The Rapzilla Freshmen of 2021 have been busy all year making noise and killing it musically. These 16 rappers and 5 producers had an awesome 2020 and we knew that in 2021 they’d explode even more.
Of course, we got to meet 15 members of the class when we did our Rapzilla Freshmen event in Atlanta at Hillsong church. After an incredible weekend of music, videos, laughs, and more, this class is truly special.
We asked each of the artists five questions about becoming a freshman.
So without further adieu, here we go!
100 Graham
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being named a Rapzilla means a lot to me. Before I was even making music I was following the freshman classes. I remember listening to the 2015 freshman project nonstop and getting super excited when the nominations would come out. I have been following Rapzilla since I was probably 14 or 15 years old so being a part of the roster now is wild! I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be here and I am excited to see what happens next.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
My favorite moment I have had so far was probably when the first song I produced dropped. It was actually “back 2 back” by former freshman Seni. That was the first time I had ever heard an artist on one of my beats! A cool moment with a fan I had was earlier this year. I had someone interview me for a school project. The assignment was to talk to someone in a field you are interested in pursuing. I was honored to be the person they reached out to talk to.
What do you have planned for 2021?
For the rest of the year, I’m just trying to drop more music! I’m working with a ton of artists so just waiting for some songs to come out. I am also doing a lot of work with the team at Nxtmove. We have a lot of stuff coming!
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
My biggest goal is to be able to do music full-time. I will graduate college in three years so I would love to be financially stable by then. I am also shooting to produce a gold song and a billboard top 100 song in the next five years.
350 Music
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
As a kid, I would check the Rapzilla page every week for new music. Being able to represent Rapzilla and the culture of CHH as one of the next up-and-comers is crossing a dream off my bucket list.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
Everything, so far, has been super nostalgic. Interacting and collaborating with legends of the game has been a moment I will never forget. Hearing stories about my favorite artist liking my music or simply asking about me has been surreal. The real reason we do music is to serve our community across the globe, so to be the artist that interacts with supporters is key!
What do you have planned for 2021?
2021 I plan to continue the mindset of consistency and hard work! I am grateful to be part of shows across the country and continue to collaborate with many artists!
I will soon drop my first official project as a professional artist and pray it impacts lives just as those before me have impacted mine!
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
To live another five years is a blessing to begin but beyond music, stats and media, I want to be the change that I want to see in CHH! I want to be the type of artist fans are happy to represent and even happier to call Christian! I want people to be proud to be part of CHH and represent the Kingdom of God in excellence!
Soulace Music tells the story of peace not being found on this Earth but only through God and I can’t wait to tell that to the world!
I also want to lead those beyond me well and see them flourish, we are now seeing A3 come up and I couldn’t be more proud! This isn’t just about me but about the impact we make serving others. I hope I represent him well!
Big Breeze
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
It’s definitely a milestone in my career but I really wasn’t expecting it so I’m just excited to be a part of it!
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
It would be now as the shows continue to come along and the music continues to get pumped out. Fans hit me on social media just being able to engage with people who really like my music and help them get closer to Jesus and motivate them to stay strong is dope!
What do you have planned for 2021?
I honestly don’t know TOUR MAYBE! But I’m working on a collab project with legendary producer Carvello. Like dude’s a goat and work horse! Also, we got another VERT TAPE COMING!
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
Just show kids and people from poverty that you don’t gotta be a trapper or scamming or follow others to be an impact on this world. You can be fresh, drip out, iced out, back to back whips, and LOVE GOD !!
Carvello
***Did not answer questions***
COOP
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
It’s an honor I still geek over. As a kid, I used to be so excited every time the freshmen class was announced. Much like XXL Cyphers, it was like a glimpse into the future of CHH. To think that I would one day be on that list is so humbling. 12-year-old Coop would lose his mind.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
The best moment in my artistic journey was signing with NXTMOVE. I signed with a label and got stuck with a family. Can’t wait to watch my team change the world. My best moment with a fan was leading someone to Christ after a show.
