Our Generation Music presents OGM All-Stars: our staff-picked best artists list of 2023. Consisting of 20 talented stars that defined this year in music, each emcee has contributed to the culture part of our generation of hitmakers. (List arranged in alphabetical order).
Words by Jon Barlas, John Cotter, Thomas Galindo
BLP Kosher
“Don’t let anybody tell you it’s unrealistic to follow your dreams,” BLP Kosher told us earlier this year, admittedly fighting through allergies in his first-ever sit down interview. His skater swag seethes through his black, block-letter “HOCKEY” beanie, blue flannel and trademark wicks that hang right over his ears. His look may incite double takes and endless meme posts, but the 22-year-old Florida rapper means all business — clad with a clear vision for success a decade down the line. “Never judge a book by its cover,” he said. “Everybody is here for a reason, and I know the reason of why I’m here, where I’m supposed to go and the stepping stones I’ll use to get there.”
The Broward County-adjacent, Deerfield Beach native is perhaps the most misunderstood artist in rap’s current landscape. From the pages’ worth of haters flooding his comments to channeling his Jewish background on tracks like “Mazel Tron,” “Jew in a Canoe” and “Dreidel Twinz,” this isn’t a gimmick for Kosher, who knows his purpose well enough to embrace those who love and hate him. His debut album Bars Mitzvah was all the proof people needed to take Kosher seriously, taking over the rap game with his signature brand of off-kilter bars. Even with high profile collaborations with Cole Bennett, BabyTron and Cole Bennett under his belt, know that BLP Kosher has yet to hit his stride. — Jon Barlas
Destroy Lonely
While most young emcees are typically indicted for “being carried by their beats,” it’s apparent that having a strong flow and being able to rap effectively, with whichever style you choose, is still of the utmost importance. You have to be able to rap, and in Destroy Lonely’s case, it’s clear that it comes natural. The Look Killa’s attention to detail and intention on his proper debut album If Looks Could Kill was a fiery warning of 00’s takeover in 2023’s fourth quarter. Lone led the charge, becoming THE guy to see at every festival this past year.
The ILCK emcee has led the Opium movement — alongside Ken Carson — for all of 2023. With his exasperated approach to genre-bending, off-kilter melodies and obvious charisma, Lonely’s ability to captivate his fanbase could only be attributed to his exceptional combination of tangible attributes. He’s emerged as a superstar in his own right, with an entire unique world encapsulating his artistry. — Thomas Galindo / Jon Barlas
Eem Triplin
There’s nothing “Awkward” about Eem Triplin’s rise to acclaim. For him, trusting the process is how he’s captured the moment he’s worked so long for. Ultimately, manifestation is real for the 22-year-old producer-rapper, who initially blew up off the back of his Tyler, The Creator-sampled track “Awkward Freestyle” in 2022. Tyler’s coveted co-sign, in our Instagram comments nonetheless, quickly skyrocketed Eem’s notoriety as a rapper — and his momentum hasn’t stopped since.
Eem isn’t afraid to be bold or left-of-center, which is more than apparent on his debut EP STILL PRETTY. 2023 has been a year of growth for the new wave trendsetter. Off the strength of singles in “WALKED IN” and “TELL ME IM RIGHT,” the 22-year-old Triplin hasn’t just caught the attention of artists like Drake, Lil Yachty and more, but has solidified his sound is here to stay. STILL PRETTY displays Eem’s full breadth of talent away from the string of singles he’s consistently shared. The future is bright for many of the new wave’s marquee voices, but Eem’s smolders with undoubted success that breaks past any limit the sky sets. — Jon Barlas
Gunna
Throughout Gunna’s career, he’s had multiple years that could be considered “breakouts” or “statement makers.” In 2018, his Drip Season 3 mixtape catapulted him into acclaim within the Atlanta trap scene. Two years later, WUNNA further stamped him as a unique, smooth voice in an otherwise abrasive rap landscape. Fast forward another two years, his DS4EVER album did the unthinkable, upending The Weeknd’s campaign for No. 1 by landing atop the Billboard 200. But, with his latest tape a Gift & a Curse, he may have pulled off his most defiant, impressive moment yet. Arriving a year after his R.I.C.O. arrest, and half a year removed from jail release, a Gift & a Curse reminded fans of his irreplaceable knack for rap melodies, while also proving that he can fly solo if need be. — Thomas Galindo
Hardrock (ROTY)
Hardrock’s rise to underground stardom isn’t just enigmatic, it’s shrouded in “darkness.” While whispers of his year-long hiatus circled his involvement in the military (which he has now reportedly exited), the Atlanta up-and-comer’s prominence is now undeniable, displaying he is a true 1of1 talent on his official debut project earlier this year. Working alongside a stellar ensemble of producers in BNYX, Cxdy and F1LTHY, Hardrock’s inimitable brand of grunge rock and dark rap is impossible to turn away from. His sound ensnares you like a Python, unrelenting in ominous 8-bit rage and drenched in distortion; Hardrock truly lives up to his name. Yet, he’s not your typical rapper that plays into the facade of virality. It’s apparent his sound won’t fade; it longs to be limitless. — Jon Barlas
Homixide Gang
Before singing to Opium, Homixide Gang built their cult following on the energetic stylings of new wave rage — touting a blitz of bars that sent shockwaves into the heart of the culture’s revitalized sound. It’s all a lifestyle for Meechie and Beno, whose brother-like relationship has seen the 20-something Atlanta natives blossom into one of the game’s most tantalizing acts this year.
