Margarita Wars is coming – Get your tickets here!

22 Tampa Bay rappers to watch in 2022

By Aaliyah Selene Pasols on Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 8:27 pm

hydreams/Instagram (Design by Jack Spatafora)

Vinny Virgo, who plays Hooch and Hive in Tampa, Florida on Jan. 14, 2021.

When the rest of the nation thinks of Florida rappers they may first point to the scene down south in counties like Miami-Dade and Broward. However, Tampa Bay's time to shine is long overdue. As this very special rap scene's emcees, producers and DJs continue to cultivate it, Tampa Bay talent has become increasingly diverse and distinguished.

The artists on this list all had different paths to the mic, and some of them even work in other artistic verticals (acting, tattooing for example), but as different as they are, one element brings them together: love for a metro they're helping put on the map in a big way.

Tampa Bay is a smorgasbord of incredibly gifted emcees and lyricists, and narrowing this list down was by no means an easy task. After hours of listening sessions, many video call discussions, and careful consideration, these are our picks for 22 Tampa rappers to know in 2022.—AP

Tags:

Scroll down to view images

Matt Farmer

Rahim Samad

Like Tom G, Samad is a link to Tampa hip-hop scenes of the past. With roots in the punk scene (he was a regular at since-shuttered Brandon record shop Sound Idea), Samad continues to turn heads with each thought-out release including his latest, Nubian Tapestries.—RR

Jack Cymbryla

Albert J and Psych Montano

As the months pass following the release of Albert J and Psych Montano's collaborative, wavy Mansion Music release pass, the rappers—both as individual artists and a combined force—remain two of the most intriguing relative newcomers to the scene. With a new event series off the ground (Inpsychlopedia) and buku behind the scenes groundwork being laid for Tampa's creative class, J and Montano should be on your radar this year.—RR

Also check out Buck Sosa, Scxtt Aye, Sunny Fritz, KiddEazzyy, Louis Junior, Josiah Odin, Kayo Da Beast, Sam E. Hues, and K.III