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Dallas-Fort Worth hip-hop has become a hotspot for discovering the next superstar. With New Dallas being the talk of the city, the drill scene’s undeniable popularity and boogie music making a comeback, several movements emerged in 2025 to make the fire burning from local music hotter than ever. The rise of some of the city’s best also bled into other genres, producing nationally chart-topping hits.
What does it take to be the biggest rapper in Dallas? The answer is subjective, but the quality of the music is the foundation. Toss in fan bases that demonstrate an artist’s authenticity through pandemonium and marketing that generates buzz. Ticket, merchandise and music sales validate an artist’s popularity. Add it all up, and North Texans determine the biggest artists with their support.
2024 was clearly BigXThaPlug’s year. Tay Money came before him, and in 2022, the late Mo3 posthumously topped our list.
Much has changed since last year, though. Some acts have excelled while others have fallen off. Emerging artists have ushered in new energy one bar at a time, while the legacies of others continue to echo throughout the scene. North Texas’ abundance of unique, regionally specific talent has proven time and again that the landscape’s sound can change in an instant.
BigXThaPlug undoubtedly conquered 2024 with his behemoth of a record, Take Care, but turning a breakout year into a reign takes consistency. This year’s list is more competitive than ever, including artists who had respective victory laps in their own rights in 2025.
Naturally, this list will stir up debate, but there’s always next year, right?
25. SCUTTINO
Scuttino’s hustle, loyalty and respect made him an unexpected star to emerge from the underground rap scene this year. While audiences started to notice him, the media was already predicting his rise.
The buzz surrounding his latest EP, u feel me?, and his successful local shows, which also gave other local artists exposure, led us to name him the Best Male Rapper in our 2025 Best of Dallas issue. His follow-up to the 2024 EP Champagne Campaign showcased Scuttino’s lyricism as he balanced a career and life in front of his fans.
The reality in his new music resonated with fans at the perfect time. The rapper’s music, team and popularity aligned, making the latest release a blueprint for other artists to follow. Scuttino is an example of how patience pays off.
24. KAINE MUSIC
Kaine Music is now known as “The First Lady of 600,” so it’s clear what a difference a year can make. The Observer also recognized Kaine among the 20 new artists to watch in 2025.
The city quickly grew attracted to her hard-hitting bars. When BigXThaPlug co-signed her with a 600 chain, she proved her star power in front of millions as his supporting act. Releasing defining songs such as “Sliders,” “Ride” and “Do It,” she raps over Southern soul productions that match X’s brand at a time when all eyes are on him.
The first lady title may come with pressure, but Kaine owns it fearlessly. Anvil bars like, “Big monkey see, monkey do / I don’t mind ‘cause they see I’ma pop it / People just knew I would blow before I knew I would go / Now you can’t stop none of that shit.”
From Lil Kim to Eve, hip-hop has a long history of first ladies becoming icons. “Clueless,” her latest track, showcases her flirtatious side after proving she’s a force to be reckoned with in freestyles, and as a storyteller on “Crown.”
23. TYE HARRIS
The most talented lyricist in DFW had an impressive 2025. Flexing his Oak Cliff-proud wordplay over the piano keys, TYE Harris achieved several viral moments on social media. “You’re so talented” should be his middle name now, as it is often said in his comments.
Harris opened for Erykah Badu at an Amazon Music event. Then, he proved doubters wrong about his fanbase with a sold-out show in Deep Ellum. He was one of the most productive artists of the year, releasing seven new songs and collaborating with Akeem Ali, Jhonnie Blaze and Hashi Senjoo.
Still, we dropped him from 22nd to 23rd this year. Harris was involved in a viral beef with a former manager that drew attention away from the music. Despite the team issue, Harris is one hit away from making a jump to the top spot in 2026.
22. OC CHRIS
The South Oak Cliff rap star is the new face of Mexican rap and has the co-signs to prove it. While he collaborated with credible rap stars such as Paul Wall (“Trill Gon Last”), Peso Peso (“Luv It”) and Quin NFN (“Been On Sum”), validation from rap superstars Blueface, BigXThaPlug and Kevin Gates cemented his popularity.
