Rapzilla.com’s 15 Freshmen of 2019

We’re excited to announce the 8th annual Rapzilla.com Freshmen class! The Rapzilla.com staff looked at around 30 new artists on the radar for our Rapzilla.com Freshmen Class of 2019.

We narrowed down the list to the 15 artists that we think are going to lead the way. Our opinion is subjective of course, however, the one criteria that these artists must meet is that they can not have released more than one project that they consider to be a full-length “official” album. EPs, mixtapes, and non-retail albums don’t count.

So without further delay, here are your 15 Freshmen of 2019!

Aaron Dews

Aaron Dews

Aaron Dews has a bright future ahead of him and is one of the top spitters in the game right now. This year he released several singles as well as his debut self-produced album By Fire By Night and an EP entitled Dick Grayson. He also killed features for Jon Keith and other artists. Expect him to go more the route of Bruce Wayne in 2019.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

It’s an honor to be recognized and included in a group of artists who all have a desire to shape and contribute to the culture with their faith and art.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

When I met Ruslan and Jon Keith. I got connected through a feature and my family and I hosted them on tour. They are great and genuine big brothers and they continue to add so much insight and counsel on an artistic and personal/spiritual level. Favorite supporter experience is when someone says you’re their favorite rapper is pretty crazy to me. I’m not my own favorite rapper, so it’s an honor to be someone else’s, especially when you are still very much building yourself.

What do you have planned for 2019?

I really want to lean into consistency when it comes to visuals this year. Something about pairing a visual to audio makes a song come to life more. In addition, I plan to solidify my brand as a producer as well as an artist.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

As I’m building and as a demand for a project occurs I want to make a sonically a large and timeless project that fuses orchestral, Jazz, and hip hop, fully composed by me.

IG: @Aaron.dews

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Aklesso

Aklesso - Freshmen 2019

Aklesso, who debuted in 2017 with his well-received Dead God EP, left his mark with a number of solid features this year. He picked up a huge co-sign as GAWVI took him under his wings and added him to his album tour. In addition to his studio work with the Reach Record producer and artist on Panorama, he appeared with TROSSTHEGIANT and CZAR Josh.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

I think it’s really cool that people enjoy my music enough to vote me as a Rapzilla freshman. I didn’t drop any new music this year, but just featured on other artists songs. So it’s truly a blessing that people appreciate me as an artist and wanted me a part of this list. I also love how two of my best friends (Rhomar Jessy & TROSSTHEGIANT) are on the list with me.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

The best moment of my artistic journey probably has been touring with my best friends. I was able to be an opener for GAWVI’s “Panorama Tour” with TROSSTHEGIANT, RHOMAR JESSY, KILLAWATTS, and our DJ Enzo Gran. We just had so much fun. Every moment we were laughing until our stomach burst and we got to meet so many people that loved our music. My best moment with fans was on the tour where I would meet young people who came from tough homes like myself and I was able to share with them my journey and what God has done in my life. Tour has definitely been my greatest experience so far as an artist.

What do you have planned for 2019?

I’m very excited about this year. I think this year my life will change. There’s definitely going to be new music, music I feel will change the landscape of Christian music.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

The biggest goal I wish to accomplish in the next 5 years, probably get married and start a family. I can’t really see too far ahead. I’m a very in the moment type of guy. A lot of goals I set when I first started doing music I accomplished them within a year, now I don’t set goals for music and I just work hard and let God do his thing.

IG: @Aklsso

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Austin Lanier

Austin Lanier

Austin Lanier has been building his following over the years doing local shows and appearances at juvenile detention centers and schools similar to Lecrae’s early career. This helped when he dropped his popular “Me Time” single in 2017 and then even more so with the release of his impressive self-titled debut album this year. Currently, Austin has over 200 thousand views on YouTube. To close out his year he released a weighty single called “Famous & Lonely” with a powerful music video.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

It’s a huge honor seeing as how Rapzilla is one of the most well-known and respected influencers of the Christian Hip-Hop industry it definitely means a lot.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

One of the best moments of my artistic career so far was releasing my debut album on my birthday. I put on a show that night in Houston, and my family flew in from Virginia to see me do what I love to do. They are my by far my biggest fans, and it was a very special night, to say the least.

