"Never went through no peer pressure, lived my life on purpose." Though he's younger than nearly all of his peers, G Herbo has quickly distinguished himself as one of the wisest, most grizzled rappers working today. The Chicago native has dropped two tapes in the last two years--2014's Welcome to Fazoland and this year's stellar Ballin' Like I'm Kobe--that confront mortality to the point of being consumed by it. And where some rappers and their A&Rs divide albums up by pairing certain technical approaches with corresponding subject matter, Herb stays breathlessly technical while he recounts his past. "Retro Flow" is another clip from the rearview, and Herb is unflinchingly clear about his control over his actions. A full-length retail debut is expected some time in 2016.

See Best Rap Performance Nominees & Winners at the Grammys Over the Years

More From XXL