2023 is the year of female rap! Which is every reason why four out of the five biggest breakout artists this year are female.
With new music arriving on the scene everyday, it’s important to highlight the artists who are not only talented, but putting in that work. The Source compiled the top 5 breakout artists of the year, including Lola Brooke, Ice Spice, Scar Lip, Teeezo Touchdown, and Sexyy Red.
Lola Brooke
Lola Brooke carries her hometown of Brooklyn, New York, on her back. Deemed the “718 Princess,” the East Coast native exploded onto the scene with her viral smash titled “Don’t Play With It.” The official music video boasts over 36 million views alone, and the record reached even new heights when Latto and Yung Miami hopped on the remix.
One thing fans love about Lola Brooke is her ability to spit not only bars but also her distinct, deep, raspy voice that comes from her tiny body. Her adlibs, “uh-uh-uh-uh”, immediately remind fans that she’s arrived on the track, and she’s here to deliver. After her viral success, Lola quickly followed it up with her long-awaited debut project titled Dennis Daughter, with guest features from Bryson Tiller, Coi Leray, French Montana, Latto, Nija and Yung Miami.
From the hood to the billboards in TImes Square, Lola is a walking testimony that you too can achieve your wildest dreams!
Ice Spice
When Ice Spice came out with “Munch,” the world quickly fell in love. Thanks to the powers of TikTok and social media, soon the entire world would be reciting the lyrics to the chorus. “You thought I was feeling? That n*gga a munch!”
One look at Ice Spice and it’s hard not to fall in love, but of course, haters gon’ hate. Many thought Ice Spice would be a one-hit wonder, or just someone who could twerk and look pretty. But Ice Spice comes from where Hip-Hop was birthed: the Bronx, New York. Regardless of the naysayers, the 23-year-old let her music speak for itself.
Ice Spice’s Like..? EP came with all bangers, no skips. “In Ha Mood,” “Princess Diana” (later receiving a standout remix with Nicki Minaj), and “Gangsta Boo” with Lil Tjay were certified fan favorites. She’s also up for four Grammy nominations this year: Best New Artist, Best Rap Song and Best Song Written For Visual Media for “Barbie World,” and Best Pop Duo/Group for “Karma” with Taylor Swift.
ScarLip
Scar Lip is another New York native, and her high energy, aggressive delivery does not go unnoticed. First gaining traction with her song “Glizzy Gobbler” which went viral on TikTok, she quickly followed it up with “This Is New York” — cementing her name as a mainstay in the state.
Her name derives from the scar she received on her lip at age 16, when her brother punched her in the face. One thing about Scar Lip is her inspirational story, coming from the trenches to the front of the microphone. At age 12, she lost her mom to a hit-and-run car accident. While living at her aunt and uncle’s house, she was abused and eventually kicked out, resulting in foster homes and detention centers.
Now, things come full circle. From DMX inspiring her to rap to now being compared to as the female DMX, Scar Lip has received much support in the music industry, including Cardi B who showed support at the Met Gala. Scar has also been working closely with Swizz Beatz, who’s producing her forthcoming debut EP Scars & Stripes.
Teezo Touchdown
Teezo Touchdown is having one hell of a year. His features alone speak volumes, particularly turning heads as he collaborated with Drake on “Amen” on Drizzy’s latest project For All The Dogs. His vocals also made a splash on Tyler The Creator’s ”RunItUp” and Travis Scott’s “Modern Jam,” with both tracks being fan favorites on the corresponding projects.
Hailing from Beaumont, Texas, Teezo Touchdown was surrounded by music growing up, mostly due to his father being a DJ. But it’s Teezo’s fashion style and look that are just as unique as his sound. From his out-of-the-box hair full of nails to the shoulder pads to his painted fingernails, Teezo represents individuality, and his music transcends the genres of Hip-Hop, pop, punk, and R&B.
Building a cultlike following, Teezo unveiled his highly-anticipated album titled How Do You Sleep At Night? Earlier this year in September. The 14-track project showcases his talents as a recording artist, refusing to be boxed into any one genre. Drake even deemed it “some of the best music ever,” which says a lot coming from one of the biggest artists in the world.
Sexyy Red
It’s Sexyy! You know you’re doing something right when Drake brings you on the road to open for him on tour. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Sexyy makes music for all the females (and males) in the world who love to have a good time, especially in the bedroom. While it may seem like she’s a newer artist, she’s actually been putting in that work for years.
With the release of “Pound Town” produced by Tay Keith, the world suddenly caught on. Not only did the catchy hook immediately suck you in, but it was her explicit, sexual lyrics that set her apart from the rest. While parents may be alarmed, Sexyy embodies confidence, female empowerment, and authenticity. At the end of the day, this is who she is unapologetically, and that shows fans that you can achieve success by being yourself.
To date, Sexyy’s catalog has skyrocketed. “SkeeYee” became yet another viral smash, with “Looking For The Hoes” coming in at a close second. She was also featured on Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy” alongside SZA, and had the queen Nicki Minaj hop on the “Pound Town 2” remix.