What do you have planned for 2019?

Unfortunately, I’m not able to speak much on what I’ve got planned for 2019, but I’m confident it’s going to be the best year of my life. Stay tuned.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

5 years from now still being able to say “I’m doing what I love to do.”

IG: @atrainlanier

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Corey Wise

Corey Wise

Corey Wise has been consistently getting better and better with every release. The rapper was on the cusp last year, but with the release of his other 2 of 3 EPs, 4ever is Now and Infinity Vibes, it took him to the next level. Corey also released a few successful singles, with the timely song “Crash” being played on Rapzilla.com LIVE and “Blessings Be” featuring Lawren made it onto famed hip-hop station Hot 97.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

Ever since I transitioned into CHH I’ve been a fan of Rapzilla and what you all do for new artists and the platform you give them. Being named a Rapzilla Freshman is like a dream come true! I’m just really humbled that God has allowed me to use my gift to change lives and for people to notice the hard work means a lot.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

I would say that the best moment so far had to be when I opened up for Canon. He was one of my favorite artists and when my boy J-Phish hit me up and asked me to open I was humbled and honored to do it. He gave me a compliment on my live show and that meant the world to me. As far as with a fan, I was in South Carolina and there was a kid at this youth camp who was like my biggest fan and I brought him on stage for my whole set. It was amazing to have that opportunity! Never thought I’d have “fans”!

What do you have planned for 2019?

Well, I’m currently working on a few tour dates and really just booking more shows in general. Musically though, I am working on my first full-length album, where I will go very deep into my past and allow people to see me in a new way. The purpose of the album is really to show how gracious God really is, and how his salvation is real. More announcements on that later though! A few big features coming as well!

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

My biggest goal and this may sound cliche as a Christian Artist, but I just want to point as many people to Jesus in that time frame as possible. I feel like we focus too much on labels and awards. The only goal I have is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as I can and if God blesses me with the other stuff then so be it! Just excited for the opportunity to do it!

IG: @Coreywisemusic

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Czar Josh

CZAR Josh

Czar Josh made his debut in 2018 and impressed off the bat. He’s a member of the Culture Villains collective and dropped the well-received For Your Heart EP. His tracks “EyezOnThaPrize,” “Stay Woke,” and “Black Boy Joy” were featured heavy on playlists, including Spotify’s ‘Love Coffee, Love Jesus’ with almost 75k followers.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

It’s confirmation for me. It’s confirmation that I have a place here, that I belong and that God can use anybody. Proof that you can speak creatively on real issues like racism, sexism, politics, depression, love, etc. and still be dope and well received. I can be myself and not have to chase anything. I believe this is what God wants me to do. It’s proof that you can be transparent and connect with people on a deep and wholesome level, and still be successful. Music can still be relatable, even in today’s music climate.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

The best moments of my artistic journey have to be the times when I perform in non-CHH or Christian settings. I realize I don’t have the power to save anybody -that’s all God, but when I see people who might not rock with Christian music like that listen to my lyrics with a beer or some liquor, or whatever in their hand, it gives me joy. It makes me feel like I’m doing something. It makes me happy. I feel like I’m doing my job musically, which is just to sow a seed, of course, but also to connect to folks in a loving and entertaining way. Even though they might not believe in God or Jesus, we can connect on a personal level at least because we all go through life.

What do you have planned for 2019?

I plan to drop a couple singles, a compilation album coming up with the team, and possibly a solo project. I have some big things coming.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

I want to host a big rap festival in my city Lynchburg [VA], and I want to bring all the homies in to do their thing. Though growing up in Atlanta, Lynchburg is a second home to me. I want to get sponsors and everything and then have the proceeds go towards college scholarships for local high school seniors.

Super long term, I want to use my music money to go towards building a grocery store in a food desert in Lynchburg too. Previously living in the Diamond Hill neighborhood myself, where the closest stores to buy food is from a food mart or convenience store, that’s something that’s on my heart. I feel like that would greatly improve the health of this part of the city despite gentrification.

