Summer is nearing so it’s time to get that BBQ playlist ready, and New York—the birthplace of hip-hop, and the breeding ground for some of the greatest rappers of all time—has released its freshman class of rappers onto the scene. These five artists are who to look out for this season.
CASANOVA
Hailing from Brooklyn, N.Y., this one-time heavy-hitter in the streets has turned over his gangster lifestyle and decided to try his shot with music. And he’s created quite a buzz for himself with his gritty, authentic lyrics and over-the-top personality to match. Despite Casanova’s amateur run in music, his single “Don’t Run” earned him a record deal with Memphis Bleek’s Warehouse music group under Roc Nation. Once released, the song gained attention from artists, and even Wyclef welcomed him to take the stage at his show. Now on the ‘Party Tour’ with Chris Brown as one of the opening acts, Casanova is well on his way to becoming a successful artist. Speaking to XXL, Casanova is enjoying every minute of his success. “I’m blessed ‘cause this wasn’t part of the plan,” he said. “If you see me jumpin’ up, just know I’m jumpin’ for joy.
A BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE
This Bronx native, raised in the Highbridge neighborhood of the borough, took NYC by storm after the release of his debut mixtape Artist on Valentine’s Day last year. After his track “My Shit” became a hit on airwaves, A Boogie soon found himself opening up for Drake and Future’s Summer Sixteen Tour at Madison Square Garden last year. Since then, he’s gone on to release hit after hit including “Timeless” and “99 Problems and Messages.” With sold-out shows and scheduled appearances at Hot 97’s Summer Jam and the Made In America festival, A Boogie is giving these other artists a run for their money. His harmony and catchy beats will leave you singing along to every word, so prepare to hear at least one of his songs at a summer party.
DON Q
Also hailing from the Highbridge The Label family, Don Q was first noticed rapping alongside A Boogie. Since then, he’s ventured out with his own solo project Don Season, which is packed with his heavy-hitting punchlines. Armed with a flow reminiscent of a young Jay Z, there’s no doubt Don Q will have a heavy presence on airwaves this summer.
PHRESHER
After climbing the streaming charts with 10 million plays and counting, PHresher’s hit “Wait A Minute” certainly created some noise throughout the music industry. This club banger had 50 Cent, Cardi B, Uncle Murda, Remy Ma and Young M.A hyped to do remixes. Speaking to REVOLT TV, PHresher counted his hard work ethic as one of his leading factors to his success. “The things I feel contributed to my success was definitely my self-confidence, consistency, passion, family, my team, and God,” he said. Describing his sound as a Southern drawl mixed with a melodic vibe, PHresher plans on releasing new music very soon. “I will be gracing the Hot 97 Summer Jam festival stage in June, I’ll be releasing a mixtape in July, and I’m working on a tour with other new artists to start around August,” he said.
RAWW BLUE
With 10 years in the game, this upstate N.Y. rapper is making his way to the top with his unique style. Having over 600,000 views on YouTube and 108,000 followers across all social media platforms, Raww calls his fans one of his biggest accomplishments. Speaking to REVOLT TV, he said, “I have over 100,000 interactions with my fans weekly, people are watching, and now I’m just waiting for my big moment.” His Tory Lanez-assisted single “Can’t Sleep With U” received positive responses from fans, he recently opened up for Lil Bibby and, in he has previously worked with the likes of Juelz Santana, Mario, and Ray J. “I just want to create positive energy music, I just want to make positive music to uplift the fans,” he said. His second mixtape, Jxggy Baby, is set to release later on this year and his new song “Coming Up” is out now.