The 13 Best Teenage Rappers Right Now

Sep 25

From streaming platforms to get-rich-quick schemes, it’s easier than ever for young people to disrupt traditional norms and quickly gain money or attention. One route on this path is making rap music, though it may not be as promising as it once was. With the market oversaturated, less focus on artist development, and diminishing financial rewards, it’s no surprise there are fewer young rap stars under 20. Simply put, the pool of under-20 rap talent today is unimpressive, which is unusual for a genre that has historically been driven by youthful energy.

LL Cool J was only 16 when he dropped “I Need a Beat,” and at 17, MC Lyte became the first female rapper to release an album, Lyte as a Rock. Nas was just 18 when he made waves rapping about “snuffing Jesus,” and by the age of 19, Lil Wayne had already released three albums, all of which landed on the Billboard Hot 100. This youth-driven dynamic continued well into the 2000s, with stars like Joey Bada$$, Chief Keef, Earl Sweatshirt, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Kodak Black, Doja Cat, and XXXTentacion making their mark before they could even vote.

Today, as seen in our list of rappers in their 20s, the genre is largely dominated by veterans, stifling the development of younger artists. Many of the most exciting new rappers today, like LAZER DIM 700, Skaiwater, Xaviersobased, and Baby Osama, are in their 20s. Meanwhile, teenage rappers are often releasing music that’s raw and experimental, making it difficult for mainstream audiences to digest. That doesn’t mean there aren’t talented teenagers out there, but their music often flies under the radar unless you’re deeply entrenched in their scenes.

Compiling this list posed some challenges, but it wasn’t impossible. We considered each artist's impact so far and the quality of their music. Since many haven’t achieved significant commercial success, that wasn’t a primary consideration, nor was their influence, as most are still early in their careers.

Here are the 13 best teenage rappers right now:

13. Ian

Age: 19
Why they’re on this list: He has quickly become one of the most talked-about new rappers.
Why they’re not higher: There’s a possibility he’s just a trend, raising doubts about his staying power.

At just 19, Ian has captured a lot of attention in 2024. He presents himself as a sarcastic, privileged suburban kid with a Richie Rich vibe, while his rap style draws comparisons to Future. Critics question whether he’s capitalizing on hip-hop for personal gain or if he’s an “industry plant,” backed by key figures like DJ Holiday and Bu Thiam (Akon’s brother). Maybe he’s simply a passionate rap fan, continuing the long tradition of white kids emulating the hip-hop culture they admire.

Regardless, Ian has undeniably sparked conversation this year. His track “Figure It Out” shows off his sharp lyrical skills and a knack for visuals, as seen in his viral “From the Block” performance, where he subverted expectations by filming with his actual family instead of on the street. The video for “Figure It Out” even features an appearance from Marshawn Lynch, who gets a mention in the song.

While his debut mixtape, Valedictorian, didn’t make much of a splash, Ian still found ways to stay relevant, particularly through his collaboration with Lyrical Lemonade and Lil Yachty on “Hate Me,” which made the Billboard Hot 100. However, his most viral moment came when Tyler, the Creator, indirectly called him out during an appearance on Mavericks with Mav Carter.

Time will tell if Ian is genuinely committed to the culture or if he’s just another temporary sensation. If it’s the latter, fans will catch on, and he might fade away like Lil Mabu.

12. Ka$hdami

Age: 19
Why they’re on this list: He’s a key figure in the pluggn'b wave and has a gift for crafting catchy tracks.
Why they’re not higher: Despite his influence, he’s yet to experience a major breakout moment.

Ka$hdami is one of the unsung heroes of the DMV rap scene. He was an early leader of the dreamy pluggn'b wave, and though his big breakout moment has yet to arrive, his style continues to resonate with listeners. His smooth flows and laid-back cadences can be heard on tracks like “Head$hot” with Trippie Redd and “Different Timing” with Dro Kenji. His latest album, INFINITI, showcases his distinct sound, combining distorted 808s with fleeting melodies that keep listeners hooked.

11. Tana

Age: 17
Why they’re on this list: He consistently drops a variety of music and shows signs of artistic growth.
Why they’re not higher: His momentum has slowed compared to a few years ago.

At just 14, Tana was already making noise with lines like, “I’m 14 and I got a bag.” Now, at 17, he’s been through what feels like an entire career, from working in a bread factory to fund his equipment to crying when Lil Tecca noticed him. Though he’s lost some of his earlier buzz, tracks like “Decatur” and “Living Lavish” prove he still has what it takes to succeed.

10. che

Age: 17
Why they’re on this list: He has a unique talent for creating fun, experimental songs.
Why they’re not higher: He’s still niche and hasn’t reached a larger audience yet.

che’s voice stands out among today’s teenage rappers. His fragile, glittery vocal style dances around the beats with grace. His 2023 debut, closed captions, was a dazzling showcase of his experimental approach, but it sometimes felt repetitive. Tracks like “agenda” and “euphoria” highlight his potential, blending playful vocals with 8-bit beats. His recent minor hit, “Pizza Time,” is another quirky, fun track that shows how far his sound could evolve.

9. Sha Gz

Age: 19
Why they’re on this list: His dedication to drill music has cemented his place in the genre.
Why they’re not higher: His delivery can be one-note.

