#Socialites, are here for it? On Thursday (September 12), Complex dropped their list of “Top 20 Rappers In Their 20’s Right Now.” The media and music publication is back with another list and this latest one highlights a group of young and hungry Hip-Hop players who have played a “vital part” in the genre. The list uplifts both male and female rappers from conscious rap to twerk rap and everything else in between. Let’s get into the list!
Starting at No. 20 is 26-year-old New York rapper Cash Cobain, whom Complex dubs “essentially the architect of a new subgenre of rap.” Cobain was once known as the “Sample God,” mainly making drill beats for other rappers, but he is now becoming his own star.
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At No. 19 is 26-year-old Jack Harlow, whom Complex praises for releasing “one of the most memorable and successful rap singles of the last 12 months,” that being “Lovin on Me.” The hit reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in its second week. At No. 3 is 26-year-old BossMan Dlow, whom Complex dubs “the breakout street rapper of the year.” With his hit “Shake Dat A** (Twerk Song)” the Port Salerno, FL native proves how he’s a Y.G. mixed with O.G., a young buck with an old soul, coming from a long line of drunk, rambling, and conversational rap uncles.
At No. 17 is 23-year-old, Baby Keem, whom Complex shares is a “supremely gifted rapper, song crafter, and producer.” Keem, who is Kendrick Lamar’s cousin, is the youngest rapper on Complex’s list, but his talent suggests otherwise. At No. 16, is 24-year-old YoungBoy Never Broke Again (or NBA YoungBoy), whom Complex highlights “still has some of the most passionate fans in Hip-Hop” after over a decade in the game. Despite his long list of legal troubles, the music and his fans keep YoungBoy relevant throughout his jail and prison stints.
At No. 15 is 26-year-old Sexyy Red, whom Complex praises for having an “undeniable charisma and the ability to get people talking.” The publication wrote, “Sexyy Red has been an inescapable force in rap. From ‘Pound Town’ to ‘Get It Sexyy,’ the raunchy St. Louis rapper has managed to transcend her street origins” and get spun at baby showers to wedding parties.
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At No. 14 is 29-year-old Veeze, whom Complex labels a “technically gifted MC who made a great album recently.” However, they did note that Veeze wasn’t placed higher because although he’s “an excellent rapper, he has not been able to make true hit records yet.” At No. 13 is 26-year-old Doechii, whom Complex boasts “just dropped a legitimate album of the year contender.” However, like Veeze, Complex says Doechii “still has a lot of time to do more damage.”
At No. 12 is 24-year-old Ken Carson, whom Complex dubs “a leader in the most pit rap scene.” The publication says Carson, who they described as a Playboi Carti‘s protégé, had a “bumpy beginning and only just recently came into his own as an artist.” At No. 11 is 29-year-old Philly rapper Lil Uzi Vert, whom Complex notes “remains one of Hip-Hop’s most notable rappers, known for creating chart-topping hits.” If you’re wondering why Uzi didn’t make the list higher, Complex claims “the last time he dropped an album was when he released the underwhelming ‘Pink Tape.’”
At No. 10 is 29-year-old Chief Keef, whom Complex praises for “making some of the best music of his career, including his latest album ‘Almighty So 2.’” The Chicago rapper has been in the game for over a decade, is still under 30, and remains relevant. At No. 9 is 29-year-old Lil Baby, whom Complex notes “had a resurgence thanks to a number of great guest verses.” The publication also noted that the Atlanta rapper could have been higher, but due to some “rough couple of years,” his recent guest verses have only gotten him so far.
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At No. 8 is 27-year-old Lil Yachty, whom Complex says “has continuously found ways to stay relevant while experimenting with various styles.” However, the publication notes that Yachty would have been higher, but “his last album, ‘Bad Cameo‘ with James Blake, was somewhat disappointing.” At No. 7 is 25-year-old GloRilla, whom Complex calls “the comeback rapper of the year, dropping a number of impactful singles.” As for why she’s not higher considering her comeback success, the publication notes that “comeback years” and “MVP years” usually don’t equate.
At No. 6 is 25-year-old Latto, whom Complex notes “is a versatile rapper who has shown an ability to consistently make hits.” However, the publication adds that she “still has another level to hit before being crowned” a top 5 rapper. Breaking the top 5 is 24-year-old Yeat at No. 5. Complex calls him “one of the most unique rappers in the industry, boasting a fervent fanbase that adores him.” However, they claim his “dystopian bubble” needs to burst before he can move up their list.
At No. 4 is 29-year-old Megan Thee Stallion, whom Complex boasts is “capable of headlining arenas and is consistently topping the charts.” Although she had a “big year” and “made significant improvements,” the publication notes that the top three candidates just hit a bit harder. Breaking the top 3 is 26-year-old Central Cee, a British rapper whom Complex says “has been able to garner significant crossover success in the United States.” At No. 2 is 28-year-old Doja Cat, whom Complex labels a “legitimate superstar with a profile so large that she can successfully headline Coachella.” And at No. 1 is 28-year-old Playboi Carti, whom Complex says “has slowly crafted one of the great modern rap catalogs while influencing a new class of up-and-coming rappers.”
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