As with every year, we start off with great optimism and hope that we make the best of the opportunities that come our way in the new year. Our favorite rappers do the same thing, and as we begin the journey and move into 2018, there are a few artists who have a solid chance to ascend to stardom. Here are five rappers we think have the possibility of blowing up in 2018.
Boogie
2017 Highlights: Announced deal with Shady Records; Appeared in Shady Records’ BET Hip Hop Awards cypher
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Heading into 2018, the stage is set for Compton’s Boogie to be the West Coast’s next star. Making a name for himself through a handful of mixtapes, including the Thirst 48 series, he has shown himself to be not only a great lyricist but to be capable of making records that can garner mainstream recognition, including the breakout track “Oh My.”
Upon signing him to Shady Records, Eminem described Boogie as “everything” he looks for in an MC, praising his “unique voice and point of view combined with crazy wordplay.”
J.I.D
2017 Highlights: Signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville Records; Released The Never Story album,Debut LP named one of HipHopDX’s 20 Best Albums of 2017; Opened for J. Cole on the 4 Your Eyez Only Tour in 62 cities
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J.I.D was a pleasant surprise for Hip Hop in 2017. The Atlanta MC linked up with Dreamville Records and put out one of the best projects of the year with The Never Story. With that album alone he made himself one of the premier young artists in the rap game today, with his unorthodox delivery and lyrical ability. There will definitely be more eyes on him this year, so expectations are high for what he has in store for 2018.
Joyner Lucas
2017 Highlights: Released 508-507-2209 mixtape, Earned a spot on HipHopDX’s 20 Best Mixtapes/EPs of 2017; Went viral with mainstream coverage of “I’m Not Racist” video; Caught buzz with “Gucci Gang,” “Bank Account” and “Mask Off” freestyles
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Joyner Lucas was extremely active in 2017. After signing his deal with Atlantic Records, Joyner dropped a 16-track mixtape, had some exceptional freestyles over some of the year’s most popular instrumentals and released one of the most talked about videos of the year in “I’m Not Racist,” which has racked up over 35 million views since its late November release. His stock is clearly on the rise entering 2018 and Lucas’ skills as a lyricist combined with his compelling visuals make him one of the main acts to watch this year.
Belly
2017 Highlights: Released Mumble Rap project, Top 10 selection in DX’s Best Rap Albums of 2017, Toured with The Weeknd and Rae Sremmurd on Legend of the Fall World Tour
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Over the years, Belly has been one of the music industry’s best-kept secrets. Co-writing major records with The Weeknd and Beyoncé, Belly was more of a behind-the-scenes asset, but in 2017 he reached new heights as a solo act with the release of Mumble Rap, which came in at #9 on DX’s Best Rap Albums Of 2017. With his exceptional skill set and Roc Nation’s support, Belly is primed to have a huge 2018 and won’t be humble about it.
Kash Doll
2017 Highlights: Appeared in BET Hip Hop Awards’ first all-female cypher; Got 9.5 million YouTube views on “For Everybody” single; Attained 2 Million Instagram Followers, Appeared on Big Sean & Metro Boomin’sDouble Or Nothing
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Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Kash Doll has been pegged as the city’s “next big thing” since 2015. After a quiet 2017 apart from a few loosies, she closed the year with a big feature on “So Good” off Big Sean and Metro Boomin’s Double or Nothing. Kash has made a name for herself with her infectious style and has a strong fan base who is patiently awaiting her proper full-length debut. 2018 is looking like the year where she takes the next step into being a force in the music industry.
