The Rapzilla Freshmen of 2024 showed their true potential in 2023, and their efforts are not going unnoticed. These 12 artists were on our radar as the talent we want to build with in the future.
It’s time to introduce the Rapzilla audience to the Freshmen list! We asked each of the artists five questions about their selection.
So without further adieu, here we go!
99 APEX
What does being a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
To me, being a Rapzilla Freshman means being entrusted to represent CHH as a sub-genre of Hip Hop. It’s about recognition and reaching a level of excellence that not only allows fellow Christians to discuss your movement but also brings you one step closer to impacting the secular music industry. It’s an opportunity to disrupt the negative energy that has been circulating.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
I’m honored and honestly flattered to be working with so many great artists at one time! It’s crazy because I was talking to a friend and telling them about how I wanted to collaborate and get to know more people in the community. God thoroughly heard that and chose to make a way! I know collaborating will be fun with these guys. I mean, as soon as we all got in a group chat together, we immediately started cutting up and bonding. So, I’m sure we will all quickly come together and make great music!
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and a moment with a fan so far?
The best moment I’ve ever had in my artistic journey was going on a winning spree with the remix competitions I did! They helped me grow very quickly with improving my music, and productivity and gave me opportunities to work with some A-class artists that I probably would not have been able to meet otherwise.
As for a moment I enjoyed with fans…one fan sent me a voice message telling me about how I helped them out of depression and inspired them to serve God. I’ve found it so important to save messages like these and listen back to them. What good is all the music if you aren’t helping people truly heal and walk the right direction?
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
I am going to be dropping a lot of music! My friends have been gritting their teeth at me because I’ve just been locking in the studio and sending them demo after demo for about two years straight without releasing them! But the time has finally come where I feel like I have art. Songs that aren’t just content but connect to cohesive thought and relate to people’s lives in deep ways. So the moves in silence are about to get loud!
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
Very good questions! I think my biggest goal for the next 5 years is to disrupt the cultural aggression towards young men, inspire men to return to church and help them take initiative in the expansion of it. For the past few years, I’ve seen men taking the back seat or being completely absent in church. It’s mostly because they have been fed religion instead of Jesus. They constantly have to prove their capabilities to a hypercritical society.
The absence of strong young Men of God is because being a critic is easier than being an investor. I want to counteract that and give these young men godly guidance by processing thoughts they may fear to vocalize to their church communities or God over some great music. Hopefully, this helps them process how they feel and leads them toward a stronger relationship of transparency with God.
Cyrus Sonata
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
To me being a Rapzilla Freshmen signifies that you’re building something special in this space. Whether it’s your approach to social creatives, your brand, your story, your approach to writing or just showing up consistently – that makes a real difference and is being recognized. By no means is there a shortage of talent in Christian Hip Hop which makes this opportunity that much more of a big deal. I am honored to find myself within a group of super-talented artists on the 2024 Rapzilla Freshmen list.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
It’s been a great experience so far and I look forward to more! It’s a great opportunity to band together with individuals who have a similar vision while being open to the possibility of working in a way you haven’t worked before. I’m open to learning from everyone while offering what I do best to elevate the group.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and moment with a fan so far?
The best moment for me was performing a set for Rodney Jerkins last year at his Lake Mary High event. After my set, I ended up running into people who have been supporting my career since day one. It’s encouraging to know the gifts are having a positive impact on the community.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
For the rest of 2024, I’ll be supporting my peers where I can with my production and composition tool kit. As far as my artistry goes I’ll continue releasing singles while crafting a plan for releasing a body of work at the top of next year. I’ll also be focused on more visual storytelling whether it’s a film-inspired approach to rollouts or exploration of digital animation to support the music.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I’d like to have a stronger personal brand, a few solid bodies of work, and more involvement in the community whether it’s building something new or growing something that already exists. I want to keep finding creative ways to build things that have a tangible impact and last.
GAMFAM
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being that only three years ago I did not know mixing, mastering, cadence switches, or anything music-related, my journey started on Critique Fridays getting threes and fours from OB. I have grown from connections and hard work but I have a great deal of appreciation for Rapzilla for helping me develop my sound over the years by being honest when I missed the mark and pushing me to be greater.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
I take a 1 Corinthians 14 approach to everything anyway, so I love seeing the different gifts/functions in the body working together for the edification of the saints. It’s perfect.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and moment with a fan so far?