IG: @czarjoshnmusic

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Don Ryvcko

Don Ryvcko

Don Ryvcko made his debut on Rapzilla in 2015 at 15-years-old but time and age leveled him up in 2018. One of the most impressive things about Don is that he’s been producing, mixing and mastering all of his music since his first song. This year he dropped six singles and his debut record This Portrait I Paint. In addition, his song “El Coche” was placed on several of Spotify’s Spanish playlists, and recently won Critique Friday’s with OnBeatMusic and was placed on our God Flow Playlist.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

It means so much and just serves as a big encouragement and a reminder that all the effort I put into my music every day can be seen by those who come across it.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

There have been several incredible moments from last year that God allowed me to experience. If I had to pick the best moment in my artistic journey, I would say releasing my single “El Coche” and getting placed on the Trapstorno and Flow Cristiano playlists on Spotify, which allowed me to connect with so many Latino fans.

As for my best moment with a fan, one of my close friends and I got together to talk after he confronted me and told me that my song “Find My Way” made him breakdown and reevaluate his struggle with porn and lust which he said he hid from everyone he knew. To see the transformation in him after that conversation and his growth as a Christian has been the most impacting and humbling moment I have ever experienced. It goes to show what all God can do through anyone, regardless of whether they feel that they are qualified to carry out God’s calling for their lives or not.

What do you have planned for 2019?

Definitely a lot more than 2018. I have been working on an album for around half a year now and plan to release it sometime in late March or early April. Not much is planned out after that yet, but I do want to put out more music in Spanish, so definitely expect that after the album release.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

My main focus has always been to not cater to one type of audience. I know God has called me to reach those groups of people that CHH sometimes unintentionally ignores, and the goal is to never focus on pleasing people but pleasing God. In addition to that, I am hoping to cross over into the Latino music industry as well and provide something more appealing to Urban Latino fans (without compromising my faith of course) since the majority of Latino music is either extremely secular or extremely spiritual to the point that it does not reach anyone but those within the Christian bubble.

IG: @donryvcko

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Jon Keith

Jon Keith

Jon Keith has been around a few years. He elevated his status by teaming up with Ruslan over at King’s Dream Entertainment. His Lost Boys project was a fine effort coming into 2018. However, it was the exit to the year with Honeyblonde, that makes him one of the most promising artists on this list. Jon was also featured on Reach Records’ Christmas compilation album The Gift.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

It’s crazy to finally make the Freshmen list. Not only is it an honor but it’s something that I’ve wanted for a couple years now, so to make it now is truly a blessing.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

One of the best moments that I’ve had on my journey so far was making it to SXSW at the Reflect Greatness showcase. Just being in a room with so many of my peers and heroes and just being able to fellowship, perform and celebrate the culture. Another moment that was crazy for me was pulling up to the Better Late Than Never Tour and having fans recognize me while standing in line and running out to take photos and greet me and tell me how much my songs have impacted their lives and what they meant to them in tough times.

What do you have planned for 2019?

2019, I plan to keep up what I’ve been doing. Keep dropping singles, music videos and hopefully multiple albums.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I want to be able to headline a countrywide tour and be able to bring dope artists that I vibe with.

IG: @jonkeith

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Kid Tris

Kid Tris

Kid Tris exploded onto the scene in 2018 with a number of big singles including “Fendi,” “Illusions,” and “Apokaradokia.” He also released an EP called Silence with the very popular song “sadivy” which has garnered over 300k plays on YouTube. He gained one of the largest social media followings on this list which includes big-name artists like Andy Mineo, Bizzle, and more. Tris doesn’t shy away from his troubled backstory and uses the testimony of how he turned it around to help others.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

To be named a Rapzilla freshmen means the world to me. Not the title but to know that this was all possible because of God. Starting out in this industry was hard for me and still is til this day. Especially with my style of music. It brings a lot of hate towards me for being outside of the norm. So it’s truly a blessing and I would like to thank God and thank everyone for supporting me and being such an amazing family. Especially Rapzilla!

