The future of hip-hop and rap music is never static. Every year, new names carve their space in a culture that moves as fast as the internet, shifts with regional soundscapes, and bends under the weight of viral moments. As we approach 2026, the hunger feels different. Here’s our list of 10 rising rap artists 2026.
Listeners want authenticity, fresh flows, and stories that cut through the noise.
The wave of new hip-hop artists right now isn’t just about who’s racking up views on TikTok—it’s about who’s converting streams into fandom, who’s building movements in their hometowns, and who’s capable of delivering albums, shows, and visuals that feel undeniable.
We’ve spent years documenting rap from Seattle to Los Angeles, Detroit to Atlanta, and the global scenes shaping hip-hop culture. Looking ahead to 2026, these are the 10 rising rappers we’re betting on.
Some are bubbling nationally, some are still underground rap champions in their cities, but all of them represent the kind of creative energy that can flip into a mainstream breakthrough overnight.
If you want to know where the culture is headed, keep your eyes on these names.
Rising Rap Artists 2026
BabyChiefDoit
Straight out of Chicago, BabyChiefDoit is redefining drill rap in 2026. His records like “Went West” and “Rollin” lit up TikTok in 2025, driving his Spotify streams into the millions. BabyChiefDoit already earned a slot on the XXL Freshman cover, but he’s still in that hungry space where every release feels like a mission statement. What separates him from a crowded Chicago rap scene is his balance of aggression and melody.
He can spit with the intensity of the streets while still crafting hooks that travel far outside the Midwest. Chicago drill has birthed stars for a decade, but BabyChiefDoit feels like the next in line to break past regional buzz into global recognition. His visuals are gritty, his cadence is sharp, and his rise into 2026 is worth locking into.
Montana 700
Dallas has been quietly building momentum, and Montana 700 is one of the loudest voices in the “New Dallas” rap wave. His mixtape 700 Reasons put him on the radar, and now he’s setting the tone for Southern rap in 2026. Montana blends street storytelling with a melodic edge, giving his songs replay value beyond the block.
You can hear the lineage of Texas legends in his delivery, but you also hear a modern twist that lines up with today’s streaming generation. Dallas hip-hop is often overshadowed by Houston, but Montana 700’s consistency could flip that script. Expect him to be heavy on features in 2026, expect a polished project, and expect the city to rally behind him as he pushes into national spotlight. He’s for sure got to be on our rising rap artists 2026 list.
Xaviersobased
For the internet generation, genres don’t exist the way they used to, and Xaviersobased embodies that. His surprise 2025 EP Once More blended cloud rap, hyperpop, and pluggnB into something weirdly cohesive. He sits in that lane where underground rap, SoundCloud rap, and alternative hip-hop intersect. His fanbase is small but rabid, and they eat up every drop.
What makes him compelling is his fearlessness. He’s not worried about fitting into a drill box, a trap lane, or even a radio-ready structure. Instead, he’s building a new lane altogether. If you’re looking for experimental hip-hop in 2026, Xaviersobased is the kind of artist you’ll see getting festival bookings and cult-level recognition. His music isn’t for everyone—but for those tapped in, he’s the future.
Ghais Guevara
Hip-hop still thrives on lyricism, and Ghais Guevara is living proof. His 2025 album Goyard Ibn Said landed on year-end lists for its conceptual weight and sharp political commentary. Signed to Fat Possum, Ghais has separated himself from rappers chasing virality by focusing on long-form storytelling and thematic density. He’s drawing comparisons to underground rap legends while carving a lane that feels very 2026. His beats pull from soul, jazz, and experimental textures.
His bars are layered and demand a second listen. Hip-hop fans who value substance over clout chasing are gravitating to him, and in 2026 that audience will only grow. Expect him to continue dropping projects that critics love while building a loyal following that supports him outside the industry machine. This is a no brainer for our rising rap artists 2026 list.
NASAAN
Detroit is always on deck with new talent, and NASAAN is one of the most exciting voices emerging from the city. His catalog already shows a range from aggressive bangers to reflective storytelling. The son of the late Proof from D12, NASAAN carries both legacy and pressure, but he’s carving his own identity separate from the shadow of history. His visuals and branding have been strong, his bars are sharp, and Detroit’s relentless work ethic shows through his output.
Detroit rap is thriving with artists like Babyface Ray, Icewear Vezzo, and Tee Grizzley, and NASAAN is next in line. By 2026, expect him to make noise far outside of Michigan, and don’t be surprised if he lands a hit that connects with mainstream audiences.
