#1 – Kweku Collins
- Here we have a local breakout artist who was signed to Chicago’s independent label, Closed Sessions, earlier this year. What separates Kweku from the surrounding talent is his musical diversity. He can rap, he can sing and he can do the both of those very well. With being the only rapper signed to Closed Sessions, he surprisingly makes all of his moves in silence as he is not one to boast. Yet these silent strides are quite large as he has stacked tens of thousands of Soundcloud plays over the past couple, as well as an incredible EP – Say It Here, While It’s Safe.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/215673532″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#2 – Taylor Bennett
- This is an artist who has already made an abundance of moves in the Chicago music scene and can be paired alongside notable names such as Hurt Everybody, Logan, Martin $ky, Leather Corduroys & many more. Topping our artists to look out for chart in 2014 – Taylor Bennett is a breakout artist that took a step back to perfect his craft. He recently had me over to listen to his Broad Shoulders tape, which is set to release later this year; it’s a product of many, many months. After listening to this tape, I have a very strong feeling that 2016 is Taylor’s year. Although The Taylor Bennett Show & Mainstream Music were both great projects, they are only stepping stones to his breakout tape releasing at the end of the year.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/161730749″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#3 – Smino
- Smino is a young talent of the city that has been brought to my attention time after time again before I finally checked him out. Once I made this brilliant decision to check out his track 3M (no longer available for stream on Soundcloud), featuring Jay2, I knew he had a hit on his hands. Then I went on to only find more great tracks as I thought “damn, this dude could honestly be on the radio.” Fresh off his 3 track EP, S!CK S!CK S!CK, Smino only continues to get better. I am very excited to see where the Zero Fatigue representative ends up next year. Although he is originally from St. Louis, his deep affiliation with the city of Chicago landed him a spot on this list.
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#4 – Sterling Hayes
- Here is a guy who has been with the Savemoney crew for years, yet waited for the appropriate time to dibble and dabble with different sounds. Before 2015, I knew of Sterling and had listened to a track or two, yet it wasn’t until this year that I really got to get a good idea of what Hayes was all about. With releases such as A Minute & O.T.S, Sterling really broke into the local scene and quickly landed himself a top spot. I am super excited to see what 2016 holds for Sterling, I am in deep anticipation of his debut tape which is yet to be announced.
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#5 – Logan
- Logan is another artist who landed on the top few spots of our 2014 list. Since then he has multiplied as an artist and has explored an adequate amounts of different sounds. As of right now, Logan can be viewed at the top of the local game, but has yet to break out of Chicago. I see 2016 being Log’s breakout year as he plans to release his sophomore tape. 1636 was a huge jump in his career, I can only imagine what his next tape will do for him as he continues to build with his surrounding talents: Flight (Producer), J. Krown (Videographer) & Tejeda (Photographer).
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#6 – Roy French
- The Splash God of Chicago continues to impress with his aesthetic value & individuality. This is what separates Roy from the rest of Chicago – he lives in his own disclosed world where he explores music and the world as a whole how he pleases, disregarding outside views. With hits such as Consistent, DMT, Save A Hoe & more, who knows what classics Roy will drop on us in 2016. Keep an eye out for this guy & his Splash Paradise movement, you won’t regret it.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/200840214″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#7 – Ju
- Ju, as you may know from his former collective, Moon & Ju, is an artist who you cannot necessarily categorize as a rapper. I list Ju under an alternative sub genre that is yet to be discovered/identified, he is really paving a new lane for artists. This is someone who is sure to make waves in 2016, keep an eye out.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/224357637″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#8 – Adamn Killa
- Here we have one of my favorite up-and-comers out of Chicago, Adamn Killa. This is one of the head faces of 197 and also one of their most unique sounds. Although I am a huge fan of Adamn, it is safe to say that he is an acquired taste. You’ll either be a huge fan, or not a fan at all. He has released a number of notable tracks over the past few years, and I believe 2016 will only hold plenty more.
