New Jersey hip-hop artists seemingly have a chip on their shoulder. Often overshadowed by its flashier famous neighbor across the Hudson River, New Jersey’s music community have still managed to provide the world with a great deal of talent. The Sugar Hill Gang, Redman, Joe Budden, Lauren Hill, Sza, Halsey, Bruce Springsteen, Russ, and Fetty Wap are just a few of the most notable artists from Jersey today.
In recent years underground artists from NJ have been increasingly catching the eyes of the industry and fans around the world.
There isn’t a “sound” that defines New Jersey artists in 2021, but all of the artists featured below are bound by undeniable skill and hunger for success. Being so close to New York City makes the dream of blowing up in the music industry seem like it’s within arms reach.
In the advent of social media, the Garden State can finally shine from across the GW bridge and have it’s talents heard by the world. Here are 15 New Jersey hip-hop artists set to be mentioned with the legends before them.
15 New Jersey Hip-Hop Artists You Should Follow
Chris Patrick
Chris Patrick is one of the best talents to ever come out of New Jersey. His elaborate rhyme schemes, uniquely beautiful singing voice, and knowledge on topics of inequality and social justice have garnered him attention from legends like J.I.D. and T-Pain.
His single “Swish” was prominently featured in NBA 2K2021, and was used in Tik Tok’s featuring Ben Simmons and Anthony Davis. Near the end of last year, he dropped a mixtape entitled “From The Heart Part 2” which was led by the introspective and lyrically dense single “Typical Sh*t” featuring Devonte Hitchcock.
Samad Savage
There are very few people on this planet who can rap as well as Samad Savage from Montclair, New Jersey. When added that with his impeccable production, storytelling, and engineering, you get an artist ready to take the industry by storm. A good entry point for a new listener would be “Trust the Weird Kids”, but make sure to play his most recent single “Goodnight” at HIGH VOLUMES.
Ethan Ross
You may not know Ethan Ross yet, but I’m confident you soon will. As an early adopter of Tik-Tok, Ethan (and his iconic red hair) was able to gain fans by free-styling to strangers in public. Besides just being an artist, Ethan has conducted numerous motivational speaking gigs across New Jersey.
He’s been seeing significant growth in the past year due to listeners falling in love with his moody, infectious anthems like “Katana”, “Vertigo” and “Angel Dust”. With undeniable talent and deeply personal music, Ethan is ready to become a household name in 2021.
Mia Gladstone
Mia Gladstone is unapologetically herself, and wears every quirk and flaw on her sleeve through her music. Her sound and personality are bright and bubbly, but often address more serious and personal topics. The single off her latest EP “CYCLES” titled “FOOD”, details her adolescent struggles with body image. This piece has caught the ear of Damon Albarn from the iconic group “Gorillaz”.
Zedsu
If you checked out Ethan Ross already you may have come across Zedsu’s incredible verse on “I’m Serious”. Zedsu stands out from the crowd due to his ability to adapt to each song. He can get you ready to run through a wall with one track, and calling your friends over for a smoke sesh with the next. Go listen to a dark, atmospheric journey through Zedsu’s discography.
Jd Ballin
JD Ballin is a new school phenomenon who mixes R&B melodies with chaotic trap beats to create a surreal sonic landscape. Fans of Lil Uzi and Playboi Carti will instantly be hooked to songs like “645pm”, but fans of lyrical hip hop will still respect his clever rhymes and braggadocious word play.
Freakquencee
The self proclaimed “Vibe Curator” from Newark, New Jersey makes sure to live up to this title. Often performing with a live band, Freakquencee has a hypnotizing aura of positive surrounding her on stage. She can rap with the best of them and sing like a 70’s soul legend, which she displayed in full force on her latest single “Smile Again”.
Alley Rocket
Hailing from the Brick City aka Newark, New Jersey, Alley Rocket is here to put his hometown on the map. The up and coming star is the founder of his own collective of artists called “Rap Villian”. Rocket’s tracks are as catchy as they are real, as he often uses trap melodies to talk about his experiences growing up in his community.
Geno 5
From the home of The Sugar Hill Gang, Englewood, NJ, Geno 5 embodies the true essence of hip-hop. His stage presence and word play is reminiscent of legends from rap’s golden era, while presented over the backdrop of hard hitting modern production. His project with frequent collaborator Alejandro, “Point Five” is a touching work of art that discusses love, lust, grief, and mistrust eloquently.
J1da
J1da has one of the most recognizable voices in the New Jersey scene. His deep, animated delivery and vivid storytelling make any song he touches timeless. J1da is so confident in his talent and abilities, he has dropped 6 projects in the last 2 years. Each project sticks to a specific theme and flows seamlessly, almost as if they were made to be spun on vinyl.
Yung Geeshi
Yung Geeshi has undeniable star power, flex bars for days, and melodies you’ll be humming long after you check her out. “Big Dripper” will make you feel like the flyest person in the club without even having to go to the club. The track comes to life in the music video filled with beautiful women, exotic cars, Rolex’s, and bottles of all the most prestigious liquor.
Patrick Williams
Patrick Williams just recently took the local scene by storm with his beautiful, soulful track “Aubrey Hepbern”. Fans of artists like Sir, Daniel Caesar, and Frank Ocean will feel right at home listening to his buttery delivery over minimal lofi production. Try to listen to this track without texting the one that got away.
Mir Fontain
Mir Fontain has been making noise in Trenton, New Jersey for some time now. South Jersey artists often get neglected in discussions of the best artists in the state, but Fontain’s soulful voice and tales from the trap are difficult to ignore. His flip of Frank Ocean’s “Nights” titled “Frank Ocean” is a certified New Jersey underground classic.
TUNEZZUP!
As the man said himself on his track “HUMBLE!”, “when you got it like this, it’s hard to stay humble.” Tunezz’s timeless lyricism draws influence from Bob Dylan, and his sonic arrangement is as grand as it is grimey. Tunezz’s lyrical prowess will have you picking up new gems with each listen. Some of his best tracks are “Mmm Freestyle”, “Free Bird Pt. 2” , and “HUMBLE!”
Coi Leray
Coi Leray is definitely the most established artist on this list, but since she reps Jersey so hard I could not look past her. Leray is one of the most exciting up and coming talents in R&b, earning her collaborations with artists such as Gunna, Wifisfuneral, and certified hitmaker, Fetty Wap. It will be intriguing to see where she ends up by the end of 2021, but my guess is singing all around the world to her loyal fans.
If you know of any New Jersey hip-hop artists who should be on a list like this, please comment below with your recommendations and/or reach out directly with music via email (info@respectmyregion.com).
Artists who want to be featured can reach out using the submission tab at RespectMyRegion.com/marketing.
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