What do you have planned for 2021?
So far I’ve dropped two singles and a five-song EP. I got more singles on deck, an EP later, and a bunch of surprise content in the fall (shhhh). Expect new things all year.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
I want to establish myself not only as a rapper but as a songwriter and musician, and be able to support myself and a family by doing what I love. Oh and yeah, win a Grammy.
Enzo Gran
***Did not answer questions***
George.Rose
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being named Rapzilla Freshmen means a lot to me. It means that God is trusting me by expanding my influence to show the world who Jesus is through my testimony. It also means that he is elevating me to the Next Level.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
The best part of my journey has been starting my own Record Label (Lifestyle33 Records) and signing my first artist Arik Nelson! The coolest moment I have had with a fan was when I was given a portrait of myself that was drawn by a fan/Lifestyler.
What do you have planned for 2021?
The things I have planned for 2021
a. More collaborations/producing for Reach Records
b. More George.Rose music/music Videos
c. More Shows/Touring
d. Signing my Next Artist
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
The biggest goal would have to be [to become] one of the most influential Christian Record Labels out there!
Jekasole
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Having the opportunity to be another mouthpiece for other women artists like myself. Being an advocate that God can make it happen. I feel like as female artists overall we have to work twice as hard, and are under more scrutiny than a male artist. So it’s an honor for me. It means being a part of something greater than myself. I’m very new to the CHH genre and I work super hard to mark sure I’m up to par with what God has called me to do and who He says I am. I feel like that is what being a Rapzilla Freshman is all about.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
Being able to open up for Super Duper Kyle in 2020 at my former university. I felt like a real superstar having over 500+ students sing along to my set.
My favorite moment with a fan was at a show in Miami. They shared with me that my music got them through their toughest times in life. And through the transparency in my music, it gives them hope.
What do you have planned for 2021?
- A lot more singles throughout the rest of the year which started in May.
- New visuals
- Dope collaborations & features
- More performances and tour opportunities
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
Win a Grammy
JXHN PVUL
***Did not answer questions***
KHAM
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
It’s special! I grew up relying on Rapzilla through late middle school and all of high school for new music when I first discovered this space. Now to be named and recognized as a Freshman myself years later is crazy. Things really come full circle. I’m super grateful!
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
There have been so many surreal moments already, but the best moment would be between having a song of mine play on an episode of the CW show “All American” or having my debut album, PROBLEMATIC, reach #28 on the iTunes hip-hop charts when it dropped. Both of those felt incredible.
The best moment I’ve had with a fan was back in 2018. I did a show at my college and during the show, I offered some words about God and life to the crowd between songs. Later that night after the show I got a DM from this young girl who told me what I said was exactly what she needed as she had been struggling with her faith due to things going on in life. She ended up coming to a few more shows so I actually got to meet and talk with her more but to me that’s what it’s all about ultimately, making Kingdom impact.
What do you have planned for 2021?
Nothing. Stream PROBLEMATIC. Nah, I’m kidding, of course, myself and Culture Villains have big plans. The PROBLEMATIC era isn’t over yet. We just wrapped the Problematic remix contest so there’s a remix featuring the winners, Battz and Travis Hobson, on the way. As well as some other content. Maybe another video, maybe some more songs, something like that. Lastly, getting back to touring and doing shows hopefully by the end of the year, depending on COVID of course. I miss turning up with y’all so much man.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I intend to be full-time as an artist, and more than that using whatever platform I have to uplift the black community and my local community.
Konola
***Did not answer questions***
Lundi
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you two?
Being named a Rapzilla Freshmen is like a dream fulfilled. We have worked hard for most of our lives and to see the rewards starting to come is confirmation that our hard work is paying off and that God is fulfilling the vision he put in us.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
The best moment in our artistic journey so far has been the network of people we have been able to meet due to God’s favor and faithfulness. We got to connect with V Rose who is our distribution label and we got to connect with a bunch of established and up-and-coming artists. So many of them are supporting and really good people and it’s been awesome connecting with them. They really have the heart to provide hope in their music and we respect that.