On Everybody Hates, his latest album, he seized the moment with wise-cracking lyrics, Oak Cliff stories and relentless energy. His youth makes him relatable to today’s hip-hop fans. With his signature smile and vulnerability, it won’t be long before the world acknowledges him as a superstar.
OC Chris’ star power reached a new height in October with the co-sign from NBA Youngboy and performance in front of a sold-out crowd at American Airlines Center as YB’s opening act.
21. oodaredevil
This was oodaredevil’s best year yet. He kicked off with SKYDIVIN, a joint album with jetsonmade that pushed him into a new creative tier. By summer, he was collaborating and touring the nation with BashForTheWorld’s Migo In America album.
Double-O’s cult following showed strong support in 2025, solidifying his status as a bright star in North Texas. A preview of the rapper’s fall album, Ginger Blonde, went crazy in Downtown Dallas.
He fuels momentum heading into 2026 with the new single “Wham Wham,” an experimental track that provides a glimpse into his evolution.
20. CAMERON MCCLOUD
Cure For Paranoia is already one of the hottest acts across any genre in North Texas. Cameron McCloud, the band’s frontman, has drawn growing attention outside of music with his viral social commentary about mental health, LGBTQ rights and politics. The outlet has allowed this year’s recipient of our Best of Dallas Best Alternative Rap category to express himself freely in his lyrics without compromising the band’s appeal. New and old fans alike are enjoying every freestyle along the way.
As well as headlining festivals, McCloud released a solo single with “Stuck” in 2025. Additionally, he serves as the face of Creatives Care Dallas, a mental health initiative.
McCloud’s fearless yet informative rhymes make him the artist North Texas hip-hop needs right now. The fans’ demand for more could have Cam pull even more double duty as a solo act and frontman in 2026.
19. HASHI SENJOO
Hashi Senjoo positioned himself to be Texas hip-hop’s next star in 2025. He dropped Everybody Won’t Like This, his debut album, after catching attention in 2024 with the Texas-rooted hit “I Dunn Swung.”
The album kept it all the way Texas, featuring legends Paul Wall, Lil Keke, Tum Tum, Big Jade and Chalie Boy. He followed it with singles “Country Rap Tune,” “Wicked World” and “UGK Membership,” cementing his range from bounce nods to country-rap blends. With momentum, co-signs and a growing fanbase, Senjoo looks poised for an even bigger leap in the new year.
Hashi Senjoo will enter 2026 with “Show Me Some,” another laid-back single that blends the past, present and future of Texas rap.
18. JHONNIEDAMND
Social media brought JhonnieDamnD and the boogie movement back to the surface, and he took full advantage. Everyone from street dancers in Japan to soccer moms in Plano are air-guitaring, bending the back and karate-chopping to Jhonnie’s “Murda Bend.”
Jhonnie capitalized on the dance craze with 10 new songs released across 2025. No matter what the subject matter, the repetitive animated rap style never lost its luster.
However, everything wasn’t about the boogie this year. He was victorious in a quick rap beef against Fort Worth rapper Go Yayo.
17. HIMOTHY CHUNG
Himothy Chung is part of the New Dallas movement, which has helped make North Texas a larger hub for hip-hop. While the movement’s biggest names announced major deals in 2025, Chung’s popularity shows the crew still has much to offer.
In his debut, Year of the Snake, Chung showcased a signature swagger in standout tracks “Minimum Wage,” “Venting to the Mic” and “Super Saiyan.” Rapping about money without redundancy is difficult, but he managed to do so, and fans praised it across social media.
Himothy Chung appears to be next up in the movement to ascend to the majors, and not just regionally. He continues to build star power outside of North Texas with new songs, including “Bad Habits,” “Liu Kang,” and “Smooth Operator.” In 2026, New Dallas is set for another breakthrough year, with Chung leading the way.
