The Current

Great Music Lives Here ®
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now
Local Current Blog

The Come-Up: 8 Minnesota hip-hop artists with new music to hear now

Stills from Dua Saleh's "Fitt" and K.Raydio's "Broken Spell" videos
Stills from Dua Saleh's "Fitt" and K.Raydio's "Broken Spell" videosYouTube

by Jeffrey Bissoy-Mattis

October 29, 2021

With Halloween around the corner, it’s spooky hours for the Twin Cities’ hip-hop scene. In October’s Come-Up, there’s been plenty of new discoveries and some oldies as well.

Let’s dive in! 

SH0CK ft. Solo Starr - “Show Me”

First and foremost, one of y’all will have to tell me which lake you filmed here. That jawn was splendid. Now to the music: “Show Me” came out this summer and it's perfect vibe for fall, with its changing colors and hoodie weather. Pull up for a drive around 7 or 8 p.m. Drive slow and enjoy SH0CK’s flow and Solo Starr’s incredible vocals.

K.Raydio - “Broken Spell”

It has been a while since the Minneapolis legend has blessed us, but man are we treated to something special with her latest single, “Broken Spell.” The video was shot in what looks like Chicago, so she and I may have to have a discussion ‘bout that (ha ha), but the visuals are just as stunning as the vocals. In any case, I’m thankful, and we all should be, that K.Raydio is back to blessing our earbuds.

Tuvok the Word - Tuvok the Third

A new discovery and first-time feature on The Come-Up: I’m blessed to introduce you to Tuvok. In September, the Twin Cities’ up-and-comer dropped a five-track EP with all the underground and boom-bap-esque sound. If you’re tired of trap and searching for BARZZ, look no further. My favorite tracks off the project are “Breathe” and “Black Skin” with Destiny Roberts. If you like what you hear, also check out Tuvok the First and the Second.

Dua Saleh ft. Amaarae - “Fitt”

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re new to this hip-hop sh**, or both, you have to understand that Dua Saleh is a SUPERSTAR! With a heavy emphasis on the SUPER. There’s little they can’t do. Fresh off a star role in Netflix hit show, Sex Education, the Minneapolis legend blessed us with their latest single, “Fitt.” Honestly, few do it better. It’s their world and we just living in it.

Maurice Mayfield - “New Roots”

Another new discovery for me on this spooky Come-Up: Maurice Mayfield. The Twin Cities singer and rapper just dropped a new album last month: Twenties. The album is a fusion of R&B and alternative, with some rock influence in the beats. Y’all already know how I get with R&B songs. This man is the truth and I’m happy to have found him. I keep hearing that it’s sad girl/boy szn. Maurice got more than enough sad joints to bawl your eyes out and call your ex.  My faves off the project are “Like Honey” and “New Roots.”

Reed Benjamin - I, Of The Storm

Reed Benjamin is nice. His recent album I, Of The Storm is not only worth a listen, you just might fall in love with it. His sound is modern, but he manages to stay authentic to himself with his flow and delivery. Definitely one to keep tabs on. My favorite track on the album is “Altering.”

Dru Devon ft. KelsThaGawd - “Many Ways”

True say, Dru Devon might be more consistent on the mic than J. Cole. Don’t quote me on that, but deada** Dru's track record of supplying hits is getting out of control. I’ve had a chance to meet him on a few occasions when I was still living in the city. Good people with even better flow. Check out his recent single, “Many Ways” ft. KelsThaGawd.

KayCyy - “Flew By You”

Fresh off his summer sessions with Kanye West on his album DONDA, KayCyy has pulled up and blessed with a banger, “Flew By You.” When I spoke with the St. Paul artist last month, he told me that after watching some of the best in the game up close that he was ready to show the world his learnings. Well, he did just that. I mean, listen to this beat, his melodies, LOOK AT THIS VIDEO! Shout out to you, KayCyy!

This is it for me. Wishing y’all a blessed and spooky Halloween. As always, if you’re interested in being featured in The Come-Up or have artists you want me to check out, DM me on Twitter or Instagram (@thejeffbissoy)! Till then, stay safe!

Jeffrey Bissoy is a former assistant producer at MPR News. Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, raised in The Twin Cities and now based in Mexico City, Jeffrey has grown a passion for representation and identity, Hip-Hop, and the impact of sports on society. In addition to his work at The Current, Bissoy has also written for The Sahan Journal and other outlets, and he is the CEO and founder of The Plugged App.