In previous editions of this kind of list (see 2020, 2022, 2024), we highlighted a mix of genres, made a call that 2022 was the year of Tay Money and then focused solely on hip-hop acts where we ranked them. Last summer included the unstoppable run of BigXThaPlug with Take Care, Post Malone fully breaking into country with F-1 Trillion and the rise of many new rap superstars such as Montana 700, Zillionaire Doe, Headhuncho Amir and 4Batz. We crowned BashfortheWorld the best rapper of 2024 for our annual Best Of Dallas issue. We've been keeping tabs on emerging hip-hop artists as they rise from obscurity to our favorite must-see acts in 2025.
In some cases, an artist's success story has shown an unknown act can become a megastar overnight. Music executives discover local artists daily based on influence, social media metrics, press and self-promotion. These artists often stand out through business moves like licensing deals, co-signs from regional power players and releasing viral freestyles.
This list's purpose is to discover artists who are creating their own sound and supporting their grassroots following. Their hometowns range from Highland Hills and Pleasant Grove to Oak Cliff and Fort Worth, showing that Texas hip-hop is bustling with fresh faces.
Here are 20 artists that are bound to heat up the summer.
1. FBG Murda
The Dallas Drill movement went viral in 2024, with South Dallas rapper FBG Murda and his treacherous raps and dynamic flow at the forefront. He rose to the top of the music scene through beef, controversial antics and making the best drill music.With over 560,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, his popularity took off thanks to viral hits like "King of Drill" and "Belt To Ass (BTA)." His fame skyrocketed even further after collaborating with Fort Worth’s BAK Jay in late 2024, resulting in hit songs such as "D To Da Murda," "My Lil Shi" and "3AM In The Yams."
FBG signed a deal with 10K Projects in 2023. A debut album is slated for 2025.
2. BAK Jay
BAK Jay and FBG Murda are comparable to Montana 700 and Zillionaire Doe as a duo. Their extremely volatile lyrics mixed with a carefree lifestyle were the most talked about among youth in 2024. Several documentaries were produced showcasing Jay and Murda as the prominent figures of Dallas drill music, as chosen by the fans. The duo welcomed 2025 with their highly anticipated mixtape, Youngest In Charge, featuring the track “3AM In The Yams,” which garnered over two million streams within just a few weeks. Based on social media, ladies love Jay while the guys enjoy the ruthless aggression. Jay's latest track, "Needed Me," showcased his undeniable popularity by reaching a million views within a month, a feat that's impressive, while "Pop Shii," off his One of a Kind EP, samples Yung L.A.'s "Ain’t I" into a flexing anthem.
3. Double0Glizzy
Double0Glizzy is another up-and-coming Dallas drill rapper, reppin' Highland Hills. His young, wild and reckless tracks from his Flatt Talk project have soared into the triple digits streaming numbers since the rapper’s incarceration in 2024. Naturally, fans became deeply obsessed with the tracks “Graphic,” “2 Week Notice” and “F.T.O.” In January, Double0Glizzy received widespread attention with rap superstar Toosii performing a remix to Glizzy’s popular song “Murda & Luv” on buzzing streamer Plaqueboymax’s livestream, drawing thousands of new fans worldwide to the incarcerated artist’s fanbase.4. Ashaunté
In 2024, this pint-sized Dallas artist showcased her versatility. On “Die For It,” Ashaunté delivered passionate words in a lo-fi vocal delivery before switching to a groovy silver tongue flow on “Ratchet Baby.” She proves to adapt to any production and stand out. Her music ranges from fun and carefree to deeply sorrowful, appealing to every woman's taste.She kicked off 2025 with "Bad Bitches," a sultry feel-good potential anthem celebrating the beauty of herself and her friends. Her stylish girl persona is expected to dominate the year as she releases more new music.
5. CoolMoney Baby
CoolMoney Baby is a standout name among the New Dallas movement. Fans best know the brazen drill rapper for “poppin' his shit.” The Trapboy Freddy protége anticipated a breakout year in 2024 after his song “D.O.A.” went viral. However, he was sidelined after being arrested in March 2024. His fans have kept his name alive and are pushing for “Free Baby.”Baby's catalog already boasts impressive collaborations with the prominent figures of New Dallas and Dallas drill, including Zillionaire Doe, Double0Glizzy and DT Muney. With a mentor like Freddy, who has completed multiple prison sentences and re-entered the music industry, Baby’s return to music is anticipated.