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

The best moment for me was truly during one of the lowest times in my life. I was on a field just talking to God about how hard it’s been and if I shouldn’t do music anymore. Then about an hour later one of my supporters runs into me and starts stirring up with emotions and telling me how much my music has helped her with life, self-love, and so much more. That very moment broke me down because I knew that was God using her to speak to me. It was truly an amazing moment that taught me to be more selfless and to remember its no longer about me.

What do you have planned for 2019?

I got an album releasing in about a month entitled broken. It speaks on my journey from leaving the church to coming back to God. The journey does speak on a little bit of depression, my drug addiction, feeling alone, what God has changed, and the rest is for you to find out. Besides the album, got a lot of music videos coming, some big features, and a tour.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

To have planted as many seeds as I could in a lost generation and have them know that only God can fulfill everything they desire.

IG: @kidtrisx

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PEABOD

PEABOD

PEABOD may have quietly had the best year on this list. He racked up over 46,000 monthly listeners in part to his strong debut album Healthy Snacks. It also had a feature from CCM’s young star Hollyn. His music is fun and catchy, just check out “Summer of Fletcher” and see for yourself.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

It means a lot. I say that with the utmost sincerity. I’m not trying to suck up or anything. I just gotta say this – I have vivid memories of being ecstatic when I discovered Rapzilla as a teenager. Since then Rapzilla has been a consistent and reliable voice in who I should listen to and in the Christian music industry in general. To be included in this year’s freshman class is an honor. (Sorry, I’m getting all mushy.) I’m just so stoked!

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

As far as my artistic journey goes, I think finishing my album Healthy Snacks and listening through it as a project for the first time was a really exciting moment. Creating has always been my favorite part about music. I went into writing for the album just wanting to make the most joy-filled, fun music that I could, and it ended up being so life-giving to me to work on an album like that. It’s been crazy to see God use something I intended to just be a fun project to work in other people’s lives. He’s so much bigger than what I have going on in my head.

The best moment with a fan was when I realized how much more this is God’s work and impact than mine. I got a message from a camp counselor who said they were playing my song “A PEAceful Outroduction” at the end of a chapel and a kid came up and said, “I want to know the Jesus that rapper is talking about.” I couldn’t believe it. That is all God. Hallelujah for people coming to know Jesus, man. If that’s as far as Peabod ever goes – WORTH IT.

What do you have planned for 2019?

Lots of new music! I’m so excited to get back into the studio and just write. It feeds my soul. I’ve got some stuff already written that I’m hyped to share, and I have way too many notes and voice memos in my phone that I’m just itching to start working on. Right now I’m trying to put out a single every 6 weeks or so in 2019, but I’m definitely thinking a lot about album #2… Also hoping I’ll get on tour at some point this year!

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

I want to be faithful to write the songs God wants me to write. Seeing how he’s worked through an album that was supposed to just be a fun, summer album has made me want to write with extra intentionality as I move forward. There will FOR SURE be plenty of happy raps (I have a bunch of those ready to go), but I also want to write explicitly about our hope! I want to encourage His people that we serve a good God and that there is much joy to be found in knowing him. So my 5 year goal is to become more sensitive to how he wants me to write, perform, and interact with people. Hopefully, that means a few new albums in the next 5 years!

Also, I’m getting married soon, so it would be amazing if music became enough to feed my future wife and I.

IG: @peabodraps

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PoetiCS

PoetiCS

Keeping with a tradition that started last year, PoetiCS is our second ever producer on the list. The beatmaker is slowly entering the pantheon on Christian Hip-Hop’s most requested and used producers. He’s worked with everyone from Derek Minor and Canon, to KJ-52 and Xay Hill. In 2018, PoetiCS brought THE DRUMS IN!