AzChike
Los Angeles rap always evolves, and AzChike is one of the names pushing it forward. He’s been buzzing for a while, but 2026 feels like the year he solidifies himself as a leader of the LA underground. His delivery is cocky but charismatic, the kind of energy that translates to live shows and viral clips. AzChike blends West Coast bounce with his own modern flow, giving him crossover appeal. LA hip-hop culture is diverse, from street rap to alternative hip-hop, and AzChike sits comfortably at the intersection.
He’s not boxed in, and that freedom makes his future exciting. If you want to know what LA rap sounds like moving into 2026, AzChike is a perfect example.
Lexa Gates
From Queens, Lexa Gates brings something different to the table. Her music is moody, soulful, and heavy on emotion. She raps with raw honesty, weaving between melodic flows and sharp bars. Her production often leans bluesy, almost melancholic, giving her sound a unique identity in the crowded New York hip-hop scene.
Female rappers have been dominating the charts for years, and Lexa Gates could be one of the next voices to break big. She’s not chasing club hits—she’s carving her lane with depth and authenticity. As New York rap continues to diversify in 2026, Lexa Gates stands out as an artist with the talent and vision to rise above the noise.
Nino Paid
The DMV has been hot for years, and Nino Paid is a prime example of the talent bubbling in that region. His catalog mixes introspection with street tales, painting pictures of his environment with authenticity. His delivery is sharp, his beat selection is versatile, and his work ethic is undeniable.
The DMV has produced stars like Wale, GoldLink, and IDK, and Nino Paid is carrying that torch into 2026. His buzz may still feel underground, but he’s one breakout single away from expanding nationally. Hip-hop fans looking for new rappers in 2026 should lock in early—because when his moment comes, it’s going to be big.
1oneam
Milwaukee isn’t always on the map when it comes to national hip-hop coverage, but 1oneam is changing that. His tracks like “Death of Me” and “Vogue” show both range and depth, moving between vulnerable introspection and aggressive flexes. He’s got the kind of duality that resonates with fans across the spectrum. One moment he’s rapping about struggle and pain, the next he’s floating on a beat like he’s untouchable.
That balance gives him long-term potential. As more listeners discover him, expect his profile to grow in 2026. Milwaukee might not have the infrastructure of bigger rap hubs, but artists like 1oneam are putting their city on the map.
Star Bandz
Teenage phenoms are nothing new in hip-hop, but Star Bandz is already showing signs of greatness. Still in her teens, she’s building traction on streaming platforms and developing a reputation for confident, fearless delivery. What makes Star Bandz stand out is her presence.
She doesn’t sound like a rookie—she raps with authority, charisma, and style. The next generation of hip-hop fans is always hungry for young voices, and she fits the mold perfectly. By 2026, Star Bandz could be a breakout star if she continues to refine her craft and expand her catalog. With the right support system, she could be a generational talent.
The Trends Defining Hip-Hop in 2026
These artists aren’t rising in isolation—they’re part of bigger trends shaping the future of rap. Genre fusion is more relevant than ever, with artists blending hyperpop, drill, trap, R&B, and experimental production into hybrids that defy categorization. Regional rap scenes are thriving.
From Chicago drill to Detroit trap, New York moody rap to LA bounce, hip-hop in 2026 feels more diverse than any time in history. Storytelling is also making a resurgence. Artists like Ghais Guevara are proving that fans still want long-form albums with substance, even in the streaming era.
Social media remains a launchpad, but the artists who last are the ones who pair viral moments with consistency. BabyChiefDoit turning TikTok fame into sustained momentum is the blueprint. Nino Paid and Montana 700 building strong regional bases before pushing outward shows the importance of homegrown support. And younger artists like Star Bandz are proving that the next generation will be digital natives from the jump.
For fans, 2026 is going to be a year of discovery.
While mainstream rap will still be dominated by household names like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole, the culture is hungry for what’s next.
These 10 rising rap artists 2026 represent the next wave. They’re not all destined to be superstars, but each has the potential to shape the sound of hip-hop in their own way. Whether you’re into drill rap, underground hip-hop, melodic trap, or experimental rap, there’s an artist on this list that speaks to your lane.
The rap game in 2026 will be about evolution. It’s about young voices stepping up, old formulas being flipped, and regional rap scenes proving they have something to say.
BabyChiefDoit, Montana 700, Xaviersobased, Ghais Guevara, NASAAN, AzChike, Lexa Gates, Nino Paid, 1oneam, and Star Bandz all bring something different to the table, but they share one thing: momentum.
If you’re a hip-hop fan, this is the time to pay attention. Because by the middle of 2026, some of these names might not just be “rising”—they’ll be headlining.