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- # 9 – Netherfriends
- The one man band of Chicago, Netherfriends, is also an artist that you certainly can’t label as a rapper or anything of that sort. He is rather an producer/vocalist with a good grasp on the hip hop scene in Chicago as he often collaborates with the local talent. This is an artist that is quite hard for me to describe, and an artist that may take you a second to warm up to, but that’s what makes Netherfriends, Netherfriends. For this man, 2016 could easily turn his self-organized tours in the states to worldwide tours. Then his mom can stop telling him to get a real job. Best of luck to him.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/218237701″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#10 – Beach Jesus
- The collective of Beach Jesus, brought together earlier this year, consists of: Jommis, Chandler London, Jarofmy & SEER. These guys are a mix of pop & hip hop, it’s actually quite a refreshing sound for the city & certainly one that adds a bit of diversity to the scene. I’ve been excited for their next project ever since the release of Two Weeks Vacation, let’s see what 2016 has in store.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/222948353″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#11 – Ransah
- With a few glimpses of Ransah this year, it’s safe to say the 197 associate is soon to take off. As Lucki Eck$ is paving the lane, it is safe to assume that one of his fellow 197 members will soon be holding the city by hand. I believe that artist will be Ransah, as you can hear the uniqueness within his voice and flow. He sets himself apart from the others of the crew as he is the most lyrical and articulate in his rhymes. It will be an exciting year for Ransah.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/184220100″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#12 – Roosevelt The Titan
- You are all probably familiar with the Kronos head leader, Roosevelt The Titan, as you should be. I see Roosevelt as an artist that had a decent buzz in late 2014 heading into 2015, and as this year rolled on he continued to expand as a young musical talent. He had a few large leaps this year with some major opening act opportunities as well as a few hit tracks including: Houdini, Bugatti & Bitch Made. With that being said, I already know Rose has something even greater cooking up for 2016. He has an aggressive approach to every verse that cannot be overlooked, alongside a sound to him that has the ability to be widely liked.
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#13 – Tripp Heavy
- This is one of the most underrated artists in Chicago. Tripp Heavy has the potential to be a very powerful asset of the music scene and I feel like 2016 will bring him just enough light to make that known. With hit tracks including Yuh Yuh and Rob Ford, I am left confused with why Tripp hasn’t gotten his shine yet. This lets me know that it’s right around the corner, let’s see what the coming year has planned for Tripp Heavy.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/186699106″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#14 – Jinx The Natural
- I have had the pleasure to personally witness Jinx The Natural build himself as an artist through his journey of finding his sound. With every release, you hear progression; from GMBC to You’re a Natural was a huge jump. Yet, it it’s not just the music, it’s the self accomplishments as well. Over the past year he has had over 25 shows and has gained the likes of Twista, A-Trak, Saba, Hurt Everybody & more. I am curious to see where the Drip Gang/Higher Learning associated is heading in 2016.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/188319958″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#15 – Sunny Woodz
- Sunny Woodz, the home of all star-recruited tracks, definitely lands a solid spot on this list. The DJ, Song Writer & Engineer truly has an eye for talent and can bring this foreseen vision to life like none other. After I heard Feel The Wave, followed by Swerve, I knew he had the juice. I can honestly say I am excited to see what he brings to surface in 2016. Keep your eyes on him.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/204708660″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#16 – Kiraly Payne
- Kiraly is that one artist you hear on a track that leaves you in awe solely due to his flow, and then his lyrics soak in and it’s game over. I believe that Kiraly will flourish in the coming year because he attains what Chicago is missing. It’s his high-pitched voice tied in with a quick, consistent flow. Although this was once a very common, prevalent sound – it seems to have faded out, yet I think Kiraly Payne has potential to bring it back.
