Told You So! – 2019 hip hop was dominated by women, non binary folks and the LGBTQ community.
Die Mad.

I told y’all last year. Women and non binary people run Boston hip hop. And the past year proved me right. Sorry, not sorry. 2019 was a crazy year in our city and I couldn’t be prouder of the hard work I see eveyone putting in, the community we’ve built and the different collabs I’ve seen (and been lucky to be part of). Billy Dean Thomas, Red Shaydez and Oompa have had star making years. The accomplishments and accolades have been pouring in. For 2020, this is who runs the city and is on the come up.

Dutch Rebelle is the queen out here. Period. She’s one of the best out, gender be damned. Her influence is palpable. She’s been running things out here for a long time and is one of the very few artists from here that has touched national audiences. She’s gorgeous, incredibly talented and a sweetheart on top of it. I’ve always looked up to Dutch. Opening for her was one of the highlights of my life. I listen to her music a lot because she’s fire and it’s time for y’all to bow down.

Kay Wattz is the James Brown of Boston. I don’t know anybody that works harder than her. She’s the definition of “booked and busy”. Every time sis posts, it’s a new show, a new cypher or a new interview. I don’t know how she does it because I’m exhausted just looking at her schedule. What’s even crazier is that she gives her absolute all to every single thing she does. She’s a beast on stage and on the mic.

Medino Green just gives me so much life. His raw New York style feels like a throw back to the 90s while also sounding current or fresh. The last time I saw Medino in person, he had this fly ass leopard coat on and that really just sums him up as a person. He’s one of a kind, his performances grab you and keep your attention. While hip hop has cracked the door open for queer women in the mainstream, it still has not given that same opportunity to a man. I think that Medino is that one that could finally break down that final barrier, so make sure you get hip now and don’t jump on his bandwagon later.

Cakeswagg is my baby. I just wanna gush about her for 25 paragraphs. She packed the Middle East for her Candy Cake Season EP release party and it’s no wonder she easily fills rooms. She’s that fucking good. Her #TalkThatTalkTuesday videos are the highlight of my week. I find myself racing to IG to see what beat she tackles next. Just the sheer volume of output from her is staggering. Her latest project is a phenomenal body of work. I’m really happy that I got put on to her and that I’ve also gotten to know her. She’s just as sweet as her name, but don’t play with her neither. That male rapper she flamed recently is probably still nursing his wounds.

Monaveli is the complete package for a rapper ready to breakthrough to the mainstream. She’s stunning, her bars are unmatched and she knows how to craft perfect, catchy, hip hop hits. I saw her recently at Soiree 8 with a live band and my mind was absolutely blown. I’ve already seen her perform live and I was a huge fan of her’s, but not everybody has the raw power to be able to mingle and compliment a band. That live element made her even more dynamic and attention grabbing. And trust, sis is already attention grabbing.

I want to give special love to our honorable mentions: Kweeng Doll, TeeLuxe, Rayel, Capella, Shellz, Malia the Model, Hopeadope, Mickbeth, Miss Amina, Lord Ju, Horacaz, Shalom Smith, Ju$t Jill, Hech Rhymes, Aly K, JABS, Lik Meraki, Honey Brown, Sole, Saafyr and Say Blanco

These are the artists to keep an eye on in 2020. Don’t say Blaze ain’t tell you so!