Bandit Gang Marco – Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5oSFZH3AgLRQxBi87McLjP ‎Bandit Gang Marco on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bandit-gang-marco/510671332

28: Scar Lip City: Brooklyn, New York

Scar the star (@scar_lip) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/scar_lip/?hl=en ‎Scar Lip on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/scar-lip/1482094675 https://youtube.com/@scar1607?si=lfaWrZ62HbmfQwrL

29: Billy B City: Brooklyn, New York https://instagram.com/thcbillyb?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== ‎Billy B on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/billy-b/1442712282

30: $hyfromdatre City: Winston-Salem, North Carolina M$. HARDBODY (@shyfromdatre) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/shyfromdatre/?hl=en $hyfromdatre | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3f0iI02WmX2ozlN86BhnmC Shyfromdatre TV – YouTube https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCHRl8OQoAAUghnEJmsoiP5A ‎$hyfromdatre on Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/%24hyfromdatre/1488230511

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.