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

Honestly, it means the world. I remember in 7th grade checking Rapzilla on the daily. It is where I got a lot of my favorite music from and where I discovered new artists. The music I discovered on Rapzilla helped me through so many times of my life. I am honored, humbled and blessed to be considered one of the freshmen. This is prestigious. God is so good.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

There are two. One was at a concert with Derek and Canon. Derek had me take a clip of the song “Rocky Top” which is a Tennessee Titans fight song, and I made a nasty trap remix. We played it toward the end of the show and the crowd went nuts. That was my first time ever seeing a whole crowd of people going nuts for something I created. It was a major blessing. I also went to be interviewed on Trackstarz. A lot of people didn’t know who I was when I showed up but after the radio show I had people coming and introducing themselves and I was shocked that they knew my music. I had never had someone recognize me and be like “Bro I love your music. That track is crazy.”

What do you have planned for 2019?

Honestly just a lot of singles. I just dropped on the 4th of 2019 a single with KJ-52 and Dre Murray. It was a major blessing to connect with them. We actually have several more songs in the works together. I got stuff down the line with OG Maco, Canon, Pettidee, Shepherd, Doxamillion, Surfer Wolf, and tons more. Xay Hill and I are working on something down the line that will be a longer project. We don’t know how many tracks it will be, but that is definitely coming. Also, got a pop song dropping end of January with a talented singer from Hawaii named Dondi. That joint is super special.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

I have a secret list of artists I want to work with over the next 5 years. Don’t want to publicly announce it though because I don’t want the artists to feel pressured to hit me up. I like collaborations to feel organic. Definitely, want them to hit me up because they saw what I was doing, liked it, and decided they wanted to work with me.

This part is not a question, but I just want to thank God, my wife, Canon, KJ-52, Dre Murray, Xay Hill, Derek Minor, Pettidee, Doc Watson, and so many other people for pouring their time and love into me.

IG: @prodbypoetics

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Ray Emmanuel

Ray Emmanuel

Ray Emmanuel is the youngest artist on this list at 14-years-old and for sure earned his way here. He was discovered on Instagram spitting some of the rawest rhymes you’ll ever hear with a butter smooth flow. He caught the attention of superstars like Tyrese Gibson, Dwayne Wade, and Taraji P. Henson to name a few. Eventually, that led to a collaboration with KB for his newest song “Die Rich.”

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

To me, it shows that everybody has to start somewhere. We have all come a long way and I believe that we have much further to go, this opportunity really humbles me.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

One of the best moments I’ve experienced so far was meeting and talking with Andy Mineo and Lecrae. They have both been great influences in my music and I feel that I can learn a lot from them.

What do you have planned for 2019?

I plan to release a project and continue to grow and improve as an artist and a person.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

Within the next 5 years, I want to sign to a major record label in order to reach as many people as possible with a positive message

IG: @Rayemmanuel

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Rhomar Jessy

Rhomar Jessy

Rhomar Jessy is another artist who’s being brought up by GAWVI. Jessy, unlike Aklesso, dropped a project this year with RACE2:Burf. His music is super unique and seamlessly blends all different styles mixed through chaotic and clever beats. Let’s see where Jessy’s creativity takes him in 2019.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

It’s hella dope because I used to check on Rapzilla articles through high school. Some of my music on my old iPod nano still has songs that I downloaded from the blog [haha]. So it’s dope to see my name with the same peers I started with on a blog I used to read on as a teenager.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

So far it was being able to tour the country with my homies. That was a blessing, as well as helping GAWVI create his album with the same squad. Dropping my first official mixtape, RACE2: BURF was also sick since we (Enzo Gran and Killawatts) charted at #17 on iTunes Hip-Hop. I swear we got the dopest fans. At our Atlanta show, a group of fans gave me ramen as a gift pre-show [hahaha]. Mighty epic.

What do you have planned for 2019?

Working on BURF, a project I have been crafting since last year. Sharing my story as beautifully as possible.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

Really working to master my craft and push the creative envelope. Extending my catalog is vital as well. I truly want to display Filipino excellence and make representation something to aim for. I don’t want to be someone a consumer only hears, I want them to experience my story and really get to absorb it. Want it to last, music is a marathon.