16. ZEETHEWIZARD
ZeeTheWizard and Himothy Chung were the New Dallas CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens of 2025. Zee’s streetwise lyrics about flossing on albums Hood Prophet and Words of WIZdom cast a spell over his fans, making him a favorite in the movement. Not surprisingly, endorsements from heavy hitters like Rod Wave and Future significantly increased his visibility.
On social media, fans appreciate Zee’s “authenticity” and “Southern flair without the gimmicks.” According to commentary, he’s won favor within the movement through raps about “real life struggles.” Word is that Zee will join Future’s Freebandz imprint through 2026, so keep an eye on this one.
15. YAKIYN
The Arlington native had a breakout year in 2025. Hip-hop gravitated to his multifaceted style on refreshing singles “BACKBOARD,” “Put Dem Boys To Sleep” and “Spread Like Butta.” Word-of-mouth spread his buzz, too.
Yakiyn raps, sings and embodies a gritty underground sound that takes you back to traditional Texas hip-hop. TDE’s Doechii, Schoolboy Q and Kal Banks co-signed Yakiyn, while influential outlets like Billboard and Complex coined him as an artist to watch.
“Calculate,” a new self-reflection track, has become the origin point for newfound fans exploring the sound. 2026 promises to be transformative for Yak, as he anticipates increased social media attention, media coverage and a steadily growing fan base eager to see if he will live up to the hype.
14. TAY MONEY
With Big Tay at the center, women’s hip-hop has remained at the top in DFW. Artists like KaineMusic and Hon3y Bandz have emerged, while established acts such as Kaash Paige have made a noteworthy return, but Tay Money’s hold has remained consistent.
Though the oft-viral rapper ranked No. 4 last year, she has maintained a slightly more modest presence in the local hip-hop scene in 2025. While her recent tracks, including “Donk 2.0” and “Redneck,” haven’t replicated the viral success of “Bussin” and “The Assignment,” she has kept fans engaged with six new releases this year. Her latest, “Revenge,” has amassed more than 230,000 streams on Spotify since its release on October 31.
Her raunchy rap style evolved throughout the year as she collaborated with Rob49, one of the hottest Southern rappers currently, on “Snow Bunny.” Elsewhere, she teamed up with Atlanta rapper Waka Flocka Flame on “Donk 2.0.”
13. LIL 2Z
Lil 2z may have dropped out of the top 10 since last year, but he has what it takes to make a quick return in 2026. In 2025, he released the standout single “Dear Momma” about family and survival. He then spent the year promoting his beloved 2024 album Father 2, with new visuals for “Aww Yeah” and “Perk 10style.”
Impressively, he has always intrigued listeners by building an organic following, which is not supported by crews, co-signs or movements — he stands among Dallas’ most honest young voices.
“Dear Momma” previews his forthcoming untitled album, expected in 2026. So, you might just see him skyrocket on this list next year.
12. LILCJ KASINO
Like Lil 2Z, LilCJ Kasino barely fell out of the top 10 this year. Still, he remains one of the most distinctive rap stars in North Texas. In 2025, his music was driven by beef: On the two albums he released this year, he raps the most disrespectful lyrics over the 26 tracks to troll all of his opps, and fans loved every minute of it.
The more feuds he endured, the larger his popularity grew. Fans enjoyed the menacing acts he paired with chaotic songs, as his villainous role was ideal for today’s viral-hungry culture. His impressive streaming numbers across all platforms confirmed this.
The fact that Kasino came out unscathed and undefeated from all these beefs was another highlight of his 2025 run.
11. RO$AMA
In 2025, Ro$ama’s lyrical skills improved sharply. He created a wow factor on his Channel Orange album with hot songs rather than hot lines, much like the 2024 Meet The 6ixers compilation album. This led him to generate almost two million monthly listeners on Spotify. Channel Orange tracks “Microwave,” “Ight” and “Show Me The Money” have become fan favorites, collectively gaining over 18 million streams.