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#17 – Lou Era
- Lou is a guy who continues to have some of the best raps coming out of the city every year, yet he still hasn’t broke out. I am not sure why this is, but it would be an understatement to say that Lou Era is a good rapper. We all need to get further in tune with Lou and his upcoming releases. This year he released a couple solid EP’s (Code Red & Eight), so next year I’ll be expecting a full length project. I am hoping the best for Lou and am sure that if he keeps making the music that he’s making, he’ll be a well known name of the city in no time.
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# 18 – Pat App
- Pat App is another artist who was just recently brought to my attention. He holds a value that not many artists do nowadays, he can really rap – bar for bar. One thing in particular that I like about Pat is his effective way of moderately releasing music. He’s not overflowing you with music, he is giving you just enough to make you want more and more. It would be nice to see a project from Pat App in 2016 so the city can have a better understanding of what he’s all about; yet I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what that might be, and it’s quite promising. Be on the lookout for Pat App as we move forward.
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#19 – Thy Neighbors
- Earlier this year, a revitalizing sound was assembled. Thy Neighbors consists of a few musically talented friends who decided to make it something bigger than that. The renewed jazz/hip hop blended band includes: Ethos (Vocals), Charlie Sullivan (Rhythm Guitar + Vocals), Dante Valenzuela (Drummer) & Wiemahn Crosby (Lead Guitar). Get in tune with these guys sooner than later, I see a hint of Kids These Days in them. 2016 could easily be their kick off year.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/215589966″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#20 – Femdot
- I just recently got put on to Femdot; here’s another one of those artists that was being brought up around me for awhile before I got the chance to give it a listen. And I was quite satisfied when I did, the first of him I listened to was actually his most recent video – Immortal. Soon after, I dipped into the archives and came across The King Dilla EP. After this thorough listen, I came to the conclusion that Femdot separates himself from others with his delivery. He’s different, he’s good. Keep a lookout for the young talent, 2016 is looking good for him.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/186671618″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Notable Mention – Tymaman
- Tymaman is yet another artist who has yet a completely different sound from the fellow artists aside him in the city. He has a Rastafarian, humorous way to his raps – in most songs that is. Yet, Tyma can slow it down for the people and take a different approach. He can do just about anything, and he can do it well. The only thing about Tymaman is that I believe he’s a make or break artist to the audience, you either love it or you hate it. Next year could be a huge year for this guy. You really need to keep an eye out for what he’s cooking, word on the street is that he is sitting on a full project.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/190512525″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Notable Mention – Will is Chillin’
- The Stank Face affiliate, Will is Chillin’, has been consistently making a stamp in Chicago over the past couple years. With classic jams such as Jiminy, Broke & plenty more – Will is definitely a contender as we head into 2016. Let’s see what Will is Chillin’ drops over our head this upcoming year.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/200496767″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Notable Mention – 48
- Although 48 didn’t make our top twenty list, we definitely believe that he is someone to keep your eye out for. Here is yet another 197 rep, one of the younger guys of the growing entourage. Even though I don’t believe 48 holds a particularly “different” sound from the rest of Chicago, I feel as if he flows incredibly well and has the right motive. He’s young, he’s apart of something great and he is headed in the right direction. I don’t feel like 2016 will be a breakout year for him, yet I am a firm believer that it will be the year he finds his sound and makes an impact on the Chicago music scene.
- [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/211576094″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Notable mention – Forever Doyan
- Even though he came short of making the list, Forever Doyan is a new sound of the city that is sure to be well received. I took interest in Doyan after watching his Watch Over Me visual earlier in the year; I was then hooked with the 2 hit releases of Grey Suns (featuring Supa Bwe) & Unforgiven (featuring Martin $ky). Keep an eye out for what Forever Doyan has up his sleeve for 2016.
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Notable mention – Matt Whise
- Ace League associate, Matt Whise, is someone who could’ve very easily been on the top 20 list. Yet, I don’t know if 2016 will be his surfacing year, I think it’ll be another stage of growth for him as he heads into 2017 which will be his time make a true dent in the scene. Let’s see what Whise brews up in the coming year, I’m sure it’ll be hotness.
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