The Break

This 26-year-old out of Baltimore isn't brushing off the A-list comparisons he's received, but he's ready to add his own chapter to the game as well. Get familiar with Rickie Jacobs. Standout:"'86 Draft" RICKIE JACOBS 86 DRAFT from JSN JHNSN on Vimeo...

Last week, Chill Will appeared on The New New: 15 Atlanta Rappers You Need To Know. Today, get to know the 26-year-old out of Zone 6, who's already worked with the elite of his hometown, including Gucci Mane, Future, Waka Flocka and Rocko. Standout: "Certain Way" Also check out: "So Terrific" ft...

This 20-year-old out of Boston is fresh off the release of his Fashionably Late EP from earlier this month. Today, get familiar with Gio Dee, who's looking to create a new sound for Beantown. Standout: "Growth" Also check out: "#TOTB: This is Only The Beginning" And: "The Way It Goes" Name: Gio Dee Age: 20 Hometown: Boston, MA I grew up listening to: 2Pac, Cash Money

A muralist, designer and MC, STACE already has his eyes set on next year's XXL Freshman cover. Get familiar with this 29-year-old out of Mount Vernon, New York. Standout: "It's Getting Harder To Cheat" Also check out: "Holy Batman" And: "Caesar" Name: STACE Age: 29 Hometown: Mount Vernon, New York I grew up listening to: Sam Cooke, Average White Band, Jay-Z, Prince,

It's been a rough month for 1017 Brick Squad, from Waka's departure from the label to Gucci Mane and Young Scooter reportedly sharing a cell at the moment in Dekalb County Jail. So it's only right we shine some light on some of the good things coming out of the imprint...

Standout: "Raise Your Weapon" Also check out: "Underground Kingz" And: "Bad Guy" Name: Doley Bernays Age: 22 Hometown: Bronx, Uptown My style and skills have been compared to: Honestly I dont even listen to comparisons. I'm...

MC Melodee has already collaborated with the likes of Mac Miller, Fiend and DJ Whoo Kid. She's also worked extensively with Spanish production duo Cookin' Soul. It's about time you get familiar with this spittress out of Holland. Standout: "Ain't My Style" Also check out: "Genius" ft...

The Migos have been making noise in Atlanta's indie scene off the strength of their trap house anthem "Bando". Get to know the three man gang rumored to be joining Gucci Mane's 1017 Brick Squad roster. Standout: "Bando" Also check out: "FEMA" And: "Holmes" ft...

He’s been called “The Cigarette Burn Rap King.” Get familiar with this 26-year-old out of Seattle who recently released his revealing, open book of an album, Flowers For My Father. Standout: "Russian Roulette" Also check out: "City in Amber" And: "Kill the King" Name: Sadistik Age: 26 Hometown: Seattle I grew up listening to: I fell in love with rap at an early age. I

Last month, That Kid Era dropped his new mixtape Mr. ILLington. Today, get familiar with this Bronx-born, Westchester-bred MC who came up on hip hop's golden era.  Standout: "Illy" Also check out: "Everything" And: "Sound of Dedication" Name: THAT KID ERA Age: 24 Hometown: Westchester, New York.  Si...

Earlier this year, Sikai dropped his Painkilling: 1500 mixtape. Today, get familiar with the 24-year-old out of Stamford, Connecticut, who channels a wide array of musical influences into his craft. Standout: "Never Let Go" Also check out: "D...

Get familiar with Oakland's GQ, who 9th Wonder calls his "secret weapon" at Jamla Records. The former UNC Tarheel is fresh off the release of Death Threats & Love Notes: The Prequel:, a precursor to his debut album under Jamla. Standout: "The Town" Also check out: "Im Gone" And: "Last Breath" Name: GQ (Quentin Thomas) Age: 27 Hometown: Oakland, Californi