19 Artists To Watch In 2019 [PEEP]

In case you didn’t already know, hip-hop had the music industry on smash last year. Nearly every week there was a collection of fire albums released and a variety of artists turned themselves into household names.

Artists like Lil Baby, Gunna, 6ix9ine, Rico Nasty, YBN Nahmir, Valee, Maxo Kream, and Cozz were out here wrecking sh*t. It’s always exciting to see who’s next to emerge and boost their status in the industry.

I’ve compiled a list along with my brothers Justin Credible and DJ Sourmilk of 19 artists that are destined to elevate in 2019.

*DISCLAIMER: This list is in no particular order and we understand that you may have known these artists prior, but this isn’t a discovery list so please hold your slander before you go in the comments tryna flex your astronomical hip-hop IQ.*

RODDY RICCH

The West Coast has seen a rise in new talents over the past few years. Roddy Ricch stepped into the scene last year with his ‘Feed The Streets’ mixtapes and hit single “Die Young,” which had people everywhere singing along.

I remember seeing his first live performance opening for the “03 Greedo vs. RJ” show at The Microsoft Theater. Justin Credible and I also got a first listen to his music thanks to the homie Dallas, who introduced us to this talented young gunner’s vibes. Although he did open a lot of eyes last year, you can expect Roddy to go even bigger this year with all new vibes. He’s recently been seen in the studio with Meek Mill, DJ Mustard, amongst others. Pay attention because we foresee him making even bigger waves in 2019.

SHORELINE MAFIA

We don’t know exactly what’s brewing in the water here in Los Angeles but it might be a bit of lean in Shoreline Mafia’s cup. The future for this talented collective is limitless and we should see it on a bigger screen this year.

They broke out with their smasher “Musty” and ever since then they’ve been running on pure propane. After signing to Atlantic Records, the group has continued to stay busy and back in December they delivered their Christmas album, ‘OTXmas’. The star potential for this group is there, so definitely keep your eyes peeled as we expect them to serve some freshness to the game with their creative arsenal.

REASON

Top Dawg Entertainment is home to some of the game’s biggest and brightest stars and the team only seems to get bigger and better with more stars on the roster. In 2017 it was SZA and the year before that it was Isaiah Rashad, with this year looking like it’s Reason’s time to shine.

Carson’s very own made a transition from basketball to rapping as he turned down an opportunity to play professionally in Greece. When I caught up to him, he told me that he always had dreams to become a rapper but the true testament was when he caught the eyes of TDE. That goes to show that dreams do come true as he remained patient and got his big break from TDE.

Last year he rereleased his ‘There You Have It’ project and that can only mean he’ll double back in 2019 with a whole new album. While on Jay Rock’s “The Big Redemption Tour” he showed that he has the stage presence needed to be a star and the potential is limitless for him. The Carson rapper also proved time and time again that he can flat out rap his ass off and we saw that live on #Freestyle066.

SAINT JHN

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, SAINt JHN isn’t your typical East Coast artist, as he is not only lyrical but also has a very unique style. His versatility coupled with heavy wordplay puts him in a league of his own and a standout in the industry.

He’s cultivated a cult-like following through his music, which has resulted in garnering over 50-million streams and international tours. The star potential is definitely there and we shall see him fulfill it this year with his next project and Christian Sex Club. clothing brand.

BLUEFACE

BOP! Los Angeles rapper Blueface has made a name for himself in a very short time. He went viral with his single “Respect My Crypn” back in October and has maintained consistently since then.

He went on to sign a deal with Cash Money Records (where dreams come true) and received co-sings from Drake, Quavo, Ice Cube, amongst others. The overnight success story often times seems like a fad but after garnering over 16-million views on his breakout single and over 500,000 followers on Instagram the future for this young crip is looking looking mighty bright.

GUAPDAD 4000

A lot of people think Guapdad 4000 isn’t really a rapper until they hear him rap. Sure he’s a hilarious figure that has created a community of followers for himself with comical Instagram videos, but he is not to be played with.

Releasing plenty of music last year, he showed people how serious he is about his craft and showed his skillset not only as a rapper but also as a great vocalist. The Ferragamo Falcon is ready to spread his wings as he readies his debut album ‘Dior Deposits’, which is going to show the world he’s a mainstay in this industry. The singles he’s showed me off the album are all solid and I am a believer that he will become a household name this year. As the great philosopher Trinidad James once said, “Don’t believe me, just watch.”

SMINO

If you’ve only recently got hip to St. Louis rapper Smino, you’re a bit tardy. But not to worry as the young grinder is poised for greatness and should climb to another bracket of success this year after delivering a solid album in ‘NØIR’ last year.

Since his debut album ‘blkswn’ in 2017, he’s shown no signs of letting his foot off the gas and should continue to take the industry by storm and that’s why he’s makes our list. If you wanna get a sample size of his talents all you have to do is check out the bars he dropped off with us on #Freestyle065.

SABA

Chicago rapper Saba has been at it for some time now but might’ve had his biggest year to date in 2018 with his critically-acclaimed album, ‘Care for Me’. He appeared on Chance the Rapper’s ‘Acid Rap’ mixtape in 2013 and has progressed since then, remaining busy and progressing his skillset with every rap.

He’s been rumored to be dropping a mixtape with Smino and Noname this year, which should be mighty epic. Aside from that we should be getting a lot of other music as he has proved how much of a workhorse he truly is.

YBN CORDAE

I’m gonna keep it all the way 100 and address the elephant in the room that YBN Cordae is by far the most lyrical of the YBN crew (No Diss To Nahmir or Jay). His partners Nahmir and Almighty Jay have better hit-making abilities but with his bars alone, he’s a star out here.

