Top 5 Emerging Rappers from New York in 2025

KingShip's Top 5 Rap Draft Picks: NYC Edition

Goldstar747 \Sarah J Preston

Kingship PR Magazine kingshippr.com IG@kingship2842

Scouting the Next Kings of the Five Boroughs

New York is back in its bag. The birthplace of hip-hop is seeing a fresh wave of talent that’s raw, lyrical, and ready to reign. These artists are redefining the sound of the city—from drill to soul-infused bars—and KINGSHIP Magazine is here to draft the ones who deserve a crown.

Kay Flock

From: The Bronx Style: Drill with melodic undertones Why he’s a draft pick: Kay Flock’s gritty delivery and street-rooted storytelling have made him one of the most talked-about young voices in NYC. His tracks hit hard, but his charisma hits harder.

Dthang Gz

From: The Bronx Style: High-energy drill Why he’s a draft pick: A cousin of Kay Flock, Dthang Gz brings relentless energy and viral hooks. His visuals are cinematic, and his flow is pure adrenaline.

Sleepy Hallow

From: Brooklyn Style: Melodic drill Why he’s a draft pick: With hits like “2055,” Sleepy Hallow blends introspection with street wisdom. His sound is moody, hypnotic, and perfect for HiFi-style visuals.

J.I. the Prince of N.Y

From: Brooklyn Style: Emotional rap with Latin flair Why he’s a draft pick: J.I. brings vulnerability and swagger in equal measure. His storytelling is personal, and his fanbase is global. He’s a perfect candidate for KINGSHIP’s legacy-driven features.

Ciggy Blacc

From: Brooklyn Style: Raw drill Why he’s a draft pick: His track “Lies” racked up over 62K views in a month, and his buzz is growing fast. Ciggy’s voice is aggressive, but his visuals are ripe for artistic elevation.

Justin Rarri

From: The Bronx Style: Melodic trap Why he’s a draft pick: With tracks like “THUGBABY” featuring Gunna, Justin Rarri is bridging NYC grit with mainstream polish. His aesthetic is clean, and his vibe is versatile.