Typically, we run an artist-to-watch list at the beginning of the year. This time around, we’ve been a little busy tapping into the local hip-hop scene and taking notes.
In previous editions of this kind of list (see 2020, 2022, 2024), we highlighted a mix of genres, made a call that 2022 was the year of Tay Money and then focused solely on hip-hop acts where we ranked them. Last summer included the unstoppable run of BigXThaPlug with Take Care, Post Malone fully breaking into country with F-1 Trillion and the rise of many new rap superstars such as Montana 700, Zillionaire Doe, Headhuncho Amir and 4Batz. We crowned BashfortheWorld the best rapper of 2024 for our annual Best Of Dallas issue. We’ve been keeping tabs on emerging hip-hop artists as they rise from obscurity to our favorite must-see acts in 2025.
In some cases, an artist’s success story has shown an unknown act can become a megastar overnight. Music executives discover local artists daily based on influence, social media metrics, press and self-promotion. These artists often stand out through business moves like licensing deals, co-signs from regional power players and releasing viral freestyles…