Author: Shorty P
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Top 5 rappers from upstate NY to watch for No.1: L-Biz. Artist, DJ & Creator of I.S.B. Music and iStayBizzy lifestyle brand. Hailing from Buffalo New York, L-Biz is one of the most electrifying artists of his genre. Blending intensely witty lyrics, Biz has captured the ears of audiences from Spain to Portugal and back to Italy. One of the most extensive catalogs from the City of Buffalo, L-Biz has lived up to the moniker of “ISB” or “I Stay Busy”. This multi talented artist has production credits with artists such as the LOX. The ISB brand has set him apart from his contemporaries. He is starting to gain recognition beyond regional success as one half of “Backpack mafia”. Check out his discography here: Mynameislbiz.bandcamp.com https://youtu.be/BFMuv-75DnM?si=bWTeJlqUrgr1BMCz No. 2: Jamal Gasol. Otherwise as the Kansas City smackman, this rapper from Niagara Falls, NY has been making his rounds nationally buzzing with his 2024 album produced by 38 spesh. “It’s still a dirty game”. Gasol’s vivid street tales over 70’s soul samples is reminiscent of a Issac Hayes or Curtis Mayfield type of vibe to blend in with traditional boom bap. Check out his latest release] which is a collaboration with Cedar Laws entitled “Fresh 31”. Jamalgasol.bandcamp.com https://youtu.be/OuanuXrvD9I?si=clkvUO479i5JUbn_ No.3: The Prolific. One of the top underground lyricists on east coast from Niagara Falls, N.Y., The Prolific has made a name for himself throughout Upstate NY , NYC, as well as southern Ontario. His trade mark Brash lyrics & edgy punchlines are sharp contrast to his short physical stature. Which makes this artist all the more intriguing. check out his latest single “The Astonishing” produced by JGonz716 here: Theprolific1.bandcamp.com https://youtu.be/MRe8Niiqo0Y?si=hXYm2i_19lG9pDOL No.4: Genecist. This rapper earned a nod from the 2024 716 music awards for his latest album “Product of tha 90’s” produced by Cee Gee productions. Genecist blend of soulful rhyme themes combined with Cee Gee’s lo-fi boom bap sound, gives you a dose of nostalgia of the classic golden era. The buzz from this album has heads anticipating what Genecist has in store for 2024 and beyond. Check out “Product of tha 90’s” here: Genecist.bandcamp.com https://youtu.be/UwktPexFeo0?si=9IC5i4n1Gs2cKB6T No.5 Michelle Visa. Barring none this lady emcee from Buffalo, NY can go bar for bar with anybody. After releasing a series of singles that includes bangers like “Borders” and “Love you better” and also shining on features like “April O’Neil”, Anticipation is building up for a full length album from one of Buffalo’s brightest up and coming stars. Michelle checks all the boxes. Skill level, image and branding. One of the hottest names right now from upstate NY. She just came back from tour in Paris so If you haven’t heard of her yet you certainly will in the near future. Check out this freestyle and her latest single “Oda Mae” here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/oda-mae-single/1739016772 https://youtu.be/64tmVOzsE1E?si=P3kT-WwduX2UA3FU