Our best moment with a fan has happened during our Instagram Live sessions when we get to interact with fans and share our hearts and lives with them. They touch us with their support, their real-time comments about certain issues that we discuss, and we get to do life together with them through our music.
What do you have planned for 2021?
We have some big things planned for 2021. We just recently released our song “Faithful” featuring Wande but we have some more projects on the books and hope to get those out this year. Definitely want to continue providing clean and inspirational music for our fans about relationships and relationships with God. We have a plan but we always allow God to override what we want so we are excited for what God has for us this year.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
Plain and simple, we want to please God. He was the one that gave us the gift and we want to give this gift back to him. The Bible says that a man makes plans but God directs his path so we hope to stay relevant and touch as many people through our music as possible but God is the director.
Marc Stevens
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being a Rapzilla Freshman to me means that I tried out for the team and made the team. I didn’t even think I would make it to be honest! And now more than ever have to put the work in to contribute and make an impact and live up to everything a promising Christian rapper ought to be.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
The best moment in my artistic journey has been to see the years of creating music converge into a single track and seeing that released for people to hear. It still blows my mind that I started making music in my room not really thinking other people would hear it but just for me to create. I’d say fans that I’ve never met before knowing my lyrics was a really neat moment since I’ve only known fans that knew me personally know my lyrics before.
What do you have planned for 2021?
I’ve got some singles lined up this year; feel like it’s the most complete music I’ve created thus far.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
I hope to accomplish a name for myself that would be recognizable as a dope rapper, creative, good person & positive contributor to society/encourage people to Christ.
OKHIPHOP
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being named a Rapzilla Freshman as a producer is an honor. I thank God I can be a part of a talented group of artists. I’ve watched Rapzilla for over 10 years hoping I could do something to contribute and here I am now.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
The best moment was at the Rapzilla Beat Battle in 2018 in Atlanta. I got to get on stage, play my beats and the crowd showed so much love! That’s where I got to meet OnBeatMusic for the first time. And fast forward, we now have a placement on nobigdyl’s album! (“Catch Up” on the LOWERCASE TAPE).
The best moment with a fan is when I had a beat battle in NYC back in 2017. I had a few followers on IG but I promoted it and told people to come. I’m waiting outside to get in and this guy tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Are you OKHIPHOP?” He said he followed me on IG and wanted to see me because he thought my beats were dope. That’s amazing!
What do you have planned for 2021?
I have plans to create a beat tape. Also, I want to do YouTube full-time because I love shooting/editing videos. I want to do live streams to connect with my audience. I want to quit my film industry job so I have more time for music.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I hope to be completely free to create content to add value to people around the world. I want to inspire people to be the best at what they do. One of my goals as a producer is to work with Andy Mineo and Kaleb Mitchell.
Red Tips
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
It’s an honor to look at the previous lists and see the impact people before me have had on the culture. It means that I’ve been trusted with a legacy that started before me and doesn’t end with me! I get the opportunity to leave a mark on the way we do CHH. I’m a part of influencing the culture, and to me it’s an honor, a privilege, and a God-given assignment!
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
The best moments for me are always seeing people enjoy my music. When playing my music to people who don’t believe as I do and they can’t believe that it’s CHH. Also, when I get stories back on how my music touched people’s lives! For example, I guy sent me this message a few days ago
“Hey bro. Hope missions is going well. I wanted to write you and tell you that I put these guys on to your music. They really liked it and were bumping it in a parking lot, and a dude in the parking lot who was listening to Lil Wayne turned down his music and asked who you were. He said he was a backslidden Christian and rapper. He said the music inspired him and he was super touched, and started listening to all your songs apparently! Your music is powerful dude. Keep it u.”
