In an era where music is discovered with a single swipe and forgotten just as quickly, a new wave of emerging artists is quietly reshaping playlists, and they deserve a spot in yours. From genre-blurring vocalists to boundary pushing producers, here are five rising talents you’ll want to hit “repeat” on before everyone else.
In this generation, social media is a large component of spreading music to new audiences and people. Social medias like TikTok, Instagram, Youtube and X have led to the spread of all types of music. However, nobody has benefited more from the spread of their music more than the 23-year-old, up-and-coming rapper from Atlanta, Nine Vicious.
He has gone viral for his 2010’s Atlanta inspired style, taking notes from popular artists like Young Thug and Lil Keed. His popularity has been skyrocketing as he approaches mainstream status following his signing to his mentor Young Thugs label, Young Stoner Life, in early March 2025. Breakout singles like U Fancy? and My Speakers, along with F&N which comes off of his highly acclaimed EP, Studio Addict have stamped him at the top of the underground scene. He frequently uses popular samples from across music in his works, and has grown famous for this production done by frequent collaborator 406ahmad. Junior Noah Rhee said, “The rapping was OK, but the beats and production were insane.”
Nine Vicious isn’t the only artist from Atlanta who is on the rise. Former collaborator and peer PradaBagShawty is another artist who has taken inspiration from the late 2010’s Atlanta trap scene, as artists like Young Nudy, MexikoDro, Playboi Carti and other artists in the Plugg subgenre footprints are found all over his music.
After going viral on TikTok for songs like Cash Cow, Sweater Weather, and Black N’ White, he has completely capitalized off of his virality, releasing his most recent album, Red Flags & Roses, while opening on tour for Cochise. Junior Christian Stokes, a frequent listener of PradaBagShawty, said, “I would describe it as very groovy and chilled out. It makes me feel happy and lifts my spirits.”
Although this more mainstream catered and typical sound that has been growing out of Atlanta has been making serious noise, it isn’t the only thing making waves. Lucy Bedroque, a 19-year-old artist from Los Angeles, has been turning heads with his incredible and confusing blend of EDM, Rage-trap, and J-Rock to create his dream-like and beautiful melodies.
After being in the background for almost three years, the release of his most recent mixtape, Unmusique, has introduced the greater population to his unique sound. The project’s breakout track, 2010 Justin Bieber, has been spread across social media, being highly regarded for its catchy melody and creative flows. The recent success of Unmusique has led to a deeper interest into his previous works, especially the EP Fete De La Vanille, known for its girly and J-Rock esque sound, and his debut album Sisterhood, which was released in 2023 when Lucy was only the age of 16.
Lucy isn’t the only artist from this subgenre. Frequent collaborator Prettifun has captured the internet with his combination of his high pitched vocals and fun and silly beats, as he takes clear inspiration from founders of the rage-rap sub genre, like Lil Uzi Vert and Playboi Carti.
With subsequent releases across 2024, including FunHouse and Pretti, and then most recently in August 2025, the FunHouse Deluxe, Prettifun is creating waves felt across the underground scene, with his unique fun and bouncy sound. Junior Deniz Wright said that Prettifun sounds “fun and energetic, and enjoyable in general.”
The underground scene is on the rise due to its diversity in talent and styles. While some might just call it another subgenre not worth listening to, the joy of discovering new music is enjoyable and worthwhile.
