Denzel Curry

The last few years have been a dizzying assent for Denzel Curry. After establishing himself as one of the leaders of rap's new underground through early full-lengths like 2013's Nostalgic 64 and 2016's Imperial, the latter of which saw the Carol City, Florida native cosigned by Rick Ross and earn him a spot on XXL's coveted Freshman list, Curry spent the last six years releasing four concept-driven full-length albums that catapulted him from cult icon to one of the most celebrated names in rap.

From the innovative, 3-part release strategy of 2018's TA1300, which highlighted Curry's preternatural gift for melody in standout track "CLOUT COBAIN", to the diaristic 2019 album ZUU where he detailed parts of life previously untold in a song like "RICKY", and 2020's full-length collaboration UNLOCKED with super producer Kenny Beats, Curry released a trip of critically acclaimed albums that established him as one of the most vital voices in rap. With 2022's Melt My Eyez See Your Future, Curry demonstrated his ability to synthesise the lyrical prowess for which he's become known with the kind of ear worm choruses of pop in songs like "Walkin" and "X-Wing".