Here Are the 20 Best Rappers In Their 20s Right Now
Yeah, we saw the competitors list and weren’t feeling it. So, as a collective, we decided to curate our twenty best rappers in their 20s in the correct way.
Greetings and welcome to Shatter the Standards, a platform dedicated to transcending the prevalent homogenization within mainstream hip-hop discourse to deliver the unadulterated core of the genre. The recent publication by Complex of their list titled 20 Best Rappers In Their 20s Right Now has predictably provoked controversy, as many perceive it as a concoction of commercial favoritism and industry machinations that eclipse genuine talent with superficial measures of popularity. At Shatter the Standards, our critiques are not arbitrary acts of dissent; rather, we are committed to challenging prevailing conventions because we uphold a vision of hip-hop culture that prioritizes lyrical sophistication, artistic authenticity, and cultural significance over mere chart rankings or social media prominence.
In light of what we perceive as a mass-oriented compilation that lacks the depth and diversity characteristic of this rich decade of rap artists, we have undertaken the task of assembling our list. This compilation serves as a manifesto asserting that rap is an artistic medium where originality, narrative craft, and pure skill should set the standard rather than conform to prevailing trends. While acknowledging some inevitable inclusions (which you will undoubtedly recognize), our focus is to shed light on those undervalued talents and authentic lyrical masters who may not dominate the Billboard charts but undeniably influence the future trajectory of hip-hop with each verse they deliver. We invite you to join us in deconstructing conventional expectations and honoring the true hitters of rap in their twenties, who merit recognition not for their follower counts but for their substantive contributions to the culture.
The current cadre of rappers in their 20s represents a dynamic and influential segment of contemporary hip-hop. Here is an elevated discourse on the 20 best rappers currently in this age bracket.
AKAI SOLO
With an introspective approach, AKAI SOLO’s work rummage into the nuances of personal experience, employing a poetic complexity that challenges the perception of rap’s narrative potential.
Denzel Curry
Known for his aggressive style and profound lyrical content, Curry commands attention and engages with themes of social and personal significance, demonstrating versatility that spans high-energy anthems to introspective tracks.
Doechii
Her eclectic style blends hip-hop with boom-bap, R&B, and trap elements, crafting an identity that refuses to be pigeonholed. Her performances exude a charisma that captivates and disrupts.
Doja Cat
Known for her genre-blending approach that merges pop, R&B, and hip-hop, Doja Cat’s style, lyrical wit, and visual artistry make her a standout figure in contemporary music, deserving recognition in this context despite her broader genre versatility.
femdot.
Through scholarly lyricism, femdot. articulates the complexities of life in Chicago with a sharp, analytical lens, offering listeners music and a socio-political education.
Ivy Sole
Their lyrical narratives are both a personal catharsis and a universal balm. They blend rap with soulful melodies to explore themes of queerness, blackness, and self-discovery.
Kenny Mason
Mason’s music exists at the intersection of grunge and rap. His experimental soundscapes accompany lyrics that explore the dichotomy of vulnerability and aggression.
lojiii
An artist who uses lo-fi beats to underpin his stream-of-consciousness flows, lojiii presents an unfiltered take on life’s emotional rollercoaster, making his music a study of authenticity.
Loyle Carner
A storyteller at heart, Carner’s music is imbued with personal anecdotes and a reflective stance on life, love, and loss, delivered with a disarming sincerity.
Mavi
His philosophical inquiries through rap challenge the genre’s conventions, with Mavi’s contemplative verses acting as a conduit for existential scrutiny.
Maxo
With a laid-back style, Maxo’s narratives are detailed, providing snapshots of life with a calm, observational quality that invites repeated listens.
Medhane
His work is characterized by its introspective depth, where Medhane explores his psyche against the backdrop of moody, jazz-infused beats.
Megan Thee Stallion
A figurehead for woman empowerment in hip-hop, her unapologetic confidence and lyricism have dominated not only charts but also cultural discussions on gender and sexuality.
MIKE
With his abstract lyrical style and DIY tenor, MIKE represents the avant-garde of rap, where his melancholy beats and reflective rhymes forge a unique circumstance.
Navy Blue
His often introspective and melancholic music provides a canvas for his ruminations on identity, family, and buoyancy, summed up in lo-fi/sample-based production.
Ovrkast.
A producer and rapper whose work exemplifies the DIY spirit, Ovrkast. delivers raw, unpolished beats paired with sincere lyrics, embodying the spirit of underground hip-hop.
redveil
Showcasing maturity beyond his years, redveil’s music tackles themes of growth, struggle, and Black identity with a refreshing clarity and production that hints at the genre’s future.
Reuben Vincent
His lyrical agility, combined with a retro and forward-thinking vision, positions Vincent as a bridge between hip-hop's golden age and its evolving future.
Sideshow
With a knack for storytelling and a flow that commands attention, Sideshow brings a fresh perspective to the rap scene. His music is a blend of wit, wisdom, and wordplay.
Wakai
Hailing from Baton Rouge, Wakai’s music blends jazz-influenced beats with lyricism that speaks to spiritual and existential themes, earning him a rightful place among the genre’s notable young talents.