BigXThaPlug would reveal that Ro$ama — who taught X how to rap — helped make hit records to transform X into a crossover sensation. With X, Ro$ama won over millions with his energetic presence on the biggest festival stages, including Coachella, Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza.
The Shoota’s braggadocious rhymes also earned him collaborations with Monaleo, That Mexican OT and Duke Deuce.
10. KAL BANX
Kal Banx made his formal introduction in 2025 by producing music for his Top Dawg Entertainment labelmates. Stepping from behind the board, he released his debut album, RHODA, this summer. The album blends classic Dallas rap with West Coast bounce, while paying homage to the rapper’s mother.
Smino, Outlaw Mel, SiR and Maxo Kream are a few rap stars on the guest list — being on the biggest label in hip-hop has its perks. There is no bigger exposure for a new artist than hitting the road with Doechii, whose tour allowed him to convert fans with infectious tracks like “Hop Out Cho Feelins.”
Banx didn’t forget where he came from while bathing in the spotlight, either. In interviews, he has given shine to Dallas artists Slummy, Rakim Al-Jabbaar and Wasteey Monroe.
9. TRAPBOY FREDDY
In North Texas hip-hop, Freddy’s popularity is immortal, as both old and new generations often honor the Oak Cliff native’s legacy. It is the respect he holds that keeps him ranked in the top 10 annually.
He released three albums in 2025, his most ever in a single year: Clone in January, Just Vibe Twin in May and Freddy B in August. With his street-savvy rhymes, he added buzzing tracks “Trap Star” and “Having Our Way” to his other standouts. Outside of his solo efforts, he maintains his relevance in collaborations with Yella Beezy, Headhuncho Amir and Zillionaire Doe.
8. HUSTLEMAN QUISE
Another New Dallas standout, Quise’s hustle paid off in 2025 when he signed a record deal with Capitol Records over the summer. His lyrics, image and spectacles have fascinated fans of the movement, as Quise worked on his debut project, collaborating with Zillionaire Doe, Montana 700 and Headhuncho Amir.
How I Came In is a 15-track debut that explores personal stories intertwined with a praise of a lavish lifestyle. Breakout songs “AF1” and “Plug Talk” captivated fans with catchy hooks.
At Capitol, he joins a roster of potential collaborators that includes Lil Baby, Doechii and Ice Spice.
9. HEADHUNCHO AMIR
This placement shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the Observer profiled Mr. 2700 on multiple occasions in 2025. Amir joined Montana 700 at 300 Entertainment in April. Afterward, he embarked on a nationwide tour with EST Gee and released two albums, Still Ain Nun Bigger and 50 Year Run.
Amir would help bring New Dallas into the mainstream with coverage from Million Dollars Worth of Game, Off The Porch and No Jumper. Beyond the music, Amir motivated the city through outreach, giveaways and teamwork. In his 50 Year Run, Amir differs from the typical hustling concepts of the New Dallas movement and preaches the importance of securing a legacy in hip-hop.
Amir was named Rookie of the Month by Billboard in October after supporting NBA Youngboy on tour stops, which further solidifies that New Dallas is prospering. Looking ahead, 2026 looks to bring a compilation album and a solo album from him and the collective.
6. FBG MURDA
You can’t mention Dallas Drill music without FBG Murda. “Real Dallas,” which many consider a response to the New Dallas movement, has picked up viral steam since its formation. Lil Bayota began 2025 with undeniable momentum as this year’s artist to watch. Beloved for his chaos, his trio of new songs about mayhem racks up millions of streams instantly.
FBG and longtime collaborator BAK Jay, both major names in North Texas, have released a groundbreaking joint album titled Youngest In Charge. Murda’s gravelly delivery contrasts with Jay’s melodic urgency on 15 tracks. The combination debunked claims that Dallas Drill was falling off.
Legal issues arising from a shooting have slowed his progress, but fans keep him among North Texas’ most-watched acts. While FBG’s 2026 remains uncertain, history has proven that fans never stray from an artist in crisis.