Their association with Playboi Carti, Destroy Lonely and Ken Carson not only provided them with an untouchable star power from the jump, but allowed them to be themselves amid the rockstar personas Opium intrinsically curates. Their latest project, 5TH AMNDMENT, helped stake their claim as one of 2023’s bona fide trendsetters alongside the Opium camp. Their chemistry is off the charts, and to them, that’s all that matters. Be sure to catch them when the ANTAGONIST TOUR kicks off in January. — Jon Barlas
Ice Spice
Ice Spice is the embodiment of hip-hop royalty — nicknamed “Princess Diana” as the genre’s crown jewel. “Munch” was just the beginning (released in August 2022), as the Bronx starlet is now one of the most recognizable names — and brands — within the music industry. She isn’t a plant, facade or fad, though, Ice Spice exudes natural talent and charisma that inadvertently ignited the rise of prominent, strong women in a space plagued with over-zealous male voices. Her debut EP, Like..?, was more ammunition to put any other doubters to rest, claiming that “Munch” was a one-hit wonder. “Now what am I, a two-hit wonder?”, she laughed off in an interview with Genius, speaking on her second breakout track “In Ha Mood,” which preceded 2023 classics in “Boy’s a liar, pt. 2” with PinkPantheress, “DELI” as well as “Princess Diana” and “Barbie World” with her mentor and label head Nicki Minaj. Sugar, spice and everything nice describes Ice, but don’t expect her motion to melt anytime soon as rap’s undisputed princess. — Jon Barlas
Jordan Ward
Jordan Ward’s 2023 has been quite unforgettable. On top of co-signs from Tyler, The Creator, SZA, Smino, JID, J. Cole and many more, it seems as though the entire industry has taken notice of the St. Louis native’s undeniably contagious sound — and the personality that matches it.
His debut album FORWARD has become a unanimous top 20 album of the year through the lens of many outlets, supported by its deluxe, moreward(FORWARD) with additional singles in “MUSTARD” featuring 6LACK, “Zoomies” and “Webbie.” The “FAMJAM4000” singer coupled co-ops on JID and Smino’s “Luv is 4Ever Tour” with his first-ever headlining tour this past Spring. Moving TOURWARD with 6LACK in October, Jordan’s star has seemingly reached supernova. While his debut LP was a crown jewel of 2023, it was Ward’s NPR Tiny Desk performance that turned fair-weather fans into die-hards; a moment so palpable that even Ward took time to recognize. Always with a smile on his face and kind words to sing, Jordan Ward is R&B’s next bona fide superstar. — Jon Barlas
Ken Carson
For Ken Carson, the odds were stacked against him approaching mid-2023. A Great Chaos, having been pushed back several times and even leaked the week leading to its eventual release, was almost becoming the would-be Achilles’ heel for his blossoming Opium career. With as impatient of a fanbase as it gets, A Great Chaos finally dropped, and managed to not only exceed expectations, but set a new precedent for this raging medium of hip-hop. By doubling down on the intricacies that brought as many fans as he did naysayers, Ken Carson and his production squad built a whole other ecosystem of sound with A Great Chaos, pushing Ken into the mainstream realm with poignant singularity.
Combative production complements Ken’s deeper, more focused tone of voice across a variety of sonic landscapes. The explosively climactic tundra of the intensity within “Fighting My Demons” wrestles with the rumbling relentlessness of “Succubus,” as everyone’s favorite track here has arguable validity to it. By doubling down on what made him stand out to begin with, Ken Carson made 2023 his own, and it’s still paying off. — John Cotter
Lil Yachty
A close second for MVP, Lil Yachty’s 2023 cannot be understated. The Atlanta rapper expertly broke out of the confines of “mumble rap” with his January release Let’s Start Here, as it marked the beginning of a new era for Yachty. Stemming from the success of he and F1LTHY’s “Poland” and superstar bond with close friend and collaborator Drake in late 2022 — who essentially lifted Boat towards his MVP candidacy — Lil Yachty evidently redefined what it means to be a “rapper” in the modern age. High profile waterfall releases, colorful, eye-popping tracks with Cole Bennett and perhaps his most important venture, officially introducing his Concrete Family roster to the world in the now-viral Concrete cypher, are what have brought Boat to the forefront of a genre that he’s been quite critical of.