6. $karlet
The self-proclaimed "West Dallas Princess" made a splash in 2024, demanding the attention of DFW with her pretty looks and assertive presence. She sparked attention when she went bar for bar with HeadHuncho Amir on “Pop a Wheelie.” Following that, she established herself as a formidable force in the scene with her commanding wordplay on standout tracks “Cautious” and “Feel Me.”Her sound is persuasive, energetic and hypnotizing, drawing you in with every word and sing-along hook. As Big $karlet continues to show out in 2025, her future looks to be very promising and on trend with the new wave of women MCs taking over.
7. Dee Glokk
Dee Glokk has been a hot topic among underground DFW rappers on social media since his incarceration in May 2024. His menacing raps towards his rivals and the drill anthem “Belt Boys” featuring 1BoDean have garnered a fanbase who can not get enough of his extremely violent music. If you were to put an origin on the Dallas drill sound, Dee Glokk's “Belt Boys” is arguably the definitive influence. Often, incarcerated rappers who receive longer sentences enhance their legacies. With the case of Dee Glokk, serving a prison sentence has undoubtedly increased the rapper's popularity.
8. Diego Money
Oak Cliff rapper Diego Money, best known for his popular track “Juugrich,” received the biggest reaction from fans on social media regarding artists absent from the Observer’s recent Top 30 DFW rappers list. To be fair, we've been following him since 2017 when he explained at the time that he was different than Dallas's alternative hip-hop scene. “It’s music for all the young people that want to be icey," says the rapper, born Roderick Dickerson. "It’s about chains, money, cars — y’know, that nice little lifestyle, but as a youngin'.”Staying true to the grind, Diego Money continues to ascend. He built a following with the trendsetting rhymes that had him flooding 2024 with three albums, including the fan favorite Everybody Eats, Vol.1, and releasing a collab album with Famous Dex. Fans rallied behind songs like “Guap,” “Internet” and “Wats Da Play.” His style is often characterized as ahead of its time.
9. TTM Toolie
4Batz’s success put a microscope on the next star to come out of Highland Hills. TTM Toolie is seizing the moment. Toolie premiered his new hit, “Let It Snow,” on WorldStarHipHop earlier this year. The song begins with a sample of Boyz II Men's "Let It Snow" before fading into his trap rhymes, which left an impression on fans. Toolie gained more attention for standout tracks like "Nasty," "She Want" and "Highland Island." Toolie is also generous, giving monetary contributions to families in need and earning the community's support. With social media buzzing about him, Toolie is on the launchpad and one hit away from taking off. Nothing is standing in his way.10. Hashi Senjoo
Hashi Senjoo made headlines in 2024 with the swangin' new hit, “I Dunn Swung,” a catchy track that united Dallas and Houston rap stars together in a remix featuring Dorrough, Chalie Boy, Paul Wall and Yung Smoody. Before that, Senjoo and his charismatic sound showcased a mixture of rhymes, including country rap and traditional Dallas boogie.His music is a heartfelt tribute to West Dallas, infused with the essence of its signature landmarks. Senjoo has continued to unify Dallas and Houston on his tracks in 2025, but his future depends on his follow-up hit. Will he continue down the current path of swangin’ music or take the opportunity to showcase the versatility he has demonstrated in previous freestyles?
11. Mb Pee
The New Dallas movement has a new act coming up: Mb Pee, a braggadocious artist with endless rhymes that paint a hustler’s ambition. Although he began rapping less than a year ago, his street tales have captured the attention of fans and peers alike.What he lacks in experience is overshadowed by natural charm. Trapboy Freddy and Yella Beezy co-signed the emerging rap star along with Montana 700 and Zillionaire Doe in 2024’s posse cut, “Having Our Way.” Pee capped off last year with his mixtape High Class Trap N***a, which had features from HeadHuncho Amir, Hustleman Quise and Sme Taxfree. Motion business.
12. Pierce Washington
Best known for the song “Open House,” Pierce Washington moves differently in the DFW rap scene. He doesn’t have the traditional southern sound with themes of slabs, women and paper chasing. He creates faith-driven music about self-reflection, purpose and living righteously. The DIY approach adds a unique personal touch to his music.In 2025, Washington flourished through his shows, consistently getting booked around Dallas. His latest single, “Mama Nem,” reflects his integrity as an artist. The passion in his music is felt beyond the region.
13. Ren The Third
The Oak Cliff representative may not have a huge following yet, but his talent is undeniable. 2025 has delivered the storyteller's best music yet. He creates music for himself, showcasing a hardcore rap style that reflects his experiences in the neighborhood. His breakout tracks are “Oak Cliff” and “Pay The Price.”El Ren caught his biggest break yet, opening for D Savage in June at Trees. Clips quickly surfaced on social media of the King of the Cliff rocking the crowd with his energetic performance. His reach extends beyond the DFW area, with Ren performing shows in other markets, such as Albuquerque, New Mexico and Mesa, Arizona.
