Northern California is renowned for its diverse range of attractions and features, including the iconic Golden State Warriors, the picturesque Napa Valley, and the influential presence of The Based God. The NorCal region is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly within the realm of contemporary Hip-Hop, with many asserting its status as a driving force in shaping the West Coast sound.
Northern California boasts a roster of staple artists who laid the foundation for the vibrant music scene that thrives today. This includes well-known figures such as E-40, Too Short, Mac Dre, and Kehlani. Now, a wave of fresh and promising talent is making waves, and it's high time for the distinctive NorCal sound to receive the national recognition it rightfully deserves. In no particular ranking, we present some of the rising stars setting the West Coast music scene ablaze.
Larry June (San Francisco, CA)
Larry June is quite possibly the most prominent rapper hailing from Northern California, successfully touring nationally in markets that typically pose challenges for independent rap artists. With an extensive discography and collaborations with major players in the industry, his influence and recognition continue to grow.
EBK Jaaybo (Stockton, CA)
Emerging from one of Stockton's most renowned rap collectives, EBK Jaaybo has been making waves throughout the year with hits like "Apocalypse" and "Mr. EBK." His independent YouTube channel consistently amasses millions of views with every release. Despite just being 20 years old and having a 5-year career, there's no doubt he'll become a West Coast Hip Hop mainstay.
1100 Himself (East Oakland, CA
1100 Himself boasts one of the most unique and abstract rapping styles, weaving stories with anime references to paint a vivid picture of how he'll handle confrontations. He glides between a smooth, monotone flow and rapid-fire bars, all set to the backdrop of jazzy production. 1100 Himself shines as a hidden treasure in East Oakland, and we're eagerly anticipating the exciting journey of his artistic evolution.
EBK Young Joc (Stockton, CA)
The Hotboiiz CEO EBK Young Joc has one of the most remarkable work ethics among young independent artists, elevating him to a highly acclaimed position in the West. Joc has spearheaded the EBK movement of powerful production and distinctive, street-savvy lyricism among Stockton artists. He's renowned for his prolific mixtape releases and for pioneering the contemporary sound emanating from Stockton.
LaRussell (North Vallejo, CA)
LaRussell is currently rewriting the rules of what it means to be an independent artist. Best known for being his authentic self and constituently dropping gems on how to excel in business as an independent artist
Kamaiyah (Oakland, CA)
Kamaiyah is a talented rapper and songwriter from Oakland, California. She became famous in 2016 with her mixtape "A Good Night in the Ghetto," which people really liked. She stands out because of her unique style and confident lyrics in a field mostly dominated by men. She makes music that inspires and connects with her fans. Kamaiyah is making a name for herself in West Coast rap, and her future in the music industry looks bright as she keeps pushing boundaries and making her mark.
Mac J (Sacramento, CA)
Many folks in Northern California believe that Mac J often goes unnoticed, but in reality, he's exactly where he belongs. He's diligently cultivating a loyal fan base while consistently dropping music. Mac J is renowned for his witty punchlines and clever rhyme patterns, his collaborations with his late cousin Bris are notable as well. He's a key figure in a generation of rappers that has significantly elevated Sacramento's presence on the music scene, thanks to their unique style. Whenever you listen to Mac J, you can anticipate nothing less than an absolute banger.
IAMSU! (Richmond, CA)
Iamsu has been a prominent figure representing the Bay Area since he first burst onto the scene, delivering major hits like "Red Nose" alongside Sage The Gemini. His extensive production and feature work includes collaborations with artists like 2 Chainz, Lil Jon, and Wiz Khalifa, showcasing his high demand and talent for creating records with a serious impact. Additionally, he founded the IAMSUMMER Festival which recently celebrated its ninth consecutive year at Six Flags Santa Clara,
Lil Hungry (Fresno,CA)
Whether it's his intricate dance moves or the humor injected into his rhymes, Lil Hungry stands out as a rising talent hailing from Fresno. This year alone, he's dropped three mixtape/albums, demonstrating his undeniable hunger for success (no pun intended). Despite being the youngest on this list, he possesses significant potential for growth as long as he remains focused and steers clear of any trouble. Keep an eye on him!
Lul DreDay (Fairfield, CA)
Lul DreDay is a burgeoning talent who exhibits a clear love for music through his selection of samples, spanning from Michael Jackson to Lil Bow Wow. He has a knack for making the most of his modest video budget, crafting thoroughly entertaining visuals with diverse themes, such as "Men in Black" and "Edward Scissorhands." While you can never predict what visual treat to anticipate, one thing is for sure: DreDay consistently delivers a hit.
