Hotboii

Florida was a hip-hop hotbed for much of the 2010s, but despite the immense competition, Hotboii has managed to emerge as a clear and decisive voice in the region. Born Javarri Walker in 2000, the Orlando-born rapper has become a hitmaker thanks to his versatile flow and ability to tap into the street sensibilities he grew up honing. Hotboii may be most known for the vertical dreadlocks that brought him viral fame, but his unique flow is as recognisable. Walker spent the early part of his career releasing single after single, hinting at the potential he’d eventually fulfill with his 2020 LP, Kut Da Fan On. On songs like “Don’t Need Time” from that album, Hotboii raps over stark piano chords and bouncing 808 handclaps. His flow is melodic and decisive, never lingering too long. Most of the artist’s songs touch on his rough childhood in the projects, but his work expanded outward as he garnered more attention. “Police Brutality” from 2020 is dedicated to Salaythis Melvin, and Hotboii’s visceral reaction to Melvin’s brutal slaying is highly emotional. As he’s matured in the spotlight, he has defied those who thought they could pin his style down. Even in Florida’s densely populated rap scene, Hotboii is carving a lane that’s his alone.