Fresh flow, heavy bars: Eight young Kenyan rappers changing the game

In the ever-evolving world of Kenyan hip-hop and urban sounds, a new wave of artists is making its mark, breathing fresh life into the rap scene with their unique blend of lyrical prowess, innovative flow, buoyant aura and distinct style. 

This new generation is not just following in the footsteps of legends; they are forging their own paths, pushing the boundaries of the genre, and captivating the world in ways probably unseen before.

Their flow is a dynamic and often unpredictable force, effortlessly shifting between melodic cadences and rapid-fire verses as they weave complex rhyme schemes and internal rhymes into their bars, creating intricate sonic tapestries that demand a second listen and your undiluted respect.

Armed with a spectacular skill that is complemented by their witty and often sparkly lyrics, which tackle a wide range of subjects, from personal struggles and social commentary to clever wordplay and evocative braggadocio, these rap cats are laden with a storytelling that is both vivid and relatable, connecting with listeners on a deeply personal level.

Beyond the lyrics, this new wave is defined by a fresh and impenitent style - they are tastemakers in their own right, boldly influencing fashion and culture with their striking and often experimental aesthetics.

From avant-garde streetwear to retro-inspired looks, their visual presence is as compelling as their sound as they cleverly leverage social media and digital platforms to build direct connections with their fans and create a vibrant community around their art that is both passionate, forthright and engaged.

Here are 8 young rap superstars currently running the show...

8. Sean MMG

With a sound that's both a throwback to rap's golden age and a fresh take on the modern Kenyan vibe, Sean MMG is a masterclass in flow, gliding effortlessly over beats with a cadence that's both intricate and smooth.

Fresh, cheeky and likable, MMG has become a darling with the Gen Z, especially the ladies, as he lights up dancefloors with his smash hits 'Dance Ya Kudonjo', 'Now You Know' and 'Kale Kadance'. And on social media, the rap darling has managed to harness his musical gift into a masterclass on internet domination. He boasts over 27 million views on YouTube. 

7. YBW Smith

Like Sean MMG, this new Arbantone sensation is packed with a refreshing sound that feels authentic and at the same time, seismic. He's the star behind hits like 'Lele' and 'Anapiga Pic', blending old-school ragga with a vibrancy and street dexterity that easily draws listeners and demands a replay.

A clever fashion head, Smith has also mastered the art of throwing on an innovative street style that is distinctly - and undeniably - his. On YouTube, YBW Smith has a decent 4 million cumulative views. 

6. Gody Tennor 

He's also one of the pioneers of the Arbantone sound, where he expertly blends Genge, reggae, and dancehall, and consistently churns out chart-toppers which rock the airwaves for months and create a maddening buzz on Tiktok.

With hits like 'Mukuchu', 'Mapeng' and 'Dimba', Gody has proved to be one of the biggest stars of the new musical wavelength and an undisputable powder keg on urban dancefloors. He boasts a cumulative 15 million views on YouTube and hundreds of thousands of hits on multiple other streaming platforms.

5. Lil Maina

He started off as a skit maker and a cheeky Instagram character who would play bufoonery around his parents before transitioning into a bonafide rapper who quickly captivated the masses with his golden flow, animated style, high fashion and peppery lyrics.

With a versatile flow that is both immersive and laid-back, Lil Maina is able to switch between rapid-fire verses and more melodic deliveries, creating soft hits which quickly ensnare the masses and become instant gems. He's known for hits such as 'Nakam Saa Hii', 'Kishash' and 'Kinare' and boasts over 38 million views on YouTube.

As the only female rapper on this list, Maandy sure deserves her spot - and flowers. Maandy's insane flow is a controlled chaos; shifting gears mid-verse from a rapid-fire staccato to a smooth, melodic cadence that rouses the listener and inspires them to rip the earbuds and dash to the floor.

Hers is a fresh, audacious blend of ghetto fabulous and street grit and her music videos are a cheeseboard of vibrant, unexpected colors, paired with clunky jewellery, menacing looks, fearless energy and raw imagery.

She's known for hits such as 'Dem Mauru', 'Anapiga Pic', and 'Bubbly Bubbly' and has pulled a staggering 22.9 million views on YouTube.

3. Tipsy Gee 

This ladies magnet isn't just a collection of rhymes; he's a pot of buoyancy, with each track painting a vivid picture of life, love, Nairobi's nightlife and beautiful women. 

With a flow which is smooth and effortless, and which transitions from the streets to fancy apartments, Tipsy Gee knows how to keep the party moving - by just rhyming his way through it and serenading the ladies with his effortlessly charming aura. 

His hits include 'Finish Kumalo', 'Taki Nakati' and 'Risky'. On YouTube, Tipsy Gee has amassed an impressive 17 million views. 

No one, in this era, can come close to the menacing accuracy of Breeder's unforgiving lyricism; a raw, unfiltered look into his chaotic - and yet flamboyant - world. With a thundering voice and commanding flow, Breeder paints vivid pictures of his past, his fabulous present and his glorious future.

A master of wordplay, Breeder's jaw-dropping use of metaphors and double entendres quickly light up any track - and sends listeners into a frenzied awe.

With an acute ability to switch his flows mid-verse, and deliver knockout verses, Breeder quickly launches into explosive defiance and soon lands a lyrical punch harder than Evander Holyfield's.

Breeder's classic hits include 'Big Baba', 'Dedilee' and 'Bazenga Dadii'. He boasts a whooping 36 million views on YouTube.

1. Toxic Lyrically

This Kayole-born emcee takes the number one spot, and for good reason. He's as raw as they come, as hard as they come and as ruthless as they could ever be. His lyrical style is unapologetically Eastlands. He weaves gritty street images, a coded loyalty to his roots, and sweeping honest storytelling in every song.

Toxic's music is a stark, unfiltered chronicle of his life and surroundings where he often paints brutal pictures with his words, using a lyrical style that is as precise as it is raw.

With a flow that is relentless and masterful, and that is packed with complex rhyme schemes, he explores everything from slum destitution, violence, self-awareness, street credibility and fleeting hope.

Toxic's storytelling is his most potent weapon and his music videos, shot in the backstreets of his gritty neighbourhood, showcase a man who is unafraid of the city's ghouls as he faces his rivals head-on - and revels in the glory of his notoriety.

Toxic's last release 'Backbencher' quickly shot to the top of the Apple Music charts - and Spotify, and Boomplay and YouTube and more - and accumulated a mind-boggling 3 million views in less than 10 days.

Toxic Lyrically, who now boasts 32 million YouTube views, stands at the helm of Kenya's new sound - and is running the show with haunting authenticity.