Sha Gz, a Bronx drill rapper, has stuck firmly to his roots in the genre despite its uncertain future. His aggressive, intense style is best heard on tracks like “New Opp,” which has millions of views on YouTube. While his sound may seem limited at first glance, a closer listen reveals a more nuanced storytelling approach, as seen in songs like “Crazy Story.”

8. 2Sdxrt3all

Age: 18
Why they’re on this list: He represents the eccentric, innovative side of Atlanta’s rap scene.
Why they’re not higher: His abrasive style hasn’t yet won over broader audiences.

2Sdxrt3all (pronounced “dirtball”) brings a fiery, animated energy to Atlanta’s evolving rap scene. His latest album, ADLIBGOD, showcases his offbeat style, filled with rambunctious ad-libs and unpredictable flows. While his unique approach sets him apart, it remains to be seen if this novelty will sustain him in the long run.

7. SugarHill DDot

Age: 16
Why they’re on this list: He’s become one of the most versatile drill rappers in New York.
Why they’re not higher: It’s uncertain if he can balance street rap with more mainstream sounds.

SugarHill DDot rose to fame alongside the Osama brothers, DD and Notti. At 14, he was already making waves with tracks like “I Wanna Love You.” Now, at 16, he’s trying to push the boundaries of New York drill, as seen on his debut album, 2 Sides of the Story. He’s also experimented with more melodic tracks like “Let Ha Go” and “Tweakin’,” showing his versatility.

6. 310babii

Age: 18
Why they’re on this list: He has the potential to craft hit records.
Why they’re not higher: He needs to prove he can replicate the success of his viral hit “soak city (do it).”

Inglewood native 310babii had a standout year in 2023, performing his hit song “soak city (do it)” at his high school graduation and even at Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” show. His extroverted style and ability to create high-energy party tracks make him stand out in today’s rap landscape, but he’ll need to build on his early success to reach the next level.

5. STAR BANDZ

Age: 16
Why they’re on this list: She’s a skilled MC who clearly values the craft of rapping.
Why they’re not higher: She hasn’t yet released a full-length project.

At 16, STAR BANDZ from Chicago has built a dedicated following with her rapid-fire, machine-gun flow. Her breakout hit, “Yea Yea,” features witty punchlines and clever wordplay over an unconventional beat. She’s already opened for big names like Veeze and Luh Tyler, and her talent suggests she has the potential to go far.

4. Baby Kia

Age: 17
Why they’re on this list: He has a unique style rooted in horrorcore rap.
Why they’re not higher: His style is polarizing, and it’s unclear how far he can take it.

Baby Kia’s high-energy, horrorcore-influenced rap style has made him a standout in the Atlanta scene. His viral single “Let’s Play A Game” drew mixed reactions, with some praising its rebellious nature and others put off by its aggressive delivery. As his career progresses, he’s shown signs of toning down his intensity to appeal to a broader audience, as seen in his latest single, “GLOVES & DRACS.”

3. Nettspend

Age: 17
Why they’re on this list: He has an enthusiastic and growing fanbase.
Why they’re not higher: His writing doesn’t always match the strength of his vocal delivery.

Nettspend has quickly become a polarizing figure in the underground rap scene. His erratic, hyperactive flow has won him legions of fans, while critics dismiss him as a passing trend. His vocal style is electrifying, and his ability to create attention-grabbing moments, both in his music and in real life, suggests he has the potential for longevity.

2. DD Osama

Age: 17
Why they’re on this list: He’s one of the most popular New York drill rappers today.
Why they’re not higher: His momentum has slowed since his explosive rise in 2023.

DD Osama burst onto the scene with his younger brother Notti in 2022, and their track “Dead Opps” took off on YouTube. After Notti’s tragic death, DD poured his grief into his music, releasing his debut album Here 2 Stay in 2023. While his popularity remains high, he’ll need to evolve his sound to maintain his success moving forward.

1. Luh Tyler

Age: 18
Why they’re No. 1: He’s the most polished and accomplished rapper among his teenage peers.

Luh Tyler’s rise began with the viral hit “Law & Order,” which showcased his laid-back, nonchalant flow and infectious charm. He quickly signed a deal with Atlantic and has since released two mixtapes, My Vision and Mr. Skii. While neither project feels fully realized, Tyler’s talent and star power are undeniable. He’s collaborated with some of Florida’s biggest names and has the potential to become one of the biggest rappers in his generation.

Edward Morton

Edward Morton is a passionate music blogger known for his insightful reviews and eclectic taste. With a background in both classical music and modern production, Edward brings a unique perspective to his writing, blending technical knowledge with a deep appreciation for all genres. He started his blog, "Norton's Notes," in 2015, quickly gaining a dedicated following for his honest, detailed critiques and his ability to uncover hidden gems in the music world.

Edward grew up in a musical family in Seattle, where he learned to play the piano and guitar at a young age. His love for music led him to study music theory and composition at the University of Washington. After graduating, he worked as a freelance music producer, which gave him an insider's view of the industry and fueled his desire to share his insights through writing.

Edward's writing is known for its eloquence and depth, often exploring the emotional and cultural contexts of the music he reviews. He is a regular contributor to several well-known music magazines and websites, and his work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NPR Music.

In addition to his writing, Edward is an avid vinyl collector and hosts a weekly podcast where he interviews musicians and industry insiders. His ability to connect with artists and convey their stories has made his podcast a favorite among music enthusiasts.

Outside of his professional life, Edward enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest, attending live concerts, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. His passion for music and his commitment to sharing it with the world continue to inspire his readers and listeners alike.