Over the last decade, the Northwest has been leveling up and gaining respect in the overall hip-hop community. With Portland being one of those cities leading the charge, in this article we will be putting on display 10 artist we think are seriously worth giving a listen to in 2021.
These artists have been putting on for their city and are ready for that next step of recognition. In no particular order, here is RMR’s 10 Portland artists you should listen to in 2021.
10 Portland Artists You Need To Check Out
Nick Bezas
Nick Bezas is a Portland artist who seems to be early on in his musical endeavors. Even so he has still managed to catch the attention of Portland hip-hop heads being featured on Vinnie Dewayne‘s “Huddle Up.” Bezas has shown enough to make the list as someone to keep an eye on out of PDX.
Fountaine
Fountaine is an interesting rapper who has almost outlandish song titles like “I’m Trying To Get My Stimulus Check,” “Modern Day Piccolo,” and “Banana Nut Fuschia.” But the best part is dude actually has bars, merging this experimental funk, sometimes distorted, sound with clever and sharp tongued lyrics and delivery.
Snoogz
Snoogz was also recently featured on a Vinnie Dewayne track that featured several others but he easily stood out among the rest. Not for his flashy persona or attitude, but for his straight up delivery and flow, stacking bar after bar. He’s another one of those artist we look forward to seeing more from and would place in that “keeping an eye on” category.
Jordan Fletcher
Recently dropping his album “Somewhere Off Alberta”, Jordan Fletcher has built up a solid fan base and rightly so. Every song off the album is a smooth yet rugged style banger reminiscent of the older days of A$AP Mob. Fletcher comes with some grit and puts that on display not only in his sound but also by giving us some insight into how his mind works with his “148th Ave” music video.
Zyah Belle
The next Portland artist on our list is someone who’s really been killing it as of late and that’s Zyah Belle. A few years ago in 2017 she was featured on Too Shorts track “I Stay Up” and she’s taken advantage of that opportunity to make a nice name for herself. Definitely the most soulful artist on our list, so far Zyah is a vocal powerhouse that can shine on any track with the simplest of melodies.
Sour Deez
Sour Deez is someone who is has got his hand on the door and just needs a little push to really start getting his name out there. His most popular track is easily his hit from six months “Don’t Panic.” A hyphy beat featuring his raw ability to jump from flow to flow to create different levels to his music. Check out some of his newer music like “Big Dog” out now on all platforms.
Kayela J
Kayela J is a dope artist not only because her music fire but she spends a lot of her time fighting for causes to make a difference and help her community. Causes such as helping funding housing for Black and Native women, bailing out Portland protester’s, and helping the Black trans communities. She still finds times to make bangers like her 3-tracks-in-1 video “Homage.” More recently she did a track with Frankie Simone called “Be Myself” which can be described as a feel good vibe about embracing who you are.
Niro Gotti
Niro Gotti has stayed busy in 2020 through the pandemic dropping 2 tapes including his latest track “3am in ATL”. This new song is a prime example of his ability to make earworm melodies that give a track that replay ability. He recently teased a new video his track featuring 24Heavy titled “Snakes” that has fans coiled up in anticipation. Check out his music video for “Good Guy” a hit off his 2020 album Mamba Gotti.
Scooter Rogers
Scooter Rogers is one of those artist that has you intrigued right from the jump. Slaps like “Fuck It Up,” and “Thunder Clap” are highlights off his J.O.Y. 2: The World album that he dropped earlier this year. He was recently featured on Chain Taylors track “Candy” where he completely hi-jacks the beat and becomes the best part about the entire track with some dope videography following right behind him.
Drae Slapz
Drae Slapz has been a multi-facested force behind the culture of PDX hip-hop. He’s lent a hand or 4 as a producer, DJ, artist to the local music community. Over the last year or so he’s been steadily putting out beats along with a few singles. He’s also partnering with dancers to put out dance tutorials to his songs on YouTube. As a digital marketer and a musician, Drae Slapz can just about do it all and if need be is ready to do more on his way to the top.
