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Happy (617): Here Are This Year’s 17 Artists From Boston (and Massachusetts) You Should Pay Attention To
We’re now halfway through 2019 and today (June 17) marks Boston’s official day by area code, 617.
With Boston being engulfed with talent from 23 different neighborhoods (one may only count six or seven), you normally can catch your favorite local artist at a Good Music Showcase, Black Cotton Club or in magazines like Dig Boston or the now debunked Improper Bostonian.
We hope this post and website overall will be on your list of ‘go to’s’ when looking for what music is buzzing in the city of Boston and state of Massachusetts (you know I had to sneak a few people in).
17. Red Shaydez
Putting out her project Chillin’ in The Shade earlier this year, Red Shaydez has been consistently on the music scene with numerous appearances at showcases and racking coverage on major outlets like the Dorchester Reporter and Boston Magazine. Recently dropping her “Tia Tamera (remix)” alongside Brandi Blaze, you can catch Red Shaydez performing at the upcoming Boston Arts Music and Soul Festival on June 22 at Franklin Park’s Playstead Field.
16. Jefe Replay
Premiering his debut album Proper Finessements earlier this year, Roxbury native Jefe Replay has been on the Boston scene for quite some time. Though the rapper went through a two-year hiatus in delivering new material, his latest body of work gives us a sense of understanding and made the waiting worth it.
15. Cake Swagg
If you haven’t heard of Cake Swagg, then you’re obviously not in the loop. Aside from performing at local and out of town shows, the rapper has released a freestyle over every instrumental imaginable every day since the release of her remix over Jay Critch‘s “Sweepstakes”.” You can’t deny her hustle.
14. Millyz
Born in Boston, but raised in Cambridge, Millyz has become a crowd favorite. Releasing his Blanco project just a year ago, the rapper has gone off to collaborate with artists like Jadakiss, Nino Man, Dave East and Smoke DZA, which proves he’s well respected in the game.
Millyz will be throwing a ‘Millyz N’ Friends’ event at the Brighton Music hall on July 26th in Boston.
13. Chelley Marie
Making her debut to the music scene with “Bossy Bitch,” Rapping Makeup Artist Chelley Marie has already begun to solidify her spot. The first lady of the Suave Life hasn’t released any new music since her remix over BlueFace’s “Thotiana,” but we’re sure she has some new heat on the way.
12. Lord Felix
Releasing music with a hidden identity, Brockton artist Lord Felix has garnered a huge fanbase and has received recognition from Complex and Hot New Hip Hop for his work. Dropping his debut project, In Bloom earlier this year, the rapper has just released a new EP titled, Ultraviolet.
11. C Wells
C Wells has just released his debut self-titled album. Serving as a follow up to 2018’s Dear, Summer II mixtape, the Lynn native is sure to earn a new fan after each listen of his latest effort.
10. Jesenia The Singer
We honestly don’t know much about Jesenia The Singer, but after seeing her perform “I.K.U” on The Museum TV’s The Window Seat, we know she has an amazing voice.
We’re looking to see what she’s got cooking up the rest of 2019.
09. Milkshaw Benedict
Always looking for new ways to bring creatives together at The Black Market, Milkshaw Benedict is always embodying the essence of what rap used to be – whether it’d be rapping over a 90s instrumental or kicking a killer freestyle, Milkshaw is comfortable with where he’s at in the music scene and trusts that his elevation will come with time and patience.
08. TDrape
One of my favorite artists out of the city since hearing “In My Life” last summer. Though he hasn’t released much since, the Boston native is currently working on two new project, Doubted Me and Facing Indictment.
07. PLAD Fine$$e
Reppin’ Roxbury to the fullest, PLAD Fine$$e hasn’t missed a beat yet. Releasing his self-titled project just a year ago, the 21-year-old rapper was featured on last year’s list and we couldn’t go without including him again.
06. Dun Dealy
Boston Emcee Dun Dealy has been doing his thing for quite some time now. The RNO rapper dropped his album CS103 last September and has continued to hit the ground running with an onslaught of new material.
05. Sean Wire
Sean Wire has been my favorite after hearing his multiple collaborations with Sebastien Mikel. Releasing his DEAR project earlier this year, the Boston native is sure to get you in your feelings.
04. HumBeats
I had to cheat and put a producer because HumBeats has been working nonstop. With placements from Dave East, Tsu Surf, Omelly, and OG Maco, to name of few, the Massachusetts native is always leveling up.
03. 7981 Kal
As fans await the release of his project Life Without Fear, 7981 Kal has been holding fans over with the release of his singles “Lay Down” and “Deadly Intuition.” Though we’re not sure how much longer we have to wait for the upcoming mixtape, we know the HSM collective will produce enough material to hold us down through the wait.
Be sure to revisit last year’s project, Gotta Make It with Dollaz.
02. Latrell James
From performing at numerous local shows around the city to his music being featured in the Cheerios commercial, Latrell James is still an underdog in our eyes.
James has always demonstrated humbleness and never got comfortable even after having one of the biggest placement in his career, thus far.
Still creating and producing great music, we hope to see his name on the Billboard charts next year.
(Would love to see him do a record with Dreamville’s J.I.D.)
01. BanditsTheLabel
Reppin’ Brockton to the fullest, you can’t name one artist off BTL without naming them all. DTheFlyest, Dre, EK, Cuba Dinero, Grizz and Flee have all proved they could hold their own without the help of a major label or cosign.