5. BAK JAY
FBG Murda may be recognized as the face of Dallas Drill, but Fort Worth’s BAK Jay has become the genre’s biggest star. Although the music is chaotic, it has proven to be irresistible to rap fans of all kinds. In 2025, Jay released one of the biggest songs in North Texas, “Pop Shii,” which garnered over 23 million streams on Spotify.
When Jay wasn’t generating millions of streams on his solo tracks, he stacked his resume with collaborations from NLE Choppa, 1900Rugrat, DeeBaby and NoCap. With the hype at its peak, he spoiled fans with a joint album link up with FBG Murda (Youngest In Charge) and two solo albums, One of a Kind and Letters I Never Sent.
Jay has the youth behind him, listeners with rebellious ethos and the muscle of 10k Projects, the same label that gave us Trippie Redd, Ice Spice and Tekashi 6ix9ine. His music exhibits all the early elements that made NBA Youngboy into today’s biggest star in hip-hop. In 2026, the North Texas throne is up for the taking, but the question remains: Will Jay take it?
4. MONTANA 700
Montana 700 was the first artist of the New Dallas movement to sign with record label 300 Entertainment. He and Zillionaire Doe made the movement a hot commodity with their magnetic hustler music, while Montana’s success drew the biggest music labels to North Texas in pursuit of signing other New Dallas artists.
Whether on tracks or visuals, Montana has an undeniable presence, one that is displayed through his tenacity and persuasive charisma. The 2025 albums 700 Reasons and The Greatest of All Traps inspire everyday people to daydream of being kingpins.
Montana has always brought his own unique energy to North Texas hip-hop, and with 300 Entertainment and New Dallas boosting his popularity, we can expect even bigger moments in 2026.
3. ZILLIONAIRE DOE
2025 began with one of the year’s biggest moments: Zillionaire Doe signing with Yo Gotti’s CMG Records. As the face of New Dallas, he has shared stages with GloRilla, Rob49 and Loe Shimmy.
He is largely considered one of the most sought-after rising artists in hip hop, collaborating with Rico Da Yung Og, Big Boogie and 4Batz. The release of mixtapes like D Boi Dreams and Mr. 14 Months are among the crème de la crème of hustler music.
What made Zillionaire Doe the hottest new rapper in 2024 was his originality, which again translated in 2025, as he and his New Dallas movement became one of the most-watched sub-genres in all of hip-hop.
2. BASHFORTHEWORLD
The Observer’s 2024 Best of Dallas recepient of the Best Rapper category only got larger in 2025. He ends the year with a victory lap in the form of over 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone and two sold-out shows with LiveNation. “MVP,” the lead single off Migo in America, reached over 34 million streams, making it easily one of the biggest songs of the year in Dallas hip-hop.
The album is arguably his best work yet. It features four hits with millions of streams, including “On The Map,” “Death B4 Dishonor” and “Bout It Bout It.” Bash provides massive exposure to fellow North Texas acts, collaborating with Roadrun CMoe, Oodaredevil and Slummy.
As an independent artist, Mundo’s success rivals the biggest hip-hop names. We can only expect Bash to move into arenas by the next tour.
1. BIGXTHAPLUG
X’s reign has begun. Billboard’s 2025 Innovator of the Year became the biggest hip-hop star in 2025 with the multi-platinum success of his sophomore album, Take Care. He took on the largest names in country music with his first album in the genre, I Hope You’re Happy, which made the top 10 of the Billboard‘ 200 chart.
Making his late-night debut with Jimmy Kimmel, performing with Drake in London and working with Lil Wayne on The Carter 6 are merely some of the accomplishments of the North Dallas rapper’s 2025. His music’s magnetic appeal grew larger than life as the world fell in love with him.
Outside of rap, his 2025 features included collaborations with country megastars like Shaboozey, Jelly Roll and Luke Combs. “BigXThaPlug is one of Dallas’ greatest success stories in the modern era,” we wrote when we named X’s hit song “Texas” among the 50 best Texas rap songs — we fully expect 2026 to be his biggest, largest year yet.