The best moment I’ve had has been the launch of the prison ministry across Houston. We are currently on a tour where we go in, rap, preach, and pray for the inmates. It has been life-changing because I know it’s what I am called to do above the big stages. After a prison concert, a prisoner who listens to my music on a prison radio station ran up to me and was like “Bro you are Gamfam.” I was able to pray with him and encourage him to continue pressing forward in Christ.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
I have single releases set for the entire year and plan to drop them a couple of weeks apart. Also, I have plans to drop my first EPs this year. God dealt with me about rapping every parable, so I started putting together the first two EPs.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
Honestly, I just want to get in a position where I can help those around me when they pursue their dreams in music. I live in Houston and it is a huge CHH scene. There are tons of guys getting out of prison, that we disciple. Many throughout the city are getting saved at events and want to do music for God. I just want to be able to put them on without them having the frustrations of loneliness through their journey. This may help them stay in the Church and not have to look back to the world for answers.
JUSRZD
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
To me, it’s an honor. Being nominated two times before (2021 & 2022), and making the cut this year, each time having no idea that I was even on Rapzilla’s radar like that, makes me feel even more appreciative of the gift God gave me, and even more encouraged to continue on the direction He is leading me.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
Like a normal Tuesday. It’s dope that this class is filled with not only dope artists but also artists/people that I can call friends. Some I’ve known of for a while now. I’m excited to see what we create.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and moment with a fan so far?
One of my favorite moments was going out to Nashville, Tennessee (a place I had never been before) and performing in the hood and seeing the people respond/vibe to the music. I’m an introvert so being recognized in public for music always feels awkward to me, but anytime a person tells me how much my music resonates with them or helps them, I consider that a special moment.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
More music, more collaborations, a couple of Eps/Projects, and prayerfully some Sync opportunities.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
It’s to be able to feed my family and my team (producers, engineers, etc) through my music while being a full-time creative.
Linga theBoss
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
It’s a huge honor! It feels like the work I’ve been putting in over the last few years has a launching pad and I’m excited to see what happens next.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
I think it’s amazing to collaborate with artists who are on the same page, who have the same drive, and who have the same kingdom mission behind the music they release. It feels like a holy process and a holy project when we are in the same spirit!
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and moment with a fan so far?
I think it has been all the global moments when I’ve discovered or heard from fans living all over the world who are being encouraged and inspired by my music! It reminds me that you never fully know the impact of the work you’re doing and that this artist thing is worth every level of effort and every investment if the fruit of it can be an impact that changes a life!
What do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
I’ve got six singles planned for release this year and an EP! I’m looking forward to having some dope collaborations on all of those projects and can’t wait to share them with the world.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
I want to sell out some tour dates. I love visuals and artistry and curating experiences and I’ve been putting some work in behind the scenes to make future performances be moments that people come out of feeling inspired, motivated, and refreshed!
OPTO Music
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being a Rapzilla Freshmen means a lot to me. I remember finding new music from Rapzilla’s YouTube page when I was a high school freshman and now being a part of their Freshmen class is kind of a full circle moment. I’ve wanted this title since 2019, when I started releasing music independently on DSPs but God’s timing is perfect. I feel like I’ve come a long way, not only as a producer but as an individual as well.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
It feels amazing! I’m honoured to be working with these talented artists and executive producing the project. I love working with up-and-coming acts, being one myself because it’s easier to grow horizontally than vertically. These artists could be the next big thing, and to be a part of that journey from early on is very special.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and moment with a fan so far?
The best moment in my artistic journey was executive producing Mission’s Tru Talk Tony Vol. 4 EP. The fact that an artist I was listening to in high school trusted my vision and production to feature me as a main artist, still blows my mind. I thank God for his favour and the skillset he’s given me to continue to do what I love.
My favourite moment with a fan, which doesn’t happen often as a producer, but while I was DJ’ing for a couple of Toronto artists at Ayomilly’s and Dru Bex’s “6ix On It” show I encountered a fan and producer that recognized me and my work and told me how I inspired him. He asked me to autograph the back of his T-shirt which was surreal to me.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
I have some great things planned for 2024. Executive producing the Rapzilla project as well as a joint EP with LilRed and Xay Hill (we dropped two singles already. The songs are “Shawshank” and “Messed Up.”
I also have some producer singles I am working on with some dope collaborators that are in the works.
On top of that, I have two singles ready to go that I rap/sing on which are my most vulnerable to date as I embrace the songwriter in me. I plan to release it in the spring.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I wish to be part of the biggest records in both CHH and the mainstream space. I also wish to develop the next generation of superstars in a producer/A&R capacity.
