Hip hop has evolved into one of the most diverse musical genres in the world. We drew up a list of some up and coming rappers who are shaking things up. From South African electronic rap group, Skip & Die to the strangest gift hip hop may ever see who goes by the name of RiFF RAFF, we love these 6 rappers for keeping things interesting.
1. D E N A
Since Berlin based rapper, DENA released her summer hit “Cash, Diamond, Rings, Swimming Pools” last year she has been on the fast track to international hip hop stardom. The Bulgarian born hip hop artist and soon to be fashion icon calls herself “DENA FROM THE BLOCK ” because just like JLo, she uses her humble beginnings and colorful neighborhood as material for her MIA-esque dance tunes. She released her debut album Flash last month which includes her latest track, “Summer Doesn’t Mean A Thing.”
2. Hand Job Academy
We havn’t been this excited about a female hip hop group in a long time. Lil T, Clara Bizna$$ and Ash Wednesday make up the Brooklyn based girl group , Hand Job Academy. The group raps about periods, masturbating , “Tumblr Bitches” and other girl shit we obsess over. It’s about time. Their entertaining music videos are vulgar, deranged and incredibly hilarious. Hand Job Academy is currently raising money on kick starter to produce their new music video for their upcoming single, “Lena Dunham.”
3. SZA
After signing with Top Dawg Entertainment last year, New Jersey singer/songwriter, SZA released her first E.P., See. SZA. Run. and has since collabed with 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Isaiah Rashad and ScHoolboy Q. This neo-soul artist reminds us of Sade with a twang of one of her biggest influences, Wu Tang Clans’, RZA. She recently released her debut album, Z via Top Dawg Entertainment and still has plans to work as a zoo keeper since receiving a degree in marine biology. This girl is on fire.
SZA will be performing at Rough Trade NYC on July 15.
4. Cakes Da Killa
New Jersey rapper, Cakes Da Killa is the latest artist to join the LGBT hip hop movement alongside front runners Le1f and Mykki Blanco. Cakes Da Killa destroys it on the mic and also on his choice of head gear..seriously his flower headpieces are dope. His dark, raunchy and unapologetic dance songs such as, “I Run This Club” are what makes him flawless. He released his latest mixtape, Hunger Pangs via Mishka Records, earlier this month. Cakes Da Killa will join SZA and others at Rough Trade NYC in Brooklyn, July 15.
5. RiFF RAFF
The dude rocks neon cornrows…and grillz. The multifaceted Houston bred rapper, RiFF RAFF just released his much anticipated debut album, Neon Icon this past month on Diplo’s Mad Decent record label. The walking billboard who sports tattoos of the “MTV” and “BET” logos, was part of inspiration for James Franco’s character in cult film Spring Breakers and is blowing up the rap scene. Over the past few years, RiFF RAFF has cultivated my different alter egos that has influenced his bizarre personal style and his increasingly successful hip hop career.
6. Skip & Die
Electronic, Cumbia, Afrobeats, Global Bass and Punk are just a few of the genres that South African group Skip & Die target with their music. Known for their high energy performances and eccentric attitude of lead singer, Cata Pirata, the group is giving us a new meaning to the genre “world music”. Cata and band member, Jori recorded their debut album, “Riots Of The Jungle” while traveling around South Africa and picking up a few of their favorite South African artists to be a part of the project. Dazed Digital put the group on their, “Bands who Sofia Coppola Should Check Out” list and we put them on our “Rappers Who Aren’t Afraid To Get Weird” list which means you should check them out. Skip & Die are currently on tour in Europe and are working on another album.
By Danielle O’Neill. Follow her on Twitter @doneill13.