Rappers to Watch In 2025
We’re continuing the tradition of artists to watch in 2025, and now it’s time to highlight rappers who have the potential to ignite something significant in the industry.
As we made it to 2025, Shatter the Standards voted to spotlight rising rap artists destined to have their careers taken to new heights. Some you may have heard, some that are new to you. Right now, enjoy the show.
D2X
After playing high school basketball at St. Rita of Cascia and briefly attending Western Illinois University as a walk-on, Chicago-based rapper D2X shifted his focus to music. He commutes to Chicago on weekends to record. His debut album, The Color Blue (2021), reflects his personal journey and artistic influences. It draws inspiration from Pablo Picasso’s Blue Period and features jazz-infused beats reminiscent of artists like Miles Davis and J Dilla. Following The Color Blue, D2X continued to evolve his sound with Hotel 1105 (2023) and The Hunger Era (2024); his dedication to his craft and unique artistic vision have established him as a notable figure in Chicago’s hip-hop scene.
Da Flyy Hooligan
Da Flyy Hooligan has become a prominent figure in the UK’s hip-hop scene. Known for his unique “gourmet rap” style, he blends luxurious linguistics with prime-cut beats, offering a fresh perspective on London’s hip-hop landscape. Over the years, he has collaborated with notable artists such as the late Sean Price, Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, Hus KingPin, and Planet Asia, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the genre. Last year, Da Flyy Hooligan continued to make significant strides in his career. He released the mixtape Hooli Hansen II, which quickly climbed the UK Rap iTunes chart, securing the #4 spot and amassing 150,000 plays on Spotify within 24 hours of its release. Additionally, he collaborated with The Beat Junkies on the project There’s Hooli and There’s Everyone Else, further cementing his status in the hip-hop community. His consistent output and dedication to his craft have solidified his reputation as a driving force among a new breed of emcees in London’s hip-hop scene.
Jourden
Jourden’s music seamlessly blends neo-soul, trap, classic hip-hop, alternative, and Caribbean beats—a reflection of her West Indian heritage, with her mother hailing from Barbados and her father from Trinidad. Last year, she released her debut EP, Straight, No Chase, under RCA Records. The project showcases her adeptness at rapid-fire rap verses and smooth, throwback R&B tracks, highlighting her confident swagger and lyricism. Critics have praised her raspy voice and commanding presence, noting that she draws listeners in and makes them care about her message.
Kaicrewsade
Kaicrewsade is a 21-year-old rapper from Chicago’s West Side. His music blends jazz, soul, and rap, drawing inspiration from artists like Chance the Rapper, Noname, and Saba. Kai released his debut mixtape, Yvette, which shows promise. The project offers a soulful journey, reflecting his personal and musical development. Earlier in the year, he released singles like “Chickenscratch!” and “Untitled,” accompanied by music videos highlighting his storytelling abilities. Kai’s dedication to his craft and community makes him a promising figure in Chicago’s music scene.
Kwaj
Kwaj relocated to Michigan during his youth, where he developed a deep appreciation for hip-hop culture. Engaging in rap battles on school buses and spontaneous freestyles on college campuses, he cultivated a style that blends the essence of the Golden Era of hip-hop with contemporary influences. His music is characterized by meticulously crafted, introspective lyrics set against jazzy, boom-bap production, offering a nostalgic yet modern sound. His discography includes the album Lost Art for Collectors, featuring tracks like “Woke” and “Homecoming.” Kwaj’s music resonates with fans of artists such as Mick Jenkins, Joey Bada$$, Elzhi, and Kota the Friend as he continues to carve out his niche in the hip-hop scene.
Michael Sneed
Michael Sneed started his musical career at 15, engaging in rap battles with friends, which revealed his talent and passion for music. His distinctive style blends animated, soulful elements with Broadway-esque inflections and harmonies, creating a vibrant experience for listeners. His influences range from Disney film soundtracks to artists like Childish Gambino, Frank Ocean, and OutKast. In 2019, Sneed released his mixtape Days We Lost, a 10-song project reflecting on personal challenges such as post-collegiate depression and financial struggles. The mixtape showcases his introspective lyrics and diverse musical influences, including hip-hop, jazz, soul, gospel, funk, folk, and Broadway musicals. His 2023 EP, Junior Varsity Blues, tunnels through displacement and community change in Oakland, highlighting his hometown pride and the complexities of gentrification. Sneed’s music often addresses social issues, aiming to inspire others.
mynameisntjmack
Incipient from Newport News, Virginia, the rap artist mynameisntjmack has been gaining attention for his thoughtful lyrics, laid-back flow, and distinctive gravelly tone. His style has drawn comparisons to artists like Isaiah Rashad and Tyler, The Creator. In tracks such as “New Brass Knuckles,” he delivers smooth lo-fi beats complemented by his baritone vocals, showcasing his ability to stay rhythmically precise within the music. In 2022, mynameisntjmack expanded his reach with the genre-bending track “Bunker/Preroll,” a collaboration with Tommy Richman. He continued this prolific streak into 2023 with the release of “Leak” and the following year with his debut effort, mynameisnt.
Samara Cyn
Samara Cyn is an embryonic hip-hop and neo-soul fusion artist born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Her music blends modern soul with nostalgic hip-hop elements, creating a distinctive sound that reflects her southern roots and West Coast influences. In 2017, she relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, and began performing at open mic events, quickly gaining attention for her unique style. In 2022, Cyn started releasing music on Spotify, steadily building a following with her introspective lyrics and versatile delivery. Her debut EP, The Drive Home, released in October 2024, showcases her ability to seamlessly transition between rapping and singing, drawing comparisons to artists like Ms. Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. Tracks such as “Chrome” and “Magnolia Rain” highlight her introspective approach to songwriting and commitment to authenticity. With a growing fan base and critical acclaim, Samara Cyn continues to establish herself as a significant voice in contemporary music.
Sol ChYld
Sol ChYld began writing poetry under the mentorship of Asan Malik. This early exposure to literature and performance art led her to study dance at Creative Arts Academy High School and join a poetry collective. Her diverse musical influences include jazz from her grandfather, hip-hop from her mother, and artists like Michael Jackson, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu. She released her debut album, For the Sol, showcasing her raw lyricism and dynamic delivery. She continued to build her discography with projects like “Eyes Toward the Sun” in 2022 and “Something Came to Me” in 2023, featuring tracks such as “Something,” “NBC,” and “Choice.” Her single “NBC” gained viral attention on TikTok, amassing over a million hits and numerous remixes. Sol ChYld’s dedication to her craft and authentic storytelling has solidified her status as a rising star in the hip-hop scene.
Wiseboy Jeremy
Influenced by artists like Minnie Riperton, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem, Wiseboy Jeremy started sharing his music on SoundCloud during high school. His early projects, such as Friday Nights On Fallon Street, showcase his introspective style, often delving into personal experiences and emotions. Growing up in a musical family—his father was a rapper and his mother a DJ—he began creating his songs at 13. Last year, he released his album Pumpkin Seeds, featuring “Ovr N Ovr” and “Do I Not” with Phoenix James. The album blends jazz-infused beats with classic East Coast grit, reflecting his journey of self-discovery and love. His unique sound has garnered attention from publications like Pigeons & Planes and Bandcamp, and he was featured on Frank Ocean’s Homer Radio. Jeremy remains committed to authenticity, using his music to share his trials and tribulations, aiming to inspire others through his art.