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Queens get the money: 7 rappers from the borough you should be bumping
Parallel to the borough of Queens, these seven rappers know how to secure the bag. Around the clock, they’ve hustled and have gained huge success because of it.
Still, their sense of community has helped them get ahead From Kyah Baby’s unbothered floetry in her iconic Funkmaster Flex freestyle to MID’s latest chill-wave track, “Sea” they’re all as real as it gets.
Here’s a rundown of those who are collecting their coins.
1. MID (aka Music is Drugs) – Astoria
Apart from RRRSEASON, a group that lyrically resembles New York’s old school sound, MID is “a man with a complex.” Beneath the surface, MID’s ambiance meshes well with his lo-fi beats.
Ultimately he’s calm, cool and collected but when he speaks on the mic, he doesn’t hold anything back. Sometimes, he gets deep and allows the listener into all aspects of his life (including mixed feelings in a relationship.)
Other times MID speaks about sippin’ on the Henny and his glo-up. Either way, you can’t help to turn him up in your headphones. MID won’t let anyone mess with his element. Even in his song “Form,” MID pays homage to his home state, New York. The Big Apple has helped him grow.
“Out the country somewhere foreign, but I’ll always miss New York// That’s my home // Reason why I write these poems // Reason why I love these songs.”
Check out more of his music via SoundCloud.
2. REMY BANKS – Forest Hills
Known as “your neighborhood-friendly smoking cool cat,” Remy Banks lives by his name. In the “Function” featuring DRAM and World’s Fair, the blazer even says,
“Somebody pass me a lighter // I’m about to set fire to this joint // I wrote this filled with purple dope // I need my green on this C Note like a piano.”
Nevertheless, it’s a given that no one has ever heard anyone roll out rhymes like him. Originally from Forest Hills, Queens, Remy Banks began rapping in high school. After he dropped out of college as a fashion design major, Banks decided to do music full-time. Yet, this wasn’t his only forte.
In his youth, Banks was also a skater who vibed with Odd Future during the MySpace days. Still, you’ll see him rocking a New York fitted cap no matter what. Remy Banks’ rap style shows nothing but love to his home state.
He raps about what he experiences, everyday life, staying focused, diversity and inspiring others. Asides from doing solo work, he’s also apart of two groups: World’s Fair which is signed to Fool Gold’s Records and Children of the Night.
Check out more of his music via SoundCloud.
3. LANSKY JONES – Roosevelt Island
“The Jack of All Trades, Master of None” who is best known as rapper Lansky Jones, can make anything a thing. Whether he’s going on or off-beat, Lansky Jones forces those listening to stay woke.
One who’s very aware, it’s safe to say that he’s a political advocate who demands change. Due to his tri-racial background of Russian, Hungarian, and African-American, Lansky Jones has a unique perspective.
Aside from this, Jones speaks about the perfect woman and how he’s a “rollin, rolling stone” in “The Return of Danny Jones.” Based out of Queens, New York by Roosevelt Island, he takes pride in being from the Empire State.
On the whole, Lansky Jones gives it to the people in black and white. He tells others what they need to hear, instead of what they want to hear.
Check out more of his music via SoundCloud.
4. KYAH BABY – Jamaica
Revealing fierce, well-put-together bars and double entendres to the world about her upbringing, femininity, and hustle, KYAH BABY’s style reigns as legendary.
One who refuses to be stigmatized because of her approach in the hip-hop game, she caught her big break last year after killing it in the classic “Flava in Your Ear” instrumental on Funkmaster Flex’s series.
Even when others see her prominence in the rap game already, Kyah still remains hungry. Ultimately, she believes her dreams haven’t been reached yet but she’s working on making it happen. Her aura proves that she’s not someone to f-ck with. She’s “Queen’s finest.”
Check out more of her music via SoundCloud.
5. DEEM SPENCER – Jamaica
Thoughtful and weighty, Deem Spencer tends to wear his heart on his sleeves when fluctuating between singing and rapping. As he flows smoothly over somber beats, Spencer free-falls with the youth’s deepest fears in growing up but he still remains free-spirited.
According to Spencer, most of his work is based on him discovering things that he’d like to do, say or even look like which is why one can’t help but stay interested. He just seems to get it.
Though he is from Jamaica, Queens he isn’t swerving in a lane to sound like he’s from the state. He’s concerned with being more expressive than impressive.
Check out more of his music via SoundCloud.
6. JOHN TR3 PRITCHETT – East Elmhurst
Labeling himself as a product of lyrics and content that needs to be heard and reflected on, TR3’s rhymes flow out like poetry. At most, TR3 has studied the game. Not only does he have the boom-bap feel from his state down pact but TR3 creates a learning space for other MC’s through his articulate philosophical views toward the world.
Hailing from East Elmhurst, Queens, TR3 lounges like a king. He began rapping at the age of 10 with glorious poetry but his prominence rose from his freestyle on Biggie’s song “Party and Bullsh-t” which garnered 100K views.
Since then he’s released songs like “7 Line” that’s a melody for the ladies soul. In his words, TR3 says “I always view raps as just another way of art to convey how you feel.”
Check out more of his music via SoundCloud.
7. ANIK KHAN – Astoria
This rapper knows how to get down into his roots. When he isn’t using his culture to drive his musical style, he’s boasting it proudly to the world. Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Khan moved to Astoria, Queens with little hope.
At one point he even found himself in an identity crisis but regained himself after traveling to New York for a West Indian party. Shortly after, Khan decided to venture into Caribbean, Calypso, Reggae, and Dancehall.
Since then Khan has interviewed with Hot 97’s Ebro, Pigeons and Planes, and Complex. He also released his latest project “Kites” in 2017. Even though he was signed to Def Jam at a certain point, the rapper decided that it was not for him and decided to go independent.
Check out more of his music via SoundCloud.