IG: @Rhomarjessy

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Torey D’Shaun

Torey D'Shaun

Torey D’Shaun just missed the Freshmen list last year. It’s a good thing because his 2018 made him a sure lock as an artist with a bright future. In addition to a ton of features, he dropped Any Last Words? with Kevi Morse and his own EP project, Boopie. He racked up over 380k streams on Spotify and multiple playlist placements including Spotify’s ‘Blessings.’ Torey is poised to continue on as a force in Christian Rap.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

Being a Rapzilla Freshmen is an honor, considering all of the people that came before me. I’m super grateful for the notoriety. Mission “Rapzilla” completed.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

Dang, that’s hard…I think it was going on my first national tour and being on the tour bus (shout out to 5ive). Best moment with a fan was when one said she came to belief in Jesus from a concert Beacon, Kevi, and I did. Very sobering, but my best moment.

What do you have planned for 2019?

Either I have nothing planned….or my best music, tour, and a brand reveal is coming….really dont know yet.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

I want to be used by God to change hearts and minds. I also want to “put my hood on” and get ran over by Jon Keith.

Mama…I made it…BOOPIE

IG: @Toreydshaun

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TROSSTHEGIANT

TROSSTHEGIANT

TROSSTHEGIANT has bars! He is also in GAWVI’s camp of young artists and has done songs with a few rappers on this list. Despite his constant claim of being a “trash rapper” he’s far from it. His one project, Misanthropics is a precursor to the amazing 2019 we anticipate from him.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

It’s cool! I feel honored that Rapzilla recognizes the potential in me and it feels great to be noticed.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

Best moment in my journey has been getting to tour with GAWVI and the boys (Rhomar Jessy, Aklesso, Enzo Gaya, and Garnell Watts). Best moment with a fan had to be once I got recognized atRubio’ss and got some free food.

What do you have planned for 2019?

BigStuff is my next single dropping this month, but I’ve got plans for a handful more singles and a few music videos! Might even get to working on an album here soon. But my main goal is to push myself, enjoy the process, and make music with the homies.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years

To be honest, I’m not sure. My goals change every few months or so but whatever I’m doing, bet I’m enjoying it.

IG: @trossthegiant

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Wande

Wande

Last but certainly not least is Wande. She has always been on our radar for multiple years but 2018 was her biggest. This year her fans on Spotify increased by 1000%. Wande didn’t release a project but she did join Reach Records working in their A&R department and found herself on 116’s The Gift. She also had features with Dru Bex, Not Klyde, Joey Vantes, Xay Hill, and more. Wande’s own singles, “Flex,” “Elevated,” and “Hiatus Freestyle,” perfectly encapsulated her year.

What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?

I’m excited to be named a Rapzilla Freshman. To me, it means being recognized as someone with the potential to do something great in this new wave of artists. It is also confirmation of what you can accomplish if you have faith and then follow that up with actively putting in work and being consistent in your craft.

What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?

I think the best moment in my artistic journey has simply been the journey itself. When I first discovered my gift of rapping I never planned on this being a potential career. I simply knew I had a talent that got people’s attention, and since they were so focused, I used it to tell them about Jesus. I think it’s been beautiful seeing how God has taught me so much about faith and what He’s capable of doing through this artistic gift.

Fan wise, I think the craziest thing has been seeing international supporters. I think it’s a reminder to have a global perspective and remember that Jesus is for everybody and you shouldn’t put limitations on yourself.

What do you have planned for 2019?

2019 is going to be a crazy year! I’m going to be dropping my first project.

I also plan to be more active on video platforms. There I’ll share videos on things I’ve learned in my Christian walk and also in my artist journey in order to help educate others and help them grow as I continue to grow as well. Overall it’ll be a year of growth.

What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I want to be in a position where I can help empower other artists financially, educationally, and spiritually. With any growth and blessings I receive, I basically want to be blessed so I can be a blessing to others. I don’t put limits on God so it’ll be interesting to look back at this interview in five years and see what He allowed me to accomplish.

IG: @omgitswande

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Check out our Spotify playlist with select songs from each artist:

Here are the Reader’s Choice picks that you all voted on below:

What do you think of our 15 Freshman of 2019? Who’s your favorite?

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.
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