I understand this year’s watch list is later than usual. There are a few explanations for this delay. The most important reason is there is an overflow of talent in the city this year, and it was challenging to choose who to put on the list this year.
Another factor in the delay was the pandemic. We’ve been dealing with COVID-19 for a little over two years. The pandemic limited the chance for artists to campaign. Even though social media is a crucial marketing tool for artists to build awareness, it’s not good enough. Sure some artists like Juice WRLD can catch a hit single with little to no campaigning, performances, blog features, etc. Not every artist is sitting on a billboard smash. Many of them need their boots on the ground and have to build their buzz the old-fashioned way.
Even after the difficulties I explained above. I was still able to compile a list of talented artists who were still able to get their music heard. Chicago is nationally known for the hardcore drill flows from artists like LIL DURK, Polo G, G Herbo, and others. That sound might be popular, but it’s not the general sound of the city. We have so many different sounds throughout the city. The city’s versatility was on full display this year when Tobi Lou and Saba released some amazing projects.
The artists chosen for this year are contributing to the news sounds that are coming out the city. Some new sounds that is old to “us” be new to the world.
25. Dae Jones
Skill: 8/10
Star Power: 5/10
Buzz: 5/10
24. Kay Karma
Skill: 7/10
Star Power: 8/10
Buzz: 4/10
23. FAST MONEY ANT
Skill: 6/10
Star Power: 7/10
Buzz: 5/10
22. SONNY
Skill: 7/10
Star Power: 6/10
Buzz: 6/10
21. FBG CASH
Skill: 4/10
Star Power: 4/10
Buzz: 8/10
20. MAMA MILLION
Skill: 8/10
Star Power: 5/10
Buzz: 5/10
19. SMILES 773
Skill: 6/10
Star Power: 6/10
Buzz: 6/10
18. CHIRAQ BANDZ
Skill: 6/10
Star Power: 5/10
Buzz: 7/10
17. LIL CHRIS
Skill: 8/10
Star Power: 4/10
Buzz: 7/10
16. FLY SKINZ
Skill: 9/10
Star Power: 5/10
Buzz: 6/10
15. CAT WITH THE MAC
Skill: 7/10
Star Power: 9/10
Buzz: 6/10
14. BIG BANK BANDZ
Skill: 7/10
Star Power: 7/10
Buzz: 7/10
13. MURF DILLY
Skill: 9/10
Star Power: 7/10
Buzz: 5/10
12. GAWNE
Skill: 8/10
Star Power: 8/10
Buzz: 7/10
11. 10K KOBEE
Skill: 7/10
Star Power: 8/10
Buzz: 7/10
10. FLY NARI
Skill: 8/10
Star Power: 8/10
Buzz: 8/10
9. SG BATMAN
Skill: 7/10
Star Power: 7/10
Buzz: 9/10
8. DQFrmDaO
Skill: 7/10
Star Power: 7/10
Buzz: 9/10
7. Mother Nature
Skill: 8/10
Star Power: 9/10
Buzz: 7/10
6. JR007
Skill: 7/10
Star Power: 8/10
Buzz: 8/10
5. PGF NUK
Skill: 7/10
Star Power: 7/10
Buzz: 10/10
4. Shoebox Baby
Skill: 8/10
Star Power: 6/10
Buzz: 10/10
3. THF G Baby
Skill: 9/10
Star Power: 8/10
Buzz: 8/10
2. KB MIKE
Skill: 9/10
Star Power: 9/10
Buzz: 9/10
1. JEAN DEAUX
Skill: 9/10
Star Power: 10/10
Buzz: 9/10
