The rap world is full of up-and-coming talent. New faces like Glorilla and Sexyy Red continue to push the boundaries of female rap. Let’s take a look at the top 10 rising stars in hip-hop and the 2023 music industry.
There’s much room for new artists to carve out their own place in the rap world. The genre’s current MC crop offers plenty of fresh ideas, but who will take the lead? These 10 rising stars in hip-hop could be the ones to watch in 2023.
10. EB Marie
A multi-talented phenomenon from Saint Paul, EB Marie is a bars-first female rapper who isn’t here to play. Her latest video proves this as she delivers straight venom. All while an icy backdrop intensifies her intimidatingly lyrical performance.
She’s proof that a bold, lyrics-first approach is a viable option for women in Hiphop, even if critics say it’s not as fun. She’s the perfect example of how a rising artist can use their unique style to reimagine hip-hop.
She takes wild sonic influences and filters them through her distorted lens to create a sound that’s unlike anything else in the music world. Look out for her in 2023 as she continues to break boundaries with her sexy feminine persona.
9. Glorilla
A fiery, fearless rapper whose flows are as mordant as the streets of her hometown Memphis. GloRilla inherits a linguistic terror and wit from generations of Black storytellers. Her anthem “Outside” rides a raucous yet haunting beat structure as she sings about crew love and hunting enemies.
Hitkidd discovered the Tennessee native at a local showcase and she made her first splash with the bass-knocking “F.N.F.” song. She rode the momentum to a feature with Latto and Gangsta Boo, as well as an in-demand TikTok dance challenge trend and a music video that finds her hanging out the window with a gang of ratchet-ass friends.
Glo carries the torch for some of hip-hop’s boldest lyricists with her unapologetic anthems, and she is just getting started. She recently signed with CMG and continues to drop bangers. Spotify recently added her to its 101-track Most Necessary playlist.
8. Juliera
Juliera infuses self-empowerment and hope into her music. Her Nigerian culture and American influences merge to create a unique style. She started her career as a writer on Fiverr and has since grown into a burgeoning artist with a dedicated fanbase.
She brings a fresh perspective to Hiphop with her diverse musical taste. Her love for rap, anime, and pop music translates to her music in a way that sets her apart from the pack. She never takes a break, as she has been dropping dope tunes all year.
Juliera already grabbed the attention of vets in the game, proving she has what it takes to become a star. With her signature punchlines and stark delivery, she’s definitely one to watch out for this year. Her single “Bail on You” shows her artistry perfectly; take a listen below!
7. Redveil
Redveil, started making waves with his first project Niagara. The Maryland native caught a lot of attention from the internet and garnered praise from artists like Tyler, the Creator. He continues to release music hits, opening for Freddie Gibbs and Denzel Curry and refining his sound with each new album.
On his latest release, he strays from the pensive storytelling of previous albums. Instead, he delivers something more physical and exciting with his latest record, learn 2 Swim. He drops the boom-bam of a trunk-knocking beat and soul chop while still maintaining a strong flow, with fans comparing him to artists like Denzel Curry and JID.
With a tour in Philadelphia hitting up cities like Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and Seattle, the young rapper is only getting better. He’s one of the rising stars in hip-hop to watch for in 2023.
5. ECko Miles
ECko is no stranger to the rap game, but it was his recent collaboration with Odumodu Blvck and Zlatan that has everyone talking. Their track “Picanto” features a hard-hitting verse from each artist, showing off their unique styles. Some fans hate on his voice, but he doesn’t let it deter him.
Miles’ fashion sense, paired with his ability to spit over various beats, makes him a rising star. His debut mixtape also helped him gain more attention from vets in the game. Of all the rising stars in hiphop, ECko Miles is definitely someone to keep an eye on in 2023.
4. Lola Brooke
Brooklyn native Lola Brooke brings her signature high-energy and starlike persona to the music scene. The diminutive rapper’s ruthless rhymes and athletic delivery have made her a force in the hip-hop game.
The XXL Magazine 2023 Freshman class member has been lighting up the rap game with her hard-hitting lyrics and electrifying performances. Her breakout single, “Don’t Play With It,” became a TikTok sensation and caught the attention of celebrities like Kim Kardashian and North West.
Brooke isn’t afraid to speak her mind and holds nothing back, even when it comes to the most personal of topics. Her vindictive delivery cuts with malice, causing listeners to sigh and gasp, stoked by her menacing presence and fierce lyrical style.
3. Kye Harris
Harris captivates fans with his distinct voice and dynamic stage presence. His unwavering drive to hone his craft sets him apart as an artist who pushes the boundaries of modern rap. The Killeen rapper is a rising star to watch in 2023 hip-hop.
His deep voice etches verses with passion and the same hunger that fuels the legends of Memphis rap. He has already racked up co-signs from Vets in the game and is a force to be reckoned with in the ever-growing new scene.
2. JELEEL!
This rather large rapper has been rocking local scenes around the country lately. He continues to gain the attention of hip-hop fans and influence the genre trends at large.
Whether he’s spitting street cliches or dropping anthems of empowerment, either way he goes hard. JELEEL! Makes an impact with his own unique style, scene, and physique. His incomparable and edgy tone makes him one of the most buzzing rising stars in hip-hop.
Having grown up on battle rap and the work of NYC titans, his rhymes hit hard, as they are clever and enticing. His genre-bending fusion of hip-hop and dance music gained traction this year. He even caught the eye of more prominent artists, so we can expect to see him on the big stage, too.
1. Reuben Vincent
Reuben Vincent has an interesting background; his parents escaped from Liberia during the first civil war. The East Charlotte native never lost sight of his cultural heritage. He carries that wisdom with him through his songs.
His coming-of-age narratives take cues from artists like Andre 3000’s The Love Below. The Jamla/Roc Nation spitter proves himself on the mic in many ways, from his Sway in the Morning freestyle and his contribution to the BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher.
His debut album, Love Is War, features production fusing the technical flow with the classic boom-bap stylings. He also shows vocal chops and jazz riffs that recall the work of R&B legends like Tobe Nwigwe.
