What's Cranking: Our Top 10 List of Artists Running The DMV

As the summer time slowly approaches, we put together a list of some of the most talented artists in the DMV to be on the look out for:

(in alphabetical order)

1. Antsxsa!

Starting off our list strong is Antsxsa! Also referred to as Tony, Sxsa is a talent hailing from Bowie, MD. And he prides himself of that. The best way to describe his style is versatile. He keeps his supporters on their feet, switching between the heavy 808 rage sound, to the dreamy melodic wave, and even to more ambient and soulful tracks. And there's definitely more where that came from.

Listening to his older songs, one could definitely see the progression. His ability to adapt and change sounds, witty punchlines, and overall creativity is not the only thing that sets him apart from others. He made the decision to stop swearing in his newer songs and is very open about his faith in God.

His songs "Let Go" and "Astounding" can be considered modern gospel on a trap instrumental. But he does in such a way that is still true to his sound and isn't corny or forced. It's just him.

Check them out:

2. Deaira Dozart

A rising talent in the DMV, Deaira Dozart is a creative apart of the collective and self made label WeWork808s, alongside artists: Antsxsa! and 2ndbornace.

Deaira got her start rapping over plug beats and later branched out in more ambient and melodic classics like her self produced song "On Me" and well received single, "Everything Good"

She's very consistent in her visuals and has so much planned for the summer showwise and working with other likeminded artists.

Check out the video to her song "Is It Tru?"

3. FindCNT

This artist has such an interesting story. Truly doing it all, with talents in videography, filmmaking, fashion, and being an artist himself, FindCNT is making a way, traveling the world and doing what he loves.

Originally from Ohio, but spending a lot of his time in the DMV, he's shared the stage with artists like KellohFromPG, D Savage, and other big names in the underground. In his journey, he overcame sickness and showed that if you have a dream you should chase it by any means.

Anyone who has seen him perform would agree that he is truly a rockstar that has mastered the art of crowd control. He has established himself as an artist, planning shows and successfully executing album rollouts with the help of a few of his artist friends. His latest album "Flaws N All" was a great body of work and according to him is one of his best projects yet. We love to see the progression.

Click below to give it a listen and get the info on his upcoming show happening on May 3rd:

4. HavinnMotion

Not too much is known about this artist, like most that are coming outta Maryland. But his beat selection, the nostalgic sample choices, with the infamous DMV flow works very well. It's a great mix.

He's also very consistent. His last project "Motion" featured bangers like "I Just Want You 2" and "Missing Body pt2". We look forward to what he has coming next.

Check out the video to his song, "10 Hour Drive", that samples Kanye West's "Flashing Lights":

5. Kanii

Kanii, a young artist who's essentially made his own sub-genre of R&B dance music has been making a lot of noise, even having the opportunity to perform on the same stages of artists like PinkPantheress and Bktherula.

A lot of people had no idea this artist was from Washington DC. He blew up from TikTok, which is honestly more effective for making a name for yourself outside of the DMV.

He started off with the Jersey hit "I Know" which went crazy , and followed the momentum with songs like "Sins (Let Me In)" and "Five".

See the visuals for his song "Sins":

6. KP Skywalka

The Hometown Hero, straight out of Southeast DC, this artist has one of the most interesting sounds in the city. Grandfather of the "Rhythm and Bip" wave, KP Skywalka has been one of the hottest artists in the DMV for a minute. Performing at high schools and a few local events / festivals, he has been able to always show love to his supporters and keep the fans fed by dropping endless visuals and tracks.

KP's sound consists of usually soulfully sampled melodies. His beat selection often reminds you of when our parents would listen to the Quiet Storm radio station, a DMV staple that was popular for late night RnB and Jazz. He even has some songs sampling songs dated back to the 70s and 80s, such as "Tell Me Something Good" and "Inna Mix". He mentions a lot of it is inspired from him growing up in his grandma's house.

He flawlessly and effortlessly rides the beat in such a way that not many have heard before. It's very playful and silly, but it works for him. If anyone were to try to emulate that, it would be very evident.

He made the great decision to move out of the hood to stay out of trouble and stay focused on the music, which is smart. He has the possibility to make his name known outside of the DMV and put on for the music scene here. He recently landed an On the Radar freestyle which is great promo.

His visuals for "Inna Mix":

7. MaiyaPologies

MaiyaPologies is a small artist emerging from the Baltimore area. As a creative, she has fully mastered the y2k aesthetic. Maiya is also apart of the 10 Fold Collective, a talented group of other artists working together, hosting open mics and other events in the area. As a creative, she equally has the bars and voice to takeover the DMV music scene. She is currently working on her upcoming project, "ImNotNiche" dropping this week, featuring other female artists like Strawb4lien and Deaira Dozart.

Check out the visuals for her song, Going On.

8. Nino Paid

Really humble and really talented, Nino Paid puts whats real in his music. He shares tough times, coming from a rough childhood growing up, being broke through his verses. Despite not even releasing music for that long, he was able to make moves in the music scene and even get himself a deal.

What makes his music special is how vulnerable he is in his art, not trying to act like something he's not. As a listener, you can hear that. What is interesting is that he mentioned growing up listening to everything but rap up into he was in high school. Then, he started taking rap serious once he got out of juvenile, realizing how he wanted to change his life. Nino was inspired by how people would listen and sing along to his songs.

He recently dropped his project, "Can't Go Bacc" featuring heavy hitters like "Long Live Webey" and "Fall Off"

9. XLOVCLO

After the success of her breakout hit, "WTF", XLOVCLO has taken her time in her craft to continue to put out ballads. She has such a strong and unique voice often referred to as the female Trippie Redd. Songs like "Suckerpunch" and "Mindset" is what truly made us a fan. She has such an intricate and consistent sound. She has also collabed with artists like Kashdami and Yvngxchris.

She just dropped her "Good Girls" EP which was very RnB heavy and perfectly showcased her vocal talent.

10. 2ndbornace

Keeping himself out of the limelight for the most part, Ace has such a intricate sound, highlighting the trials and tribulations of his life. He stays out the way, drops his music, and keeps it moving. Originally from Delaware, but spending most of his important years in Maryland, I think we claim him.

He started out self producing but now records and works only label mates, Deaira Dozart and Antsxsa!, from time to time. He likes to keep things exclusive and it just makes sense.

Check out his song "Say Sumn" produced by young italy:

Tags: DMV Artists, KP Skywalka, Kanii, XLOVCLO, Underground, Upcoming Artists, DC Artists