Peedy Case
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
It is an honor, to say the least. There has been a plethora of incredible artists in the past that have made this list and I’m just grateful to be alongside them. I hope to carry the torch.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
Feels great. I’m pumped to see how we can mesh together and give the fans something they remember.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and moment with a fan so far?
I would say the best moment or moments so far have been some OG’s as well as my peers acknowledging the standard of records that I have been putting out over the past year. As far as a moment with a fan, recently I had one reach out to me. They said they were going through a period of shame and my music made them feel like dancing in God’s presence. That profoundly touched me and showed me that this is much bigger than me.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
A single every month. Dropping content daily. Learning marketing and how to do it properly. Building the merch brand. Most importantly, seeking his kingdom first, being a better husband to my wife and a better father to my daughter.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
There’s a lot but I’ll go with the most important one to me at this moment. That is, to see my art positively impact thousands of lives while being able to make a living off of it.
QEW
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being freshmen was a milestone for me and it means quite a bit. It’s a stamp on the next chapter in my journey. It’s making a statement as well for artists like myself who’ve always felt unseen and devalued. I feel like WE made the list not just me.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
SO EXCITING! Since we are individually so eclectic and creative in our own right I’m looking forward to bringing those flavors together.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and moment with a fan so far?
I don’t know if I’ve experienced the best moment just yet but one I’m fond of was getting my song “Gokai Szn” played in Resorts World Las Vegas hotel for Julio Cesar Chavez Gonzalez promo.
A fan reached out and let me know how the music helped them fight and beat the spirit of suicide…which is more than I could ask for.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
MUSIC MUSIC AND MORE MUSIC. The (Pokémon themed) Booster Pak mixtape is currently being worked on. More singles outside of it are coming, and a few EPs are on the way as well…Hoping to play more events Lord willing.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
Hopefully, creating a lane for those who are unique in the genre and building a future for my family on top of everything.
Will Kellum
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
I believe it is a stepping stone in the direction I’ve been praying to move forward in. In 2020 I was a nominee and I felt I was amongst giants such as Scottie Wop, Big Breeze, etc. I felt undeserving because I had yet to release a project or put the work in. Since then I’ve been grinding and this year I kicked it in gear to go even harder. So I’m excited to see hard work pay off. I feel this is the door being kicked down and all I have to do now is walk into the calling and put in the work.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
It is an amazing feeling. I’ve collaborated with bigger artists and sometimes it feels like a microtransaction. But this time it feels like I’m getting to know a brother or sister that I can create a long-term friendship or business relationship with. Outside of the brothers I have in my city.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and moment with a fan so far?
The best moment so far has been opening up for Dee-1 at Flavor Fest in 2022. That was so amazing because the crowd received me well and I got so much advice and compliments from artists I looked up to. Like Mike Teezy, Datin, Bizzle, etc. and it felt like I was getting closer to where I wanted to be.
A fan, recently told me they broke down in tears to my recent album StoryLinez because I spoke on some relatable trauma they had. That spoke to my heart because my music is about setting people free and seeing souls get saved and delivered. And I feel at that moment it set that person free from something they’ve been bound by for years.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
I plan on dropping four more projects. One solo album, a joint album with my long-life friend De’Aris. Then a solo EP, and a joint EP with my long-life friend William Pippins. As well as joint singles with bigger artists and solo singles from myself. Which would equal up to at minimum 12 singles.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
I want to go full-time as an artist ministering around the world. For me, that looks like a minimum of 200k Monthly Listeners on Spotify, touring frequently, and growing my YouTube and Instagram accounts to the point where I can monetize my content. This takes work and I plan to put the work in until I get there. I see the big picture and I know it’s possible.
Solachi Voz
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being that I’ve followed Rapzilla since 2004, this is a very full-circle moment for me. I was a freshman in high school in 2004 as well. I love the fact that it’s called the freshmen class, because even though many of us have been doing this for a very long time, this upcoming year will be the first time the masses will be able to hear us on a new level. The fact that while God has been maturing me behind the scenes, this will be my first major exposure opportunity with Rapzilla.
It reminds me of how in the Word, David was anointed a long time before he started to walk in his purpose. Same with Joseph. Esther was called forth specifically for “a time such as this.” This theme is perfect. Not only do I love basketball, but my entire life has been about shooting my shot. I’m seeing it unfold now, and it’s an honor to be able to experience God’s favor in this area of my life and ministry.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
This is a very specific prayer that I prayed last year for God to connect me with like-minded artists who also operate at the level of excellence that I want to push myself to. Being a part of a group that is so dynamic, creative, innovative, and already influential in the space is an honor and a verse in and of itself, but also an opportunity to introduce new sounds and styles into my repertoire and find out different skills I have that I wouldn’t have found out before. I believe our unique blend of sound and testimony will create a monumental impact with the music we release.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and moment with a fan so far?
