2016 is finally over, and while it was a marquee year for new hip-hop—we saw the ascendance of new rappers like Lil Yachty, 21 Savage, and Lil Uzi Vert—it’s time to look forward. Popular music is often a young person’s game, and there’s always someone waiting in the wings to break through. Some have a better chance than others. These are the artists that have what it takes to become stars, and are positioned to do it this year.
“I’m so far ahead of my time; I’m bout to start another life/ Look behind you, I’m bout to pass you twice.”- Jay Z
“Youngins ice grillin’ me, oh you not feeling me/Fine, it cost you nothing/Pay me no mind”
“I’d rather die enormous than live dormant”
“They giveth and they taketh life is cruel that way/But even a broken clock is right at least two times a day”
“A wise man told me don’t argue with fools, cause people from a distance can’t tell who is who.”
“Swear to everything, when I leave this Earth, it’s gon’ be on both feet, never knees in the dirt”
“No one said it would be easy, n**** livin’ is work”
“I’m not afraid of dying, I’m afraid of not trying”
