Hip-Hop At 52: Artists Who Are Keeping The Genre Fresher Than Ever!

Hip-hop recently did another 365-day lap around the Sun. And by that, we mean Hip-hop celebrated another birthday. Born on August 11, 1973, in the Bronx, NY, Hip-hop has officially turned 52. Now, while that may sound astonishing, it also comes as no surprise that Hip-hop is more youthful now than ever. There’s no need to worry about Hip-hop dying off anytime soon, so don’t listen to the online critics. Because honestly, we believe that it’s everlasting. 52 is just the beginning, and many artists are keeping the genre younger and more lit than ever. These artists are finding innovative ways to keep audiences entertained and shook!

1. Latto

This "Georgia Peach", better known as Latto, has been bringing “Big Energy” to the Hip-hop game, and we can definitely see why they’re calling her “Big Mama”. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Latto has a unique sound that sticks to the Southern Hip-hop style but also brings the extreme It Girl energy. She has the type of confidence that the younger generation loves and looks up to. With inspirations like OutKast, Gucci Mane, and Lil Wayne, Latto blends the Southern Trap sound of Hip-hop with feminine power, self-expression, and clever bars/punchlines. Of course, all things that Gen-Z especially love to hear. She’s reminding the girls not to settle for anything or anyone less than great and certainly not a “Brokey”. If you know, you know.

Latto is also reminding the girls that she is HER. Not to mention, Latto’s aesthetic is also inspiring the Rap girlies and listeners of her music. She is recreating Y2K looks as if she invented them. A combination of old-school swag and new, and she is absolutely serving. With so many accolades already attached to her name at just 26 years old, Latto has achieved being nominated for a Grammy, collaborating with the iconic Mariah Carey, and winning BET, MTV, Billboard, and iHeartRadio awards. She has headlined her own tour, performed globally, and graced the cover of multiple magazines. If you didn’t know before, then you know now that Latto is indeed that “somebody”, and she’s keeping the Hip-hop game younger than ever.

2. Tyler, The Creator 

Have you ever met someone who seems to excel in everything they do and keeps finding new ways to exceed their previous achievements? You find yourself in so much awe, wondering how they do it. That sums up Tyler, the Creator. The Los Angeles County native is a beast, and even his recent project DON’T TAP THE GLASS can be proof of that. His sound is incredible; you can hear the influence of Hip-hop artists that came before him, but then you also think to yourself, nah, no one is doing it quite like Tyler. Tyler, the Creator puts his creative spin on music, often exploring themes of vulnerability, relationships, love, expression, humor, and much more. While Tyler makes music for all, his music especially appeals to the younger crowd. The way he inspires the youth goes beyond music, but we’ll get into that later. His music is one of a kind.

Tyler has expressed that musicians such as Pharrell Williams, Clipse, Kanye West, and many more have inspired him in different ways. Tyler’s inspirations are some well-rounded artists, so it comes as no surprise that Tyler himself is also a well-rounded artist who is dominating. Tyler is a visionary. The way he rolls out his projects is admirable, and honestly, we really need to give Tyler his flowers while he can smell them. Tyler has redefined the genre of Hip-hop, getting listeners of the genre to dance again and not just standing around looking too cool to dance. He keeps other artists on their feet due to his unpredictable greatness.

His last few albums were excellently executed. From artistically pleasing cover arts, tour announcements, and killer live performances, Tyler is that guy, trust us. Since Goblin’s release in 2011, to Flower Boy in 2017, to IGOR in 2019, to CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST in 2021, to CHROMOKOPIA in 2024, and, most recently, the DON’T TAP THE GLASS in 2025, his artistry gets greater and greater.

We know that was a lot, you’re probably gasping for air, so we’ll let you catch your breath. But that is literally how it feels when it comes to Tyler, the Creator. He is so great and not letting up. Tyler has won a Grammy for best rap album (IGOR) as well as BET, MTV, and Billboard awards. We can’t finish talking about Tyler unless we go back and mention how he’s an inspiration beyond the music. Tyler has an entire group of people dressing preppy and looking good while doing so. Fans are inspired by the look that Tyler has, and they are showing up to his shows in Ivy League-like fashion. Tyler is really doing it all and keeping the Hip-hop genre younger than ever. 

3. Central Cee

While Hip-hop was born in America, you have a plethora of artists outside of the country who rep Hip-hop like their home team. Central Cee is one of those artists. He is from London, England, and is inspiring the youth through his melodies and raps. Central Cee has a way of storytelling through his lyrics that kids from around the world look up to. It’s almost like people gravitate toward him for being from London and going against the traditional standards of Hip-hop. He is an authentic artist who has a different sound and has trended on social media platforms that are full of emerging talents. Central Cee sells out shows, performs around the world, and makes music that gains traction and keeps the Hip-hop genre younger than ever. 

4. Doechii 

Coming straight out of Tampa, Florida, Doechii doesn’t just bring alligators to the Hip-hop scene; she also brings the heat. Her sensational style, impeccable lyrics, and a combination of old and new influences keep Doechii a trending topic. Inspired by Hip-hop legends like Lauryn Hill, Busta Rhymes, and Missy Elliott, Doechii has blended typical Hip-hop traditions such as Boom-bap Rap with the New Wave sound and swag. Her beat selection often has an old-school feel, yet you can’t help but notice the modern and contemporary aspects that she includes in her music. Making her a fan favorite, especially among Gen-Z, her lyrics often tell a story that the younger generation can relate to.

Doechii’s songs “Anxiety” and “DENIAL IS A RIVER” have a mental health focus, and this is a huge score for Doechii as well as listeners of her music. Speaking on mental health, especially in the Hip-hop space, is becoming more common. Specifically on her song “DENIAL IS A RIVER”, Doechii blends '90s-style rap with themes of mental health -- a perfect example of mixing yesterday with today and keeping the Hip-hop genre younger than ever.

We can’t leave out her amazing accomplishments at only 26 years old. Doechii has accomplished winning a Grammy for Best Rap Album for her project Alligator Bites Never Heal. This is a category that only two other women (Cardi B and Lauryn Hill) have ever won. Third time is a charm, Doechii, excellent work! But it doesn’t stop there. Doechii has also been recognized as Billboard’s 2025 Woman of the Year. She has also just announced her Live From The Swamp Tour, which is set to kick off in October. Doechii, also known as the "Swamp Princess", is making her impact on Hip-hop and certainly keeping the genre younger than ever.

5. Gunna

If you’re familiar with the phrase “Pushin P”, then you’re familiar with the work of Gunna. Gunna is a Hip-hop star from College Park, Georgia, and is the true testament of success, even when haters are watching and trying to stop your every move. His music is distinctive and chart-topping. With hit songs like “Drip or Drown”, “Oh Okay”, “P Power”, “one of wun”, “pushin P”, the list goes on and on. Gunna has constantly proved that he is worth a spot in Hip-hop. Attracting audiences of all sorts, his music speaks on grinding, hustling, staying true to yourself, and the luxurious life that he lives. His music often trends on social media, generating a buzz among the younger crowd. His songs are very catchy, and you will find yourself with an earworm more than usual, singing his memorable hooks. Gunna most recently dropped a 25-song album titled The Last Wun that fans are currently raving over. Gunna is an inspiration for generations to come, and we're sure you can guess what we will say next. He is keeping Hip-hop younger than ever. 

These artists and their music can be found on all music streaming platforms. Their contributions to the genre of Hip-hop are undeniable. The impact that they have on people of all demographics is extreme. They are demonstrating why Hip-hop will never die and will forever be young.