Blaqbonez, Little Simz and Jae5 make Rolling Stone’s rap innovators list

The unranked survey forms part of a collection of features, historical pieces, op-eds, and lists to mark hip hop’s 50th anniversary by the US publication.

“While the genre remakes itself too rapidly to predict far into the future, we decided to highlight 50 figures who are changing the game – and who will help shape rap’s next 50 years,” Rolling Stone said. “While there are hip-hop movements bubbling up all over the globe, our list centres on figures in the English-speaking world. This unranked survey is focused on the younger generation coming up – as opposed to veteran superstars – and is in no way exhaustive, as the number of people shaping the multifaceted world of hip-hop extends far beyond 50. But it’s a glimpse of good things to come.”

Blaqbonez, 27, got his start as a teen battle rapper before becoming a prominent name in the African hip hop circles. He is behind two albums  –  Sex Over Love (2021) and Young Preacher (2022)  – and three EPs,  namely Bad Boy Blaq (2018), Bad Boy Blaq Re-Up (2019) and Mr Boombastic (2019). 

A 2022 Mercury Prize winner, Little Simz blends grime, R&B, electronic music, and whatever other genre she and frequent collaborator Inflo deem a fitting soundscape for her diaristic, probing lyricism. She is behind the Stratosphere mixtape (2010), and four studio albums, the latest being Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.

Born Jonathan Mensah, Jae5 is perhaps best known for producing ‘Pull Up’ and ‘Bank on It’, off Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning Twice as Tall. He began his musical journey during his time living in Ghana between the ages of 10 and 13, fusing his memories of grime with influences like Timbaland, Celine Dion and Afrobeats to shape his unique musical style.

“In 50 years, hip hop has transformed, evolved and taken on any number of different shapes and contexts while remaining an undeniably distinct art form, the US publication added. “The rap world has invented new forms of expression as it’s adapted to the internet and other technological changes, all while remaining true to its essence, the indomitable spirit at the heart of this culture. More than just artists, today’s rap world is a constellation of figures all interlinked by the lineage they share with hip hop’s forebears.”

View the complete list here.