I think my best moment would have to be meeting KB last summer! I had entered his “King Jesus” challenge a year or two prior, and nobody really listened to it! But the following year I entered in another contest where the prize was opening for him in Fort Myers. I leaned in and gave it my all, came in second place out of like 400 people, and was invited down to Florida for a VIP showcase, where I was able to introduce myself and meet him and take a picture.
The reason why this was so significant was because I didn’t have the nicest tools, the most money, or even the most time, but I understood what God had put inside me and I was willing to use it to its fullest potential to give him glory. And because of that, I believe he rewarded me with the win.
This moment was significant not only for me but also for my assistant. She had made the trip with me and was a huge fan of Zauntee. We were gifted with the opportunity to meet him personally and spend 15 minutes talking to him one-on-one. That was a huge milestone for her. She got to see faith work in action.
For me, it’s the open doors to others through Christ that’s especially important.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
At the end of last year, I released QUASAR, which was my first EP in over seven years. This year, I’m planning on two new releases, and some features from some heavy hitters in the space (I will reveal those at the proper time). What I’m most excited about is how God is moving in my business. I’ve had the opportunity to own a web development and copywriting business for the last four years. Recently God has been opening up doors to serve not just clients, but entire small business development centers, municipalities, and organizations, throughout the state of California and beyond. I am looking to add value to professionals within and outside of the CHH music spaces, as we continue to expand our clientele.
As far as music goes, I’m looking forward to more traveling, and having the opportunity to share my testimony and music around the nation, and around the world!
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
I would like to be in a position to be financially secure enough to invest my time and resources into discipling and mentoring the next generation of artists. We know of the influential nature of hip-hop, and to continue to use it for God’s glory, we need to make sure that those who are at the forefront are being properly trained spiritually and musically, not to mention professionally and practically. Many times, we as Christians have the vision but may lack the professional tools that we need to be successful. My goal is to help bridge the gap with resources, expertise, and fruitful opportunities to operate in excellence and expand the Kingdom.
Tukool Tiff
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being named a Rapzilla Freshmen is a really dope thing. It means a lot to be recognized among my peers as we make music that pleases God, and that encourages God’s people.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
It’s always fun to collaborate with great artists who share the goal of creating Christ-centered music.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and moment with a fan so far?
I feel blessed to interact with my listeners and supporters all the time! My favorite way is meeting and talking to people at live shows! I also love getting feedback on social media from people who share with me how my music has impacted their lives!
What do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
I’ve got lots of live shows coming up and maybe more music on the way!
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
More music, more collaborations for sure!! I’d love to reach more ears and point more and more people to Jesus through my art!
DANMAR
What does being named a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being nominated as a Rapzilla Freshmen was a goal of mine for as long as I remember taking my music seriously. I prayed on it and eventually gave up, and the moment I found out I was reminded of God’s faithfulness and how He continually provides.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
It feels great being able to work with people who have the same mission as me and who come from different backgrounds. The beautiful thing is that we all have different experiences and can all bring a unique point of view to each song that sounds like who God made us to be.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and moment with a fan so far?
My best moment so far in my journey as an artist was when I got my first billboard plaque. It was completely and utterly an answer to prayer. I asked God what my purpose was. He made it very clear to me. Which is why I gave up a professional soccer career for God’s plan for me in music.
One of the best moments I’ve had with a fan would be being able to pray over this guy at a show I did in 2023. He expressed that he was struggling to find purpose. At the end of the day, it’s all about the Lord transforming lives and His glory. So every moment I get to spend ministering is worth more than gold.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
I’ve got much planned this year which includes releasing a 2024 documentary, releasing a heartbreak EP, more classic rock music, and some more singles about the King. At some point, I’d like to launch a worship band under a separate name that makes just worship music. I have a growing love for it and it’s become a big part of my relationship with God.
What is the biggest goal you hope to accomplish as an artist in the next 5 years?
I hope to hit one million monthly listeners within the next 5 years as well as potentially have a deal by then if it’s right. Above that, I’d love to be married and start some sort of business apart from music.
Which of these Rapzilla Freshmen are you most excited about?
Rapzilla recently launched Artist Services for artists looking to expand and grow with a more hands-on approach. Check those out here.