Earlier this year we put together a list of 6 Massachusetts Rappers That Are Elevating Their State, focusing more on the mid-major to mainstream artists such as Michael Christmas, Token, and BIA. That piece did so well that we decided to dive back into one of hip-hop’s hidden gems that is Massachusetts.
This time we are focusing more on those up and comers. These are rappers that have been making noise in Massachusetts and are next up for a break into possible mainstream success. Some of these artists are more known to their local areas while others have become New England favorites.
After doing two Massachusetts rappers lists this year, is there anyone we missed that you think deserves to be put on? Let us know in the comments and maybe you’ll catch them featured on our platform in 2022.
8 Massachusetts Hip-Hop Artists to Check Out
Cousin Stizz
I almost didn’t add Cousin Stizz because I got put on to him by a homie all the way back in 2015. It’s one thing if you’re the one putting people on, but since I was the one that got put on, I figured people have been rocking with Stizz for a moment now. But, we missed him on our last Massachusetts list so we had to show him some love on this one.
First breaking onto the scene with his Suffolk County album, his track “Fresh Prince” became a viral hit and is still a favorite for many to this day. And don’t think he fell off after that. His latest drop “Lethal Weapon” is just as fire as his old stuff, if not better. As scarce as Cousin Stizz drops can be, it’s always nice to get some fresh vibes from him and it’s nice to know he still never misses.
7981 Kal
This next artist, 7981 Kal, caught our eye with an intense yet versatile sound. The first track we heard from him was “23 & 1” with G Fredo. It reminded me of some of Montana of 300’s energy when he’s straight yelling into the mic. Intriguing for sure, but it was when we heard his track “7:30” that we were hooked. It is a total 180 from some of his other songs. “7:30” is a melodic vibe where 7981 Kal does a song-rap approach that shows he really has a lot to offer as an artist.
Legal troubles have slowed his career down, but nonetheless, he’s still managed to accumulate millions of views and really establish himself as one of Massachusetts hottest up-and-coming rappers.
Garrett Mahoney
TikTok has been a massive platform for up-and-coming artists across all genres and the same is true for Garrett Mahoney. His TikTok freestyles gained major recognition and led him to releasing his first single “Italics.” It starts off with a very casual and jazzy piano while a ghostly voice harmonizes in the background. Once Garrett starts rapping, his lyricism is on full display and completely takes over the track. Sorta like Kota The Friend meets Token, Garrett Mahoney spits absolute bars while maintaining a chill and nostalgic energy. Additionally, he recently released his debut album Grove Ave and it is available now on all platforms.
Dutch ReBelle
Haiti-born, Massachusetts-raised hip-hop artist Dutch ReBelle has been making waves since 2012 when The Boston Globe named her a “ReBelle With A Cause.” Since then, she’s kept her voice strong and is still dropping heat, with her latest release “Earthworm” dropping this past Halloween.
From the first bar, we knew ReBelle doesn’t play. Thus, we had to add her to the list. The beat, produced by Humbeats, has some of those eerie tones you’d expect of a “Halloween track” but it isn’t necessarily a Halloween track. It’s just ReBelle spitting bars and coming back stronger than ever after her Instagram account was hacked at 16k followers.
DTheFlyest
Getting Lil Baby as a feature, DTheFlyest first popped off in 2018 with his track “Fugazi,” a major milestone for the up-and-coming artist. The video has over 24 million views on YouTube with many in the comments saying he did what many can’t by keeping up with Baby’s flow. Some even liked his part more.
His latest release “All-Star Weekend” was recorded and shot within an hour in D’s hotel room while in Atlanta for All-Star Weekend. Still hungry and ready for more, DTheFlyest is out here making moves and watching his back on his rise to the top.
Oopma
Oompa is an artist we were really excited to find as her message is just as dope as her music. Forever representing queer, Black, orphaned kids from the hood, she was named one of NPR’s 2020 “Slingshot Artists to Watch“. Also a recognized poet and educator, Oompa is out here really trying to make a difference and music is just one of her many avenues. She dropped her album UNBOTHERED earlier this year, and continues be a beacon for equality in her community and hip-hop.
HighKeyRandom
He may not have the biggest following out of all the artists on this list. But, I could not search for Massachusetts rappers without seeing some sort of promotion for HighKeyRandom’s latest video “Emote Control.” Reminding me a little of Trippie Redd crossed with Lil Uzi Vert, it might not be so random why HighKey has all this buzz. He takes a sound that is hot right now but makes it his own, showing major potential off just one song. It will be interesting to see how he evolves and continues to tweak his sound to find his own unique lane.
Trottie Y Gizzle
Coming up in the Jamaican Plain section of Boston, Trottie Y Gizzle first gained notoriety off several remixes on his SoundCloud. His latest track flips Beyoncé’s mega-hit “Irreplaceable” and it’s a banger. He uses that iconic line “you must not know ’bout me” to create an infectious, almost jingle-like beat. Trottie absolutely eats it up with a ruthless drill energy, leaving his mark as one of those artist you remember even if you don’t necessarily like his music.
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