photo by jannikdietz
Who is makko?
I’m pretty late on this write-up, but it’s about time I give Makko his flowers. The German-born artist came up from skateboarding videos on Instagram in his early teens. After studying to be an occupational therapist, he left it behind to pursue a new dream in music with his strong social media following.
His first single Kühlpack released with another german artist with, Vini Paff, in 2020. After a few more releases in the same year, he dropped 2020 produced by Eem Tripplin. Considering Eem was in the early stages of his own career, it’s awesome to see how the two have blown up since then.
Until 2022, his sound had been predominantly cloud rap and a dose of Lil Peep’s influence. This all changed when he collaborated with the hottest producers in Germany, Miksu and Macloud. The two have seemingly found the formula for combining rap with house/electronic, and they found the perfect artist for it. Their first release was Nachts wach, in mid 2022, which has amassed 107 million streams on Spotify alone. They followed the another breakthrough song with Ich Will ft. t-low.
Since then, Makko has solidified himself as one of the top artist in Germany. From 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify to sold out tours, there’s no sign of him slowing down anytime soon. Do yourself a favor and check out the two videos below. I highly recommend going deeper into his catalog for the slower songs if that’s your vibe.
untiljapan drops debut album
“Safe Travels”
Everyone knew the potential, but untiljapan really just put himself in the center for the rising hybrid sound emerging out of Atlanta. On songs like “IN THE SPUR” and “CUBAN LINX,” you get a nasty stank face, like yeah, this shits hard. Go listen now, so you can tell your friends you put them on.
the cash cobain takeover
Anycia is calling next
Anycia gained traction on Twitter (f*ck all that x shit) after her viral video for “so what” prod. by popstarbenny. Don’t get it confused though, Anycia has been putting in work since then. She’s quietly been in the studio daily, working with some premier producers and is now managed by Ben “Smiles” Ezekiel, from boymeetspace, who’s home to jetsonmade, 1stclass, and neekobaby. Recently, Anycia tweeted that Kevin Durant gave her the co-sign and has been doing what he can to connect her with the right people and open doors. I wouldn’t be surprised if she has a Sexxy Redd run in the near future. Anycia has the skill, production, and voice to reach all fans, regardless of gender.
YEO CIG’s latest album “R&G 3: King Paisley” slipped through the cracks.. but don’t overlook it any longer
It’s no secret that finding good music before anyone else does can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Constantly searching Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, and Bandcamp can be tiresome. Especially if you’re someone like me who listens to the same song until you hate it. I get burned out on music, and eventually I miss some of the latest projects that are right in front of me. Well, for all you music lovers that don’t mind the grind of searching for what’s new, here’s a pro-tip: find industry creatives on instagram that you like, and see who they’re following or working with. Is it stalking? Absolutely. But, they’re always going to be the one’s tapped in on who’s next.
This is how I came to find YEO CIG. One of the most boundary pushing albums I’ve heard in a long time, “R&G 3: King Paisley” blends the classic iconic NY sound with funk, house, and trap. With quite a bit of singing for a relatively deep and rugged voice, YEO CIG isn’t afraid to jump outside of the box on this album. I highly recommend not skipping through it. Put some headphones on and listen front to back. My top picks are SUMMERTIME, DROP THAT TOP ft. BigSmokeChap and BETTER DAZE. The best feature is without a doubt Slimesito’s verse on FULLY LOADED.
Maiah manser
I can’t lie, I found her on TikTok, and I’m so grateful that I did. Maiah Manser is one of the most perplexing artists I’ve ever come across. I don’t like comparing artists at all, but for someone like me that doesn’t know the genre all that well, she’s like a crazy mix between Miley Cyrus, Lorde, and Flume. That’s the best way I can describe her. Truly an artist’s favorite artist. The LA based singer and producer got her start as a backup vocalist who opened for Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, and Pharrell Williams. “For her debut EP, Second Skin, Maiah teamed up with Buddy Ross, (who’s produced and written for Frank Ocean, HAIM, Travis Scott, Unknown Mortal Orchestra) and received critical acclaim.” -Spotify Summary
Go listen to Sweet Hell and sirens, just wait for 2:02 and listen to the beauty that ensues.
Sexxy red continues her 2023 run
If you’re resentful about “Pound Town” and the current state of hip-hop, you’re either a loser or you don’t know music. Either way, you’re missing one hell of a run by Atlanta’s own, Sexxy Red.
worry club
I can’t tell you how many bands I’ve missed out on seeing live because “I’ll just see them next time.” All while tickets are a measly $12-$15, like Mild High Club and King Gizzard just to name a few.
Well, I’m not making that same mistake whenever Worry Club makes they’re way down to Austin. A lot of bands try to find their footing within the indie alt or slacker rock realm, and truthfully, most of it is baseless without much substance. I think we convince ourselves it’s good because we saw it live that one time.
That’s not the case with Worry Club. The four-man group eases you into every song and crank it up when appropriate.
They’re Spotify summary sound about right, “Loud music made in a lil bedroom.” Go listen to their latest project, All Frogs Go to Heaven. If you have the opportunity, go see them in your city before they’re at Lollapalooza and ACL.
we’re a bit late.. but new
distraction4ever
Standout videographer
Shanetheshredder
Shanetheshredder, a Clayco GA native has established himself as the go-to videographer in the Atlanta rap scene. His editing is unmatched, and his vision has carried him to where he is today. Since graduating from Clayton State University in film, Shane has worked with some great talents like Destroy Lonely, SoFaygo, BabyDrill, Homixide Gang, $odaman, and Vamp leek. More recently, the videographer shot a video for Metro Boomin’s Cookup ft. A$AP Rocky. We’re excited to see what he does next. We’re excited to see what he does next.get to know em’
-
Highway
Seattle's very own, Highway, has truly captured the Pacific Northwest and is rapidly gaining national attention with his unique voice and production work. With similarities to Future, Highway adds his own twist and exhibits great strength in the production department. Thanks to A&R Hakeem from OGM and his manager Chi Udogwu, Highway recently joined the Victor Victor Worldwide label and has surpassed any remaining barriers for artists coming from Washington. He was also featured as a model in Supreme's SS23, and his upcoming album, "Monochrome," is rumored to release in May.
-
Popstar Benny
Generational sound defining producer, twitter blunt reviewer, and label founder. What can’t he do? The Atlanta native is one of the hottest producers in the game since working with Tony Shhnow, Bear1Boss, Rod Wave, and more. Amidst speculation about the future of Atlanta rap, Popstar FM, Benny’s label, has proven to be at the forefront of Atlanta’s newer generation with his latest album, “University!” According to Benny, his sound is along the lines of a “video game soundtrack and heavy trap drums.” The future is bright for Popstar Benny. We’re witnessing the maturation of a legend.
-
YELLABANDANNA
YellaBandanna, has steadily grown his discography with 4 albums and numerous singles along the way. After touring with Thouxanbanfauni and performing at SoundCloud’s 2021 Atlanta showcase featuring SoFaygo, Yellabandanna has proven to be a center piece for Atlanta’s underground rap scene along with his counter parts, iHATEROCKET, Moneyyshawn, and the rest of the “FFINESSE THE WORLD” label. Although we haven’t received a new album in a year, he’s consistently released singles like YERCO% and 100Timez. Listen to one of his best, “Hysteric Glomour” here.