However, accountability is just part of his growth as both an artist and brand. Yachty has broken free of the industry shackles that have once plagued him, pigeonholing him in the same sonic pocket as his XXL counterparts like Lil Uzi Vert, Kodak Black, 21 Savage and others. Yet, Boat is music’s secret recipe — free to create whatever he pleases despite discouragement or scrutiny; Truly the mark of an all-star. — Jon Barlas
Lil Tecca
Lil Tecca has a knack for saving the summer with infectious tracks time and time again, but his status as a hit-maker was fully cemented in 2023. His latest album TEC was filled with memorable highlights such as the BNYX-assisted “Yves,” “HVN On Earth” and, of course, “500lbs” — which peaked at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. Admitting that his lyrics aren’t the most truthful, the new wave icon continues to posture himself further away from the stereotypical rap circuit. Sharing his fourth official release off the back of a worldwide tour, TEC is as effortlessly cool as Lil Tecca himself, rightfully earning a spot as an all-star with his album STILL in constant rotation. — Jon Barlas
LUCKI
As FLAWLESS as he may be, LUCKI seems to know that his vices control him, for better and for worse. Embracing them on his latest album, S*X M*NEY DR*GS, the Chicago native’s 2023 album is a further assertion of his unmistakable hold on the culture. Prior to SMD’s arrival, LUCKI’s year seemed to be a continuation of the viral moments he stacked up in 2022 — turning up Seat Geek Stadium in his hometown of Chicago for Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash among a handful of festival slots. Going from “underground king” to rap icon wasn’t easy, but seeing as someone like LUCKI is shining in the light he’s deserved for so long is more evidence of his all-star allure. — Jon Barlas
Luh Tyler
Just a jit with the rap game in the palm of his hand, Luh Tyler‘s flows are as cool as he is. Carefree may be a typical term to describe his sound and persona, but the 17-year-old rising star is locked in; A hit-maker on every level. Whether it’s through viral snippets like his latest single “Change My Wayz” or his feature on Danny Towers’ mega-hit “Florida Water” with Ski Mask The Slump God and DJ SCHEME, the South Florida native’s star power has become undeniable in 2023. With performances at Rolling Loud and Summer Smash this year, stemming from the release of his debut project ‘My Vision,’ Tyler has made it a focus to break into mainstream circles without sacrificing his energetic yet laid-back sound — consistent with the quirkiness of the underground. Inducted into XXL’s annual coveted freshman list over the summer, link-ups with Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, Trippie Redd, Veeze and more continue to propel the “Law & Order” emcee to new heights — inspiring the next wave of Florida talent just as he earns his flowers. — Jon Barlas
PinkPantheress
PinkPantheress has the world at her fingertips. Watching the Kent-born star capture the hearts of millions in two years’ time hasn’t only been awe-inspiring, but truly inimitable. Next to only Ice Spice, who’s featured on her viral hit “Boy’s a liar, Pt. 2,” Pink’s ascension to global acclaim stems from her ability to stand out from the crowd — and with it, her formal debut album Heaven knows. Stemming from her first mixtape, to hell with it, in 2021, her brooding brand of electronic alt-pop felt like a fever dream bursting through reality. Tracks like “break it off,” “I must apologise” and “Pain” were the launching pad for Pink’s rapid social media success — crafting these songs from the comfort of her bedroom.
In a year defined by viral moments, PinkPantheress capitalized on social media’s fleeting effects in the best way — turning each TikTok convert into a full-fledge fan. This may be easier nowadays since TikTok introduced a new “save song” feature that directs fans to DSPS, but know that Pink is a pioneer for this; She walked so others could run. Look at what she’s accomplished because of it. Heaven knows may be heavenly thanks to Pantheress’ hypnotizing vocals and an ear for wonder, but acknowledging Pink is leading music to where it’s heading next is what makes her more special than most. — Jon Barlas
Rod Wave
Consistency is the name of the game for Rod Wave. This year, thanks to another LP full of impassioned crooning over melancholic, gentle trap beats, the Florida native secured his third straight No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200. Continuing to certify himself as the face of the melancholic, tender hip-hop sound that’s bursted onto the mainstream in recent years, Rod Wave let his foot off the gas in 2023. — Thomas Galindo
Rylo Rodriguez
Alabama rapper Rylo Rodriguez is not just another rinse-and-repeat street rapper; he’s a sonic maestro known for his ingenious flips of classic R&B hits and his captivating cameos on records from none other than his label boss Lil Baby. Renowned for his unique touch, Rylo infuses sugary melodies with an unparalleled hardness, showcasing his versatility and making each track a sonic masterpiece — making way for a hallmark 2023.
