But however they’re labeled — SoundCloud rap, emo-trap, mumble rap — one thing’s for sure: These rappers are forging new paths, once again pushing the boundaries of what rap is, who it’s for and how it’s distributed. In an era that values SoundCloud play counts, social media communication and the primacy of viral memes, there’s nothing stopping the blazing forward-momentum of these 21 rappers under 21.
1. Lil Berete
City: Toronto, Ontario
Essential listening: The upbeat, dancehall-inflected “Time Flies“, which received a Saint Vincent-shot visual.
2. Bhad Bhabie
City: Boynton Beach, Florida
Essential listening: The star-studded “Hi Bich Remix” featuring Rich The Kid, Asian Doll, and MadeinTYO.
3. Molly Brazy
City: Detroit, Michigan
Essential listening: “Outro“, a quick-witted cut that flaunts Brazy’s ostentatious flow.
4. Rich Brian
City: Jakarta, Indonesia
Essential listening: “Dat $tick“, the viral single that started it all, and the song that Ghostface Killah liked so much he asked to hop on the remix.
5. Clairmont The Second
City: Toronto, Ontario
Essential listening: “Grip” clocks in at less than three minutes, but Clairmont manages to say more than most rappers do in songs twice as long, and the simple-but-colorful accompanying video shows him touring his neighborhood.
6. CupcakKe
City: Chicago, Illinois
Why she’s important: Her raunchy lyrics and exuberant personality have earned her legions of diehard fans, who call themselves “slurpers,” but CupcakKe’s music also tackles heavier topics including LGBTQ issues, police brutality, and sexual assault. One of the more prolific MCs on this list, last year she released two albums Euphorize and Eden, and continues to put out hilarious, frequently NSFW videos.
Essential listening: Charli XCX’s bubbly pop banger “Lipgloss“, which was produced by PC Music crew A.G. Cook, SOPHIE, and Lil Sim, and features one of CupcakKe’s most ferocious verses to date.
City: London, England
Essential listening: The politically-charged “Question Time“, named after a BBC news show, sees Dave confronting former UK prime minister David Cameron.
8. Adamn Killa
City: Chicago, Illinois
City: New York City, New York
Why he’s important: While you probably won’t hear MIKE’s dense, lo-fi raps on Top 40 radio any time soon, but he’s a torchbearer for a new scene of New York MCs including Navy Blue, Medhane, and others. He released four projects last year and Earl Sweatshirt shouted him out “Some Rap Songs“.
Essential listening: “Greed” featuring New York City experimental jazz outfit Standing on the Corner (who contributed production to Solange’s “When I Get Home“).
10. YBN Nahmir
City: Birmingham, Alabama
11. Rico Nasty
City: Baltimore, Maryland
12. Lil Pump
City: Miami, Florida
Essential listening: “Gucci Gang“, which has over 880 million views on YouTube, hit number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and popularized Pump’s ubiquitious “Esketit!” ad-lib.
13. Lil Reek
City: Atlanta, Georgia
Essential listening: The Brodinski-produced trap anthem “Rock Out“.
14. Trippie Redd
City: Canton, Ohio
Why he’s important: Another artist who used SoundCloud to launch his career, Trippie Redd possesses an incredibly versatile voice, which has made him stand out from the emo rapper pack. He’s collaborated with everybody from Australian electronic producer Alison Wonderland to Travis Scott, and released his debut album “Life’s a Trip” last year.
Essential listening: The ominous “Dark Knight Dummo“, which was produced by Atlanta’s Honorable C.N.O.T.E., and sees Redd and Scott playing zombie killers in the video.
15. 070 Shake
City: North Bergen, New Jersey
Why she’s important: While Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music 2018 album blitz left plenty to be desired quality-wise, it did introduce a wider audience to 070 Shake. The New Jersey rapper and singer was featured on Ye songs “Ghost Town” and “Violent Crimes“, as well as appearing on Pusha T’s “Daytona” and Nas’ “Nasir“.
Essential listening: Proving she’s comfortable on any type of beat, “My Night” is a collaboration with Canadian electronic duo Keys N Krates.
16. Kodie Shane
City: Atlanta, Georgia
Essential listening: “Hold Up (Dough Up)“, a DJ Spinz-produced banger featuring none other than Yachty and Lil Uzi Vert.
17. Lil Skies
City: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
Why he’s important: Introduced to music by his father, who also rapped under the moniker Dark Skies, Lil Skies has toured with Lil Uzi Vert and appeared on songs by Juicy J, Gucci Mane, and more. He’s had three songs in the Billboard Top 100 and recently put out his second album “Shelby”.
Essential listening: “Red Roses“, which Skies has called his favourite song to date.
18. Smokepurpp
City: Miami, Florida
Why he’s important: A dual threat as a producer and rapper, Smokepurpp has worked with many of the artists on this list, including Lil Pump and Lil Yachty. The cover artwork of his 2017 mixtape “Deadstar” references infamous punk rocker GG Allin, which is fitting because songs like “Audi” are the aural equivalent of a punch in the face.
Essential listening: From their collaborative 2018 mixtape “Bless Yo Trap“, “123” finds Smokepurpp linking up with Canadian hitmaker Murda Beatz.
19. Juice WRLD
City: Chicago, Illinois
Essential listening: “Lucid Dreams“, which samples British singer Sting’s 1993 track “Shape of My Heart“.
20. Wifisfuneral
City: Palm Beach, Florida
Why he’s important: A spot on XXL’s Freshman of 2018 list? Check. Instagram shoutout from none other Erykah Badu? Uh huh. The Bronx-born, Palm Beach-based rapper has accomplished all these accolades and more – not bad for somebody who has yet to release a debut album.
Essential listening: “Tic Tac“, an intro track featuring booming 808s, skittering hi-hats, and Wifisfuneral at his highest level.
21. Lil Yachty
City: Atlanta, Georgia
Why he’s important: The “veteran” of this list, Lil Yachty’s beaming positivity, and distinct style made him a household name. The red-headed rapper has worked with everyone from Carly Rae Jepsen to Kanye West, but he remains intimately linked with the young guns blazing new paths alongside him. He’s also set to star in this year’s How High 2, the sequel to Method Man and Redman’s 2001 stoner comedy.
Essential listening: His 2016 mixtape “Lil Boat“, which introduced most people to Yachty’s acrobatic, AutoTuned melodies, and included guest spots from Young Thug, Quavo, and more.