Last year we had the likes of Rich Homie Quan and Fetty Wap being heard everywhere. I remember even pop stations playing Fetty Wap's hit single "Trap Queen" last summer. We had artists like Rae Sremmurd and Bobby Shmurda become popular off hit dance songs, and let's not forget the new wave of dances we see every summer.
The world of hip-hop is an ever changing landscape the question is, can these artists stay relevant after gaining fame? Only time will tell but for now let's just look at who's gonna be hot come this summer when you're making that new playlist.
1. Remy Boy Monty
The right-hand man to Fetty Wap and his 1738 empire is making a name for himself this summer. With his new single "Not Poppin" catching a lot of attention and an upcoming album maybe he can be known for more than "the guy who's on My Way"
2. Lil Yachty
The red-dreaded ATalien wastes no time making a name for himself in a short time. In just a few months since dropping his mixtape he has been signed by superstar manager Coach K who currently manages Migos, OG Maco, and formerly Gucci Mane. Yachty's psychedelic rap flow is like hearing a bedtime story while dreaming your sailing down a river filled with codeine and sprite. Yachty transports you to a whole other world with his music and others want to join in his drug induced world this summer. His hit song "One Night" is below
3. Ro James
Ro James is a singer and a hell of a good one at that. I caught his single "Permission" on Hot97 a few weeks ago and it had me want to go serenade a beautiful woman under a summer night sky. While he only has a few songs out, his album is coming out in May, and I have a feeling his voice will win people over. Peep the song if you don't believe me
4. Lil Uzi Vert
Maybe you've heard of him or maybe not, either way this guy is gaining views. Lil Uzi Vert is a Philly rapper who reminds of Travis Scott in many ways. A rapper who makes music for the turn-up but also is very artistic in a weird way. He doesn't use just one style for delivering his raps making him unique and a true creative. His mixtape is out right now, peep his song "Top" from the tape.
5. PNB Rock
Another Philly artist who is rising to mainstream popularity and not just internet popularity. The rapper/r&b singer just signed a major record deal with Atlantic Records which means he's gearing up for a debut album this year hopefully. He has released 4 mixtapes all with popular songs such as "I Know," "Jealous ft. Fetty Wap," and "Fleek." He's the one artist I can say with assurance will rise to the mainstream level.
6. Young Greatness
I love this single Moolah, a super catchy tune for the summertime and it will be played A LOT. The new artist signed with Quality Control music, which is the Migos label, so you know he is in good hands. The New Orleans native reminds me of Rich Homie Quan, we will see if he receives the same praise for his music.
7. Madeintyo
A true newcomer to the game the L.A. based artist has come out of nowhere with his hit song "Uber Everywhere." Travis Scott made a remix to give the push to make the radio, and without much else known about Madeintyo there's no telling what he'll do next. I hope he will stick around because this single is summertime fire.
8. Desiigner
I'm pretty sure everyone knows "Panda" at this point and if you don't you've been sleeping under a rock. The Brooklyn native has one song under his name and sounds a lot like Future (hence the picture), but has gained a massive following for it. He was also signed by Kanye and Pusha T to Good Music. Kanye even used the song as a sample on his new album and that's unheard of for someone with one song to their name. Expect more this summer from Desiigner and a lot more Panda, Panda, Panda...
9. D.R.A.M.
You probably know him as the guy who song was sampled for Drake's "Hotline Bling." Well while that's him the Virginia native has a lot more going for him. He has some catchy music and is not your typical rapper. He blends reggaeton with hip hop and it makes perfect dance music. Expect more from this guy for some summertime dance music. Here's his new song "Broccoli" below with another artist on this list Lil Yachty.
10. Bryson Tiller
Another one of my favorites on this list, Tiller has been popular for a few months now but his appeal will carry over into the summer. His album, Trap Soul has been tearing up the radio and shows he isn't a one-trick pony. With slow r&b songs like "Don't" and "Exchange" to hard rap songs like "Sorry not Sorry" and "Rambo", there's something for everyone to like about Bryson Tiller. He's not going anywhere and has made his mark as Timbaland's newest artist.
In my opinion these are my artists to watch for this summer. I'm sure there will be many more to come but for now I can live with playing these rappers at house parties, barbeques, or even a family gathering (yeah right). Let's all look foward to the summertime with these new artists.