14. Latrell De'Sean
Latrell De’Sean is a distinctly new artist out of DFW because he doesn’t sound like any rapper who came before him or is out right now. He tells raw, coming-of-age stories with a blended sound of rock, reggae and rap. Songs like “Doja,” “Hanging By a Thread” and “When I’m Alone” have quickly developed a cult-like following, which is expected to lead to a massive fan base once he gets bigger.In May, De’Sean released his mixtape Young & Restless. The 12-song collection features previously released material, including “45,” alongside relatable stories in new songs such as “Raw,” “Sink or Swim,” and the tape's title track. It is supported by the popular song “One More Night,” a sensual duet with Ashaunté released in April. This is only the beginning.
15. Da'Raja Superstar
As a superstar, Da’Raja is the total package. She created her wave by advertising her energetic rap skills on every freestyle platform. Between dropping bars about being the hottest chick ever and applying pressure, her YouTube performances have led to impressive streams for her songs “Sunshine” and “You See It.” She has amplified her star power, connecting with renowned director HalfprintFilmz and rising rapper Hashi Senjoo.DFW women’s hip-hop has thrived for years, and Da’Raja can emerge as a rising star to further elevate the movement. Other songs to check out from the Professional Shit Talker are the holiday-themed “Grinch Freestyle” and “Til The Morning.”
16. Himothy Chung
Known as the “Flyest Asian Alive,” Himothy Chung ran up his streaming numbers with a money-motivated flow, designer look and a laundry list of features by a who’s who of New Dallas rappers. He matched his cash flow with endless self-promotion across social media. Tracks like “Flyest Asian Alive” and “Freak Show” highlight his knack for blending introspective lyrics with smooth harmonies.Chung’s music is a blinged-out underdog’s tale. Many new fans are often surprised by his music when they first hear it. And with record labels eager to snatch up an emerging star in the New Dallas movement, Chung has positioned himself to be a top prospect.
17. ZeetheWizard
As stated by Zillionaire Doe and Montana 700 on No Jumper, ZeetheWizard is a top prospect in the New Dallas movement. Zee is causing his own commotion in DFW with his brand of street music. Back in March, he represented the New Dallas sound at an SXSW showcase with the unapologetic songs “Brush It Off” and “Anticap Music.”What sets Zee apart is his authenticity. He brings Southern flair without gimmicks, focusing on ambition, resilience and real-life struggles. In discussions about the New Dallas wave, fans frequently mention Zee, who has already released two albums this year: Hood Prophet and Words of WIZdom.
18. Kaine Music
Kaine Music created her popularity with her cocky freestyles. Since 2023, she has risen through the DFW with attention-grabbing cyphers and live performances on YouTube. While she has released tracks like "Sliders," fans really took notice of her music after she flipped hit songs by Zillionaire Doe and BigXThaPlug with raunchy, boss-ass-bitch rhymes.Kaine has been endorsed by BigXThaPlug, who liked her “Meet The Sixers” freestyle and continues to bring her out at shows. Could BigX be courting her to join his label, 600 ENT? Signing with him would be a strength in numbers for DFW hip-hop, which the emerging star can benefit from as the label’s first lady. This would instantly elevate her to the forefront of the women's rap scene here.
19. Scuttino
Over the last three years, Oak Cliff native Scuttino built his fan base with emotional storytelling over themes like love, heartbreak and personal growth. Known as "Your Favorite Cousin" among rap fans, he gained fame as a member of free blk before breaking out on his own. His magnetic tracks, such as “Doug Dimmadome” and “Play Hard,” have put those days in the group behind him. He's ready to stand out in a crowded scene of certified spitters.Scuttino's honesty and versatility make him one of Dallas's most refreshing new voices. The forthcoming album promises to be the buzzing artist’s best work. Leading into the summer, he gave standout performances at SXSW 2025 and the Deep Ellum Block Party, continuing to be a name to see on any bill.
20. OC Chris
The South Oak Cliff rapper’s career began in November 2024 with the straightforward track “Put Dat On Anything.” He raps about his poverty-stricken past and go-getter mentality with a rapid-fire flow. He has a smooth, baritone voice. “Put Dat On Anything” was his intro, but it was “Scarred Forever” that spread his name throughout Dallas. He's collaborated with Mac-K the K Baby, a rapper whose Mr. Make It Happen album made it to our Best Albums of 2023 list.Although social media has labeled him as the new face of Mexican rap in the DFW, this title is still up for debate. With his youthful, clever wordplay and co-signs from established Spanish rap stars like Kap G and Lefty Gunplay, the claim seems persuasive, especially considering the lack of significant competition. As his social status continues to rise, his next album will address all the necessary questions.