Moments like this where God can use my voice to reach out and touch someone…they always blow my mind!
What do you have planned for 2021?
Consistency, I have a whole lot of heat in the Clip! So I’m planning on dropping some classics this year! I’m working on starting touring so I’m super excited about that – got a few shows lined up! I have a few features I’ll be doing with some well-known artists in the space so I’m pumped about that!
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
I think my biggest goal would be bringing more community to the space! I feel like we should all be helping each other that’s what would set us apart. “They will know us by our love for one another.” I’m thinking if I could shift the culture or at least the people I have relationships with to look out for the body instead of individual members, I think that would be a W for me. Listening to the artists who have gone before us like Sup the chemist, SFC, The Tunnel Rats, Pettidee, Phanatik, Shai Linne, Cross Movement – all these guys paved a way for us to do this without backlash. I feel like we owe it to them to continue to push the space forward with excellence in our gift and in our walk!
Saint James
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being named a Rapzilla Freshman is truly an honor. I just found out about CHH when Andy Mineo Dropped The Arrow. So to see how God has gotten me this far in such a short amount of time is a blessing. There are so many talented people on this list it’s incredible.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
The best moment in my artistic career was the concert I had with my team (AO1 Collective) in New York last month. It was our last show in NY for a while because a lot of us were moving across the country. We had a full crowd at TheOlogy (Concert Venue). To see that many people show out for us was insane. We ended the night in worship and to hear the stories of how our music has impacted others’ lives was priceless. That’s what we do this for.
What do you have planned for 2021?
Well, I accomplished my biggest goal which was to get married. Now it’s time to lock in and create. I’m working on my second album at the moment but I’ll be dropping a handful of EPs in between. I’ve always been a dreamer so I’m shooting for an Andy collaboration by the end of 2021.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
I would love to do an international tour with my team (AO1 Collective). There are so many amazing countries and cultures out there that I want to experience while doing what I love and sharing the gospel.
Scootie Wop
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
It means a lot especially coming from where I come from. It is a milestone for most but for me, It’s the first ring on my finger. Trying to get 10 before I go. Taking the pain from my past and letting God spread it across the nations, it’s a beautiful thing. I remember trying to force my hand at being a freshman but it didn’t work. When I sat back and let God do what He does here we are.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
The best moment had to be when I dropped “Stick” with Reach and my brothers Rockstar JT, MainMain, and Duke Deuce. It was a surreal moment because the bonds I got from that all across the board are priceless. The opportunity was random but in God’s timing, I just had to answer the call literally. A FaceTime call with Hulvey and Rockstar. With a fan, it’s always new but when they recognize who you are and their face lights up it gives me joy. Not because I’m a star or something but we are family and you will always get the same reaction back. We all winning together.
What do you have planned for 2021?
A lot of songwriting and producing mainly. I’ve been behind the scenes more than anything this year developing some relationships and writing hits believe me. Also got a collaboration tape with a couple of artists for the Summer called Scootie N Frenz with an all UPTEMPO lineup. Let’s fast forward to September. Setting up a tour with a couple of artists like Rockstar JT, Gio, Caleb Gordon, VERT MOB, and more so stay tuned!
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
To own all of my stuff musically. I’m a big Nipsey Hussle fan and I want to be in a spot where I can mentor another artist after learning what I learned in the music business. To hit the Billboards with my debut album which is yet to be announced. Man a Grammy wouldn’t be bad either, the goal for my projects is to be TIMELESS pieces of work. There is more I want to accomplish but for now, we gotta take it step by step. Carolina Cowboy!
Signature Nation
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being a Freshman is a huge accomplishment for me! It’s been one of my goals as a growing producer. It did come as a surprise to me this year as there are so many talented producers out there, so I’m very honored to be on this year’s list!
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
I have yet to meet a fan in person yet, but right now my best moments are created through interacting with other artists and producers! I started out producing as a hobby and I was making beats for myself to study to in university. So being able to connect with producers and artists that I have been listening to for over 10 years is wild to me!
