Rapzilla.com’s 15 Freshmen of 2018

Joe Ayinde

Joe Ayinde is what they call “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper.” His EP Penny Fore My Thoughts has received praise from listeners and peers alike. The project should be on your list of favorite EP’s of 2017. Ayinde also appeared on Davis Absolute’s “The Body (Pt. 3)” ft. Dru Bex, Phil J., and Martyr Thompson.

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue music?

I decided I wanted to pursue music the first time I saw MC Hammer on TV. I wanted to do everything he did, down from the rat tail, to the cheesy raps and parachute pants. He embodied a pure entertainer.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

The most memorable moment of my career was performing at B.B. Kings in NYC for a packed house on my 21st Birthday.

What should fans be on the lookout for musically from you in 2018?

I’m working on an EP with Ohio based producer Ian “Conz” Weir, and I’ll be releasing a slew of videos and singles in between.

Follow Joey Ayinde on Twitter.

Kevi

If you missed out on Kevi this year than you weren’t paying attention. Kevi was super consistent all year with putting out singles, videos, and being featured on tracks. In 2017 he worked with Joey Jewish, Reconcile, Surf Gvng, and many others while dropping his project Barnabas.

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue music?

Well, I decided I wanted to pursue music at the age of 14. I remember like it was yesterday in the middle of rapping at the lunch table and gaining confidence from a few friends saying, “Kevi you can actually rap bro.” Ever since then I’ve been on the move doing talent shows and open mics. The year 2011 is when I met Christ. At this point, I already loved hip-hop and grew an even greater love for Christ. Things just shaped up from there and I honestly felt like I was called to make an impact with my gift.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

That’s tough, I think the most memorable moment of my career thus far is probably when I had taken a break from school but wanted to continue with music so I slept countless nights in the studio praying, “God if this is for me then make it evident” and that he did. I grew great faith in the process, and my homie Reconcile said, “Boy you remind me of myself and how ambitious I was at your age. Don’t give up.” That gave me an extra push to keep on stride. My songs “Blessed” and “Good Day” came out of a struggling time in my life most people wouldn’t even know about. I was speaking life even though I was going through it. I’m grateful!

What should fans be on the lookout for musically from you in 2018?

I would say more dope music and more intentionality connecting with the fans. I got so much that I want to say and do it wouldn’t even fit on this screen fam! Let’s just say 2018 is the level up year. It’s all in Gods hands baby! ChristLife!

Follow Kevi on Twitter and Instagram.

NOT KLYDE

NOT KLYDE is new to Rapzilla this year, and definitely new to our listeners but he put out a number of solid tracks this year. His propensity for capital letters – his name and singles, “NEVR ALON,” “VAMPIRE NO FANGS,” and “HUGO BOSS” are perhaps serving as a bold statement for what we believe to be a bright 2018. KLYDE was also added to Spotify’s Mellow Bars playlist which has over 500,000 followers and the Spotify and Chill playlist which has 235,000 followers.

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue music?

This all truly started out as just a hobby and personal ministry. It was maybe until recently that I decided to really pursue it as some kind of career. I decided I wanted to pursue music as my personal ministry when the first few tracks I had made were so well received. Specifically, when one friend told me that one of my songs spoke to him. I realized that this (like everything) can be done all for God’s glory and that if He can touch one person through it then I’ll do whatever it takes to let that happen.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

Honestly, the most memorable moments the past two years have been people reaching out and saying they appreciate what I’m doing, or that they vibe with what I’m putting out. People—even rappers—that I would listen to. It’s crazy to be genuinely bumping someone’s song on my way to school, only to get there to receive a DM from them. It’s all been really memorable and crazy.

What should fans be on the lookout for musically from you in 2018?

Albums, ep’s, many singles, more bops, merch, features, and much more. It’s gonna be a dope 2018 and I can’t wait to show everyone what God has revealed to me.

Follow NOT KLYDE on Instagram and Twitter.

Rockstar Jt

Rockstar Jt’s music makes you move. In 2017 he dropped two anthems, “Whippin’ Dat Work” featuring Surf Gvng and “Getcha’ Weight Up” featuring Big Yae, CBM Muley, and Cet Dollar, with the latter two artirts being two big secular artists from Jt’s area. Rockstar Jt is well on his way to being a rapstar in 2018.


When did you decide that you wanted to pursue music?

I decided to pursue music in the summertime of 2013. I was challenged to do a song about Christ at a local urban ministry called Common Ground Montgomery, based out of My city. I never knew I’d be doing music to glorify God but when I first started putting out music in 2014 the reaction of the people showed me that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

The most memorable moment of my career so far is when I had a show in Boston and I was at the airport and a fan noticed me. She pointed at me and said “Rockstar Jt” I said, “Yes that’s me” and she told me that she loved my music and I gave her a hug and posted a picture of us on my social media.

What should fans be on the lookout for musically from you in 2018?

In 2018 fans should be on the lookout for my new Mixtape Streets Signed Me that drops in February 2018. Pre-orders should be available January 3rd, 2018. Also, I will be on tour with Corey Paul & Byron Juane!

Follow Rockstar Jt on Facebook and Twitter.

TH3 SAGA

Th3 Saga is an interesting selection for the Freshman list because he has been around for a number of years and is well known. Most of his status comes at a great battle rapper who dropped songs over the years. However, in 2017, Saga’s musical bars were just as deadly as his battle bars and are prepping him to make great music in 2018. Last year, he did tracks with Bizzle, Ruslan and Joey Jewish. He dropped a music video for “More Than This 2.0” featuring Bizzle and Dimitri McDowell just before the year ended.

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue music?

When did you decide to pursue music: I decided to seriously pursue music at 18 years old, around the time my relationship with God reached a whole new level.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

One of the most memorable moments in my career I’d say is collaborating with Adidas & Pharrell’s campaign for his new tennis clothing line. The fact that Adidas & Pharrell were aware of my work was such a humbling moment.

What should fans be on the lookout for musically from you in 2018?

The fans should be prepared for more exciting battles, merch, my first time touring, as well as my new project A.O.L dropping in the first quarter of the year!

Follow Th3 Saga on Facebook and Twitter.

Justin Sarachik
Justin Sarachik
Justin is the Editor-in-Chief of Rapzilla.com. He has been a journalist for over a decade and has written or edited for Relevant, Christian Post, BREATHEcast, CCM, Broken Records Magazine, & more. He's written over 10,000 articles, done over 1,000 interviews, and is in post-production for documentaries on Danny "D-Boy" Rodriguez & Mario "Machete" Perez. He's the project manager of the upcoming video game Run the Court and of the media brand Crimefaces. Justin likes to work with indie artists to develop their brands & marketing strategies. Catch him interviewing artists on Survival of the Artist Podcast & creating videos on his social media channels.
RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular