Five Underground South Florida Hip-Hop Artists to Watch in 2017

Your current music rotation of South Florida artists is probably easy to guess. You listen to Kodak Black to kickstart your morning. By lunch, you’re bobbing your head to Denzel Curry to get through a rough day at the office. On your way home, you blast Wifisfuneral because you’re 100 percent over your shitty job. And then, right before bed, you run through Robb Banks' “C4” just because it’s that good.

A few of these artists topped New Times' list of best local rappers last year. But it's almost a new year, and it's time to find the next batch of 305 artists breaking boundaries on the underground scene.

These artists are on the verge of making a mark and forcing their way onto your playlists.
Sin
Broward-based rapper Sin caught the ears of Vibe magazine and earned new fans with his latest release “Victory Lap,” which brings a nostalgic feel to true hip-hop heads. Though “mumble rap” and trap rap are dominating car speakers, Sin rode in a different lane by crafting a local strain of conscious hip-hop. His latest single, “You Sleep,” features Bostxn and is already a must-play at Miami parties. What’s up his sleeve for 2017? “Expect some new music early in the year and new music videos on the way as well,” Sin promises.
J Nics
Since his hit single “Day1” landed earlier this year, it’s been nothing but up for J Nics. The cadence of Young McFly creates a smooth ride on this track, which instantly caught the ears of new fans. The Miami rapper has collaborated with Denzel Curry, Nell, and Prez P but plans to showcase his true talent in 2017. "I'm making the best music I've ever done right now," he says. "In 2017, I'm focused on taking my career to that next level — staying consistent and showing my range as an artist." He has a new EP coming called Mr. RideLowMane  and plans to tour outside the Sunshine State.
Aleicia
Aleicia broke out of her shell in 2016 with new music, videos. and bookings. Her single “Love You Too.” featuring Rmromrzn, reached YesJulz’s coveted New Music Mondayz playlist and caught the ear of Miami rapper Bizzy Crook, who is now featured on Aleicia's debut EP, Violet Room. She dropped the “Nicole” from her name and picked up a microphone to prepare for a breakout 2017. “You can expect a more developed and mature artist in 2017," she says. "I found my sound, and I'm putting out a new project in the first quarter. I’m rebranding and showing everyone who I really am as a person and an artist, which is why I dropped the 'Nicole' and just go by Aleicia.”
SNDNGCHLLZ
SNDNGCHLLZ spent this year creating genre-breaking music that left his fans craving more. His EP release, Tension, received such a positive response from fans that it led to a deluxe version, a collection of remixes from your favorite Miami DJs, and a short film from the lead single “Poison." Tension landed the sonic hero a slot at III Points, giving supporters a chance to see him live. Next year, he plans to top all of that momentum. “Expect the unexpected. Expect a sound no one else can mimic and a lot of really interesting content in various mediums," he says.
Prez P
Prez P never lets his fans down. For the past three years, he has released two projects annually to satiate South Florida's rap fanatics. This year, he sprinkled in a track or two every few months in preparation for his collaboration EP with J Nics, which dropped this week along with Prezidential, an album fans have been wanting for years. “I've been putting my album Prezidential together for almost two years now; at the same time I've been releasing other EPs to keep the people's attention and keep myself busy," he says. "In 2017, I'm just planning on getting the right placements for my music in these movies and TV shows, releasing quality and timeless music for the people to enjoy, and touring."