On his second studio album, Rylo unveils his softer side — not just about the beats, but is a romantic at heart. Collaborating with NoCap on the ride-or-die anthem “Thang for You,” Rylo elevates the track with an inspired Bobby Caldwell sample, leaving listeners in awe of his creative prowess. The wavy ballad “Taylor Port Junkie,” featuring Lil Yachty, is a love-drunk experience set to the rhythm of cheap red wine, demonstrating Rylo’s ability to craft emotionally charged narratives. “End of the Road” proves to be a touching tribute to a lost friend that showcases Rylo’s poignant lyricism. With heartfelt lines like “I’ve got a heart we can share if you ain’t got enough,” he not only exhibits his lyrical prowess but also connects with listeners on a profound level, making this track a testament to his budding brilliance. — Jon Barlas
Sexyy Red
Balancing virality and quality with skin-tight confidence is Sexyy Red, who inarguably brought the irreverent excitement back to hip-hop that had been missing in early 2023. She’s been doing this for a while too, with 2018’s “Ah Thousand Jugs” bitingly parodying Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles” in a track that’s as hilarious as it is innovative and impressive. But this was the year of “Pound Town,” “SkeeYee,” and a handful of other genuine bangers that flooded our timelines with R-rated, southern-influenced trap hits.
The co-signs alone make this Sexyy Red’s year to own, with everyone from Drake to Tyler, The Creator ensuring that she gets the shine that she deserves. Striking while the iron is hot and heavy, Sexyy has been on the road for most of this year, even continuing her headlining tour across the country with a child on the way. Living her truth, Sexyy Red’s unfiltered style is one that she’s embraced with no reservations. Siri, play “Bow Bow Bow (F My Baby Dad).” — John Cotter
Teezo Touchdown
Much like the scribbled, scanned post-it notes he uses to communicate, Teezo Touchdown is an artist inherently more sticky than most. Sleeping on him is a mistake; wake up already. His debut album, How Do You Sleep At Night?, was the exclamation point on an introduction for the ages over the past two years. “Don’t worry, you’re early” era fans have seen the Beaumont, Texas native achieve superstardom right before their eyes, as Teezo is the epitome of an 80s rockstar reincarnated. Heard on albums by Drake, Travis Scott, Lil Yachty, Tyler, The Creator, Don Toliver and more, Teezo has been inescapable in 2023 — it’s a no brainer his all-star was warranted months ago. Yet, Teezo symbolizes an extremely important pillar of our culture that’s evolved in such a short amount of time: Fluidity. HDYSAN is an perfect representation of Teezo’s repertoire, including every sound from brash hip-hop, folk pop to EDM. You can’t box him in, and be sure to spend a night with Teezo when he goes on his first-ever worldwide tour this coming Spring. — Jon Barlas
Veeze (MVP)
In any given genre, there are “chosen ones.” Artists who are bound for stardom, who check all the boxes in one way or another, but don’t strive to do that. Effortless talent is an anomaly, but Veeze might be hip-hop’s chosen one for 2023, and maybe even that anomaly’s exception.
GANGER covers so much of the Detroit rapper’s proven areas of expertise as much as uncharted land. The swaying tranquility of “Weekend” fits like a glove alongside horn-led bangers like “Not a Drill.” It’s not just how makes the songs work on a technical level. The wit he infuses into each and every possible bar is, to put it simply, pretty f***ing wild. He treats each joke, each witty bar, every head-nodding verse with the same respect and attention. Veeze isn’t making music for the highlight reels, Ganger is a highlight reel.
What’s better: Being your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper or your favorite critic’s favorite rapper? Unfazed by the exponential pressure and expectations, Veeze makes it all look easy, like he was born to do this. When people say that hip-hop is in a bad place in the contemporary day, it’s easy to dismiss them. Just show them Veeze and have them thank you later. — John Cotter
Yeat
It’s no secret that Yeat achieved this level of notoriety by pushing the envelope. From his now-infamous lingo to snippets of a dystopian Cyberpunk-inspired rollout, the California-raised rapper is as talented as he is mysterious; And everyone is biting at the bit to get a piece of music’s secretive muse. Further assuring his star sits alongside rap’s current reign of royalty, Yeat’s ceiling seems to get higher every year, competing with Drake amongst the largest of stream collectors. With albums like AfterLyfe and 2093 (Lyfestyle) continuing to fuel Yeat’s unquenched fire, he’s “bigger than everything” in every way. An all-time OGM favorite, expect Yeat to further etch his place in history as 2024 (or 2093) settles in. — Jon Barlas
Which artist made your year? Let us know in our comments!