As a producer in Canada, it’s been more of a challenge to make meaningful relationships with artists and producers in the USA but God has honestly blessed me with some very exciting connections. There are too many to name, but to name a few: OnBeat, Phaino, Britton Rauscher, adriansings, Blaine Stephens, TylerHatesLife, 100 Graham, OKHIPHOP and so many more!
My favorite moment by far has been when OnBeat hosted Rapzilla Live from my place in Canada. Unfortunate events on his end allowed us to connect in person! OnBeat has been my favorite producer since I started making beats in 2011. So meeting him in person and being able to have some really meaningful talks was probably the most pivotal moment for me so far in my career. OB has always been in my corner since a Telegram upcoming producer chat group made years ago!! So I owe him a lot!
What do you have planned for 2021?
There are some big things happening in my personal life recently. Got married in 2020 and looking to buy a house in the near future, so I’ll be very busy outside of producing. That won’t stop me from consistently making music. I’ve got some dope music in the works with some amazing artists coming either this year or next. Of course, I’m always reaching out to artists and collabing with producers. So this year is just doing the same thing I’ve been doing. I do want to start focusing on upcoming artists that are looking for a producer. I want to help them create their sound. So if you’re an artist that’s serious about creating something dope, hit me up and we can work something out!
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
My biggest goal would be to get a placement with a signed major label artist. Looking back where I was five years ago I can see this being a reality and maybe even more. Whatever doors God opens for me, I’m going to do my best to take advantage! My ultimate dream is to be a full-time producer.
tylerhateslife
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being a Rapzilla Freshman is the first step in becoming a successful artist for me. I’ve looked up to many CHH artists for half my life, and most of them started off on the Rapzilla Freshmen list. This is a great opportunity that I feel very blessed to be a part of.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
The best moment in my artistic journey so far came when I was a young artist at the age of 18. I often performed live in downtown Austin, TX, and was asked by a stranger if I wanted to compete in a battle of the bands contest. I accepted the offer and ended up actually winning the competition (despite performing solo with my loop station) landing me a performance at the Brass House for SXSW.
My best moment with a fan would honestly have to be summed up to the various deep conversations regularly going on in my dm’s. The name, “tylerhateslife,” has been an amazing marketing tool, but an even better opportunity to minister. People from all over (Christians and Atheists) have messaged me wanting to talk simply because they feel like I can relate. That’s the whole point of, “tylerhateslife.”
What do you have planned for 2021?
In 2021 I plan to continue fine-tuning my skills as I drop more records. I also have aspirations of starting a worship-centered organization with the sole intent of providing professional worship services at chapels on military bases.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
Within the next five years, I expect to be doing music full time while exiting active duty military.
WXLF
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
I think it’s so dope to be recognized as a Rapzilla Freshman. I’ve been working on my craft for some time now so to finally get the recognition means I’m headed in the right direction. This year’s list is full of talent so I’m honored to be a part of it.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey and with a fan so far?
The best moment in my artistic journey would definitely be late 2019 when I first went on tour with Reconcile, joined RG for the last two dates of the Saint Holy tour, performed at the A3C indie showcase, and in late October went to the Doves with Gawvi. Those few months allowed me to actually understand what traveling as an artist is and I feel like it helped me a lot as an artist. My best moment with fans has been being able to speak to them after the shows and really hear their hearts. I love performing and engaging with the fans on and off the stage.
What do you have planned for 2021?
Well, I just dropped my debut mixtape DEFINE ME IF YOU CAN about two months ago so I plan on doing some videos and maybe a deluxe. Also working on other projects that I really can’t speak on right now.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
The biggest goal I hope to accomplish as an artist in the next five years, honestly to be in the position to help my family and friends. To continue to connect with fans and help as much as I can in my community. In the near future, I also want to be able to help upcoming artists through my own label, Undefined Entertainment.
