There are plenty of artists to choose from when looking for up-and-coming hip-hop artists in Toronto.

This city is full of talent and hard work is the only way to stand out. Everyone is trying to be the next Drake or the Weeknd, and every list you find will be different depending on people’s tastes. Toronto’s hip-hop community is huge and there are so many artists jostling to be heard.

Here are some up-and-coming hip-hop artists in Toronto you should know about.

Akintoye

Although he has become a viral sensation on TikTok, especially thanks to his new single “Pizzazz”, Akintoye is much more than his social media presence. He’s a truly versatile rapper whose fast, energetic bars demonstrate his pristine lyricism that’s sometimes witty, sometimes introspective.

His explosive style has remained constant since his debut album fear of heights through his more recent singles like “The Line” and “Respectfully”. His most recent album, Table’s centershows all that Akintoye is capable of, as he is able to take this great energy and apply it to more discreet pieces.

Exmiranda

Brittany “Exmiranda” Manu has been in the game for a while now, but gained notoriety thanks to TikTok.

Its crisp bars and fluidity are always combined with bouncy beats. While his singles cycle through styles, his album, funky breaklives up to its name by paying homage to the funky early beats of hip hop with a modern twist.

She was featured on the Northern Bars Spotify Billboard campaign and her single, “Steam”, was also featured in HBO Max’s new reboot of Gossip Girl.

DijahSB

Often opting for house beats in most of their work, DijahSB have been making waves recently after solidifying their sound in recent years. They worked with Terrell Morris and Harrison, originally from Toronto. On 2022 EPthey even had a Keys N’ Krates feature and were hailed by industry titans like Kid Cudi and Jay Electronica.

Produced by Los Angeles-based Veggi, their single, “Exceptional,” recently hit one million streams on Spotify – not the first time they’ve reached that number. Head above the waterstheir most recent album, was also shortlisted for the 2021 Polaris Prize.

No tourists

This one is a bit of a cheat, as it features several amazing hip-hop artists across this powerful collective. Composed of the seven Toronto artists including rappers Deelo Avery, Kafayé, Keynes Woods, Lan’do and James Wesson with the universes of producers and Abdullah, No Tourists have cultivated a diverse sound that mixes genres.

Mixing hip-hop, grime, jazz, funk, R&B, house and dancehall, they present a varied palette of references to their music. Their latest EP, Ultravioletshows just how nuanced and versatile this group can be.

Savannah Re

Bringing soulful R&B with a hip-hop twist, Savannah is an expert songwriter who brings vulnerability and heart to her music. With a powerful voice and rhythmically complex melodies, she has cultivated a carefully crafted sound that is explored on her debut album, Opia.

Mentored by Grammy-winning producer Boi-1da, she has been writing music for about a decade and has written with artists like Babyface, Normani, Daniel Caesar and Wondagurl. She was the opening act for Jessie Reyez’s “Being Human On Tour,” the 30-date North American tour. Ré also shared the stage with the legendary TLC.