Check out these ones to watch, sure to become popular rap artists in 2021.

What new rap release are you looking forward to this year?

Last year saw young, talented female rappers running rings around their male counterparts – see Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s ubiquitous “WAP.” Women in rap showed lyrical gymnastics filled with wit, provocation and in all cases a wide-ranging career vision, knowing they deserved success and going straight for it.

That renaissance looks set to continue as we head into 2021, along with new male rappers generating a buzz. Here are some of the most-hyped rap artists to watch out for in 2021.

Kamaiyah

On the scene since 2017, Kamaiyah is now free from contract restraints and setting out her own path, dropping two mixtapes in 2020. 2021 will see her make her next confident strides.

Bree Runway

Hackney-born rapper and singer Bree Runway starts 2021 fresh from releasing her debut mixtape 2000and4Eva, which boasts a feature from Missy Elliot on “ATM” that’s heading for 5 million views on YouTube. She’s only just getting started.

Yung Raja

Celebrating his own confidence in his identity with a combination of Tamil and English lyrics, Singaporean rapper Yung Raja blends humour and hip-hop. This year will see him continue to spread positivity through a bigger body of releases.

Deema

Deema stepped out from The Square collective with his own fresh sound, away from grime and towards bouncy hip-hop, and ever since has been steadily on the rise. Witty playful beats from the East London MC with boundless energy.

Goya Gumbani

Gumbani raps lazily but his lines are emotionally sharp, self-aware and with a social conscience, with an eclectic mix of samples. The Brooklyn rapper is based in London, and crosses over into the city’s vibrant jazz scene. Creatively, he’s only going to get more interesting.

Ivorian Doll

Tipped as the UK Nicki Minaj, the 23-year-old rapper has won famous fans like Iggy Azalea. Last April sudden breakout hit “Rumours” catapulted her up to her place as the Queen of Drill. Next are high-profile collaborations, an EP, and hopefully a tour.

J.I The Prince Of N.Y

J.I. has been in the public eye since the age of 14 when he appeared on the 2016 season of The Rap Game. When his 2019 single “Need Me” rocketed to 50 million views on YouTube he was only 17. The melodic Brooklyn rapper is Drake-approved, and he’s set to continue to rise and refine his sound, influenced by his Puerto Rican heritage.

French the Kid

This Essex-born multilingual rapper flows deftly from French to English with a fluid sound. Continuing to make moves through the industry, 2021 could well be the year he turns heads and emerges into the mainstream.

TikTok viral explosions and everything else that comes with the age of social media means that trends and new artists can emerge overnight, impossible to predict. There’s sure to be plenty of surprises in the rap game this year, but keep an eye out for these eight rising stars as we head through 2021.

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