Kicking off 2019 on a fresh note with rappers some you may know and more you should get familiar with. Check out this diverse group of up & comers and let us know what you think of the tracks. Add our official Civil Selects: January Playlist here.

Artist: Patrick Paige II

Track: On My Mind (ft. Syd & Kari Faux)

Hot Take: Bassist-rapper and The Internet alum, cracked into his solo stratosphere with his debut ‘Letters of Irrelevance’ in 2018. ‘OMM’ features his group’s signature bass line he’s supplied for years with a clutch hook and verses from bandmate Syd and Kari Faux on the two-sided song.

Artist: 88GLAM

Track: Lil Boat

Hot Take: The trippy duo comprised of Derek Wise & 88 Camino are making their case for the Hip-Hop mainstage with their follow up album ’88GLAM 2′ released in November 2018. The XO cohort feels like Lil Yachty in their latest single ‘Lil Boat’ from the project which has a corresponding psychedelic visual.

Artist: JPEGMAFIA

Track: Panic Emoji

Hot Take: Over a decade into the game JPEGMAFIA is no newcomer, but may be new to you. What can honestly be described as throttling noise-infused Hip-Hop about topics from politics to pop culture, sexuality to general indifference. Lifted from his project ‘Veteran’ released in 2018 which lends its named to his experience in the industry, but also his time spent in the US Air Force. He currently serves as support alongside Buddy on Vince Staples’ ‘Smile You’re On Camera’ tour.

Artist: Rexx Life Raj

Track: Sprinkle Me (ft. E-40)

Hot Take: Rexx Life Raj pays homage to a Bay Area classic ‘Sprinkle Me’ from E-40 by interpolating the track and featuring him on it. The single, lifted from his ‘California Poppy’ EP is the ultimate ode to being yourself and making that shit look good.

Artist: PENOMECO

Track: COOL (ft. Tobi Lou)

Hot Take: Korean rapper PENOMECO enters the ring with his first EP ‘Garden’. The track ‘COOL’ features Civil Selects alum Tobi Lou delivering verses about being level headed amidst adversity.