Sleeper Hit

“MET GALA” is eloquence in motion.

Kehlani’s work carries an unfiltered essence and brims with soul.

The way Kali ends both the song and EP proper with a breathless “Alive… ” has us reeling.

Brooklyn rapper 22Gz’ “No Questions,” off his incredible new mixtape, ‘Growth & Development’ is a sleeper hit.

“Gris” is both breezy and nicely syncopated.

CHIKA’s “Songs About You” instantly endears us to the young Alabama rapper.

Jack Harlow’s flow on “HEY BIG HEAD” is breathless and lively.

“Sidewalk” is meant to be played loud, with the bass all the way up.

The energy “Rich” brings to ‘Suga’ is unmatched, how Megan quickly and efficiently eviscerates the instrumental with her bellowing rap voice.

“‘X100PRE’ was no fluke—Bad Bunny is just this good.”

How can you not cheer for this guy?

“Le temps passe” is the gem of ‘Caliente’’s 17 tracks.

“Nudy makes you feel invincible, although the odds say you aren’t. He makes you want to flex under pressure.”

Kamaiyah sounds like the best supervillain this side of the country.

There’s something inspiring about the way Lil Gotit surges with moxie and charisma.

Duke Deuce’s nonchalance and ability to bring in new cadences as he breaks song structure that makes “Bad News” an earworm.

“hertz” is the kind of sleeper hit that haunts you by virtue of its crumbly structure and visceral writing.

For some reason, “iunno” induces the most awkward rap hands and confounded head nods.