He rapped his way into people’s heads last year and verbally murdered everything he did. He’s respected by damn near every rapper in the game and with those bars, he must be respected! He shook sh*t up with his rendition of J. Cole’s “1985,” responding to what the younger artists in the game are feeling, further proving himself.  We saw firsthand that he’s a force to be reckoned with when he came and flossed some bars on #Freestyle045. Oh yeah, he’s been in the studio with Dr. Dre and the Doctor gave him a full-fledged co-sign too.

BOOGIE

Signed to Eminem’s Shady Records label is enough proof that Boogie can has crazy talent. The Compton rapper was relatively silent last year but has been preparing his Shady Records debut album, ‘Everything’s For Sale’.

Most recently he dropped a blapper in “Silent Ride” and is gearing up to show the world just how much of a hotbed for talent the city of Compton really is. Can’t wait to see Boogie’s glow up in 2019 and rise all the way to the top.

COI LERAY

Coi Leray is on the rise and it’s no surprise because she is a real star in this game. She’s climbing the ranks quickly and is an artist who has the potential to amass a large mainstream audience with her fun persona and catchy music.

Last year she got her first major placement in the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ soundtrack and her single “Huddy” has over a million views on YouTube. Watch as she takes the industry by storm this year and develops her potential into stardom.

KEY GLOCK

Coming straight out of Memphis, Tennessee, Young Dolph’s first protégé Key Glock is somebody to definitely watch in 2019. On his recent project ‘Glockoma’ he showed how much of an adept sound he has.

Under the shadow of Young Dolph, but with his guidance, he undoubtedly should be able to get his own shine. I foresee Glock building on the PRE foundation and turning himself into a big player in the rap game this year. Check out my interview with him here.

1TAKEJAY

Compton rapper 1TakeJay has shown why he’s someone to pay attention to all 2019 and for years to come with slappers like “Hello” and “Arco’ under his belt. He’s playing a huge part in the “New LA” movement with his crazy skillset and I don’t think he’s even reached his true potential yet.

His sound is distinctive and gives you that jerkin’-style feel over bass-laden, trappy sounds. Watch him as he rises to the occasion and joins the West Coast elites this year. If you’ve been sleeping on him, it’s about time you stop hitting that snooze button.

LIL GOTIT

Coming out of Atlanta it seems like Lil Gotit has been handed the baton to success but don’t get it twisted, this guy is getting it on his own, despite being Lil Keed’s cousin and having a relationship with Young Thug.

Last year he collaborated with Lil Uzi Vert, Gunna, Lil Keed, and Turbo. His sound is a little reminiscent of Thugger’s but there is a certain distinction that sets them apart. Coming off the release his debut project ‘Hood Baby’ back in November, he’s gearing up to drop his next one, ‘Crazy But It’s True (M.I.A.)’.

Keep your eyes peeled for Lil Gotit this year.

MELII

We’ve seen NY shorties like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B turn into stars in recent years, which begs the question can Harlem’s Melii be the next?

She has shown how versatile she is and it has not gone overlooked with big placements like landing on Meek Mill’s ‘Championships’ album. Her ability to speak two languages (English & Spanish) is a perfect recipe for stardom as she appeals to two different markets. She’s cited Nicki Minaj as one of her influences and who’s not to say she won’t reach that level of success. I love to see female artists climb their way to success in the game.

DARNELL WILLIAMS

Detroit’s Darnell Williams is getting ready to make some big splashes this year after dropping a few tracks and visuals last year that caught a lot of eyes. The emerging rapper has been experimenting with different sounds and it’s always exciting to hear what his next one is going to sound like.

He’s ready for the spotlight and he will show it this year not only with the music but also with his visuals as he possesses pristine creative directing abilities.

BZZY

Formerly known as Bizzy Crook, BZZY spent much of last year using his platform to help those dealing with depression through his music and spilling his own personal struggles through his music. He recently told me he’s out of that dark place and has been in the studio readying his next project, which will definitely be pure fuego.

BZZY is a lyrical monster that fires off hard-hitting bars with mind-bending rhyme patterns and next level flows. Along with that the way he balances his smooth vocals with formidable cadences and his intricate lyricism makes him a standout in the game. Watch him breakout and have the biggest year of his career.

LIL MOSEY

If you haven’t been paying attention to the youth lately I highly suggest that you tap in with Seattle, Washington’s Lil Mosey. The 16-year-old hit the masses heavy with his single “Noticed” and believe me, people definitely noticed.

The single landed him on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and things have been looking up for him ever since. After signing a deal with Interscope Records he dropped his debut album ‘Northsbest’ and he’s looking to capitalize on the success he had with that. We look forward to seeing what happens for him in 2019.

INNANET JAMES

Growing up in the DMV where go-go music is at the forefront of the community, Innanet James is proving that uniqueness and style can put you on the map. His abstract wordplay and exuberance put him in a league of his own. Being inspired by Lil Wayne definitely shows us why he’s so damn good at what he does.

This should be a big breakout year for him and we’re excited to watch it all unfold. Be on alert. He’s coming in HOT and ready to show his fire and fury.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

AZCHIKE

Los Angeles native AzChike is known for keeping parties and functions turnt up with his music as he’s a hard-hitting newcomer. Frequent collaborator of 1TakeJay and the whole R Baron, it’s undeniable that these guys have the streets on lock in “the LAnd.”

It’s only a matter of time before he pops off and mixing those trap sounds with West Coast turn up vibes should put him in the fast lane. Pay close attention to this local rising talent.

LAUREN DÉCLASSÉ

Lauren Déclassé is super talented under the radar rapper with a lot of appeal with a sound that turns heads. After one listen of his single “Evisu” you will be hooked and wanting to hear more of his music. Once he reaches that mainstream audience I believe he will blow up.

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