From the “Chicago Made” stage at Lollapalooza to viral hits circulating on TikTok and YouTube, Chicago’s music is still one of the city’s biggest exports. Our musical calling card used to be gospel, the blues and then straight up funk and soul. But as of late, Chicago’s hip hop has been the dominant chart topper in today’s scene. You can see this with the national breakout of young stars such as Star Bandz and VonOff1700. But hip hop isn’t alone anymore. 2024 saw our own burgeoning Afrobeats superstar in Matt B garner a Grammy nod for the 67th annual awards in 2025. Others are sure to follow.
To highlight this ongoing evolution of Chicago music, The TRiiBE presents 10 songs from 10 rising stars. They represent a new generation of independent and emerging artists who have been steadily clawing their way into the mainstream and online consciousness. Add these songs to your playlist for the new year and beyond.
D2X – “Fire”
South Side sensation D2X is bringing out the superhero in us all with his anthemic banger “Fire.” The lead single from D2X’s EP The Hunger Era, “Fire” is an anthem about the rapper’s journey. The creative, comic-inspired video shows a super powered D2X punching an opponent through a Fed Ex truck. With new music on the way, while signing a distribution deal with Fake Shore Drive, he’s headed for a fiery future.
FendiDaRappa ft. Shamar Marco – “Clock Dat”
Proving herself to be more than a one-hit wonder, FendiDaRappa came back swinging in 2024 with the infectious bop, “Clock Dat.” The collaboration between Fendi and Shamar Marco went viral on TikTok and wound up being one of the more turnt-up jams from Chicago. Fendi’s piercing flows and Marco’s saucy energy make for an exciting good time. The song garnered 7.4 million views on YouTube and the duo opened up for Rod Wave on his “The Last Lap” tour this past fall.
Fly Skinz ft. Benny The Butcher “W. A. R. We Are Ready”
Roseland’s own Fly Skinz saw 2024 as the culmination of the groundwork he has been building as an independent artist since his mixtape, The Golden Child, debuted in 2017. After performing at the “Chicago Made” stage at Lollapalooza in the summer of 2024, Fly has been on a tear, releasing three projects. Amongst the music he’s dropped was his heavy-handed standout “W. A. R. (We Are Ready)” featuring Benny The Butcher. With his captivating delivery, he aptly translates the stories of his hustling past into motivational lyrics, Fly Skinz shows why he stands out amongst a crowded generation of artists.
J Bambii – “Church Fan”
While gearing up to release her 2025 album, Black American Beauty, rapper and local activist J. Bambii has been on a roll with her new music. Her fiery single, “Church Fan,” finds her at her most confident and lyrically dexterous. The Wild 100s native creates music that draws from the Black feminist/womanist tradition, overtly championing Black liberation, Black women, and children without softening her unapologetic pro-Black messages.
Matt B – “I Need Some Wine”
Two-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Matt B gave wine lovers a fun, catchy tune from his latest album Alkebulan II. With smooth sophistication, the Afrobeats singer lulls his way into our ears with a velvety melody as smooth as a sweet red on “I Need Some Wine.” Alkebulan II is also nominated for 2025 Best Global Music Album, earning him his second Grammy nomination since his 2022 nod for Best Global Music Performance for “Gimme Love.”
Mello Buckzz ft. G Herbo – “Hmm…BD”
After breaking out in 2023 with “Mousekatools,” Mello Buckzz keeps the street hits coming with “Hmm…BD.” Her smashmouth delivery and wordplay, paired with a barn-burning verse from G Herbo, shows the duo’s outstanding and fun chemistry throughout. The hook was inspired by a popular meme from an interview with Lil Reese where he expressed his disdain for someone, throwing his thumbs down.
m.e.h – “Release”
Chicago’s soulful newcomer m.e.h. has had a sensational 2024 after releasing her EP Coup De Grace. She performed on Lollapalooza’s “Chicago Made” stage, was awarded a $10,000 grand prize from DCASE’s Chicago Made Music Showcase, and was featured in Essence Girl’s United “Best Dressed Black Creatives” during the festival. Her standout song, the elegant “Release,” is one of the strongest examples of why she is one to watch in traditional R&B.
theMIND – “Gina”
2024 saw TheMIND make his much-needed return to making music with the new album Dancing While Crying In the Middle of Nowhere. Its soulfully sultry lead single “Gina” takes listeners on an emotional journey through his complex love life while grooving through the madness. While he’s far from new in Chicago, theMIND is finally emerging.
Star Bandz – “Yea Yea”
Chicago’s 16-year-old rap phenom Star Bandz has had an incredible 2024. She’s opened for stars such as former City Girl, JT, and has performed across high schools in Chicago. All thanks to her electrifying song “Yea Yea,” which captivates listers for her attacking delivery and high-level wordplay. Star’s music epitomizes the joy, childlike fearlessness, and colorful cultural nuances of Black girls. She masterfully does this while rapping about the harsh realities of our neighborhoods without leaning into harmful stereotypes.
VonOff1700 – “Free Brick Freestyle”
As one of the newest Drill rappers to come from the West Side, VonOff1700 made his mark with his electrifying “Free Brick Freestyle.” It’s no wonder why the song had 6.2 million views on YouTube, making him one of the biggest newcomers in mainstream rap today.
The post Update your 2025 playlist with these 10 rising Chicago artists appeared first on The TRiiBE.
