The Best Rapper To Listen To Each Month

By: Kai Murphy

Every month has an unofficial vibe based on its weather, holidays, and more. So to start 2023, I decided to try my hand at assigning each month an artist that fits its energy.

January: Lucki

For the snowiest month of the year, it makes sense to highlight a Windy City native. Lucki’s melodic music gives a smothering isolation that feels like walking through black snow at night. His cloudy beats with punching drums captures the mood of gray skies as time flies by, and his lyrics give time to reflect and build momentum for the future.

February: Frank Ocean

February is the month of love, but as we all know, intimacy is a double-edged sword. Frank Ocean provides valuable insight into both love and how it’s lost. Whether you’re with or without a partner, this month is used to cherish fond memories. Ocean’s music feels like a nostalgic dream state in which you envision the world you want.

March: De La Soul

As the grass grows and the trees become green again, there are few acts that are easier to vibe to than Long Island’s very own De La Soul. The group’s upbeat, positive atmospheres are great for shedding off the cold days of winter for sunnier skies. The motivating lyrics they provide will get you in the relaxed mentality needed for the spring. 3 Feet High and Rising is the perfect album to raise your mood and recline your mind.

April: Westside Gunn

Westside Gunn’s grimy yet grandiose beat selection paired with his raspy voice is like looking into a rain puddle with a distorted reflection. During April’s showers, Gunn’s hard notes and nonstop ad-libs will shake the water, while his features always add an extra dose of energy. On top of that, FlyGod’s braggadocious wordplay can make anyone feel like a trillion bucks. 

May: A$AP Rocky

Carrying over from the hard-nosed mentality of April, A$AP Rocky’s bars of high fashion and confidence are the right prescription to get you through exam season. As you transition into a summer of making money and unwinding with friends and family, Rocky’s oozing excellence is infectious. His tenacity is perfect for reinventing yourself for the summer.

June: Wiz Khalifa

The first month of summer invites Wiz Khalifa, the king of indulgence, to help bring on the good times. His blissful, smoke-in-the-air music is perfect for driving with friends or chilling by yourself and taking in rays. The smooth vibrations of his deeper cuts are a positive summer breeze coasting you into happy vibes. Wiz provides an optimistic outlook that allows you to enjoy life without getting in over your head.

July: Megan Thee Stallion

Three words: Hot. Girl. Summer. Meg personifies the warmest month of the year, as the Houston native was born in the sun and it radiates through her music. Her toxic energy and lyrics are what you need to dominate the month and embrace your situation with a purpose. Meg’s anthems are bouncy and powerful, leaving a sting like a leather car seat in the high heat.

August: Saiming

The South London alternative rapper’s perfect melodies overtop calm, lo-fi beats are a great way to start winding down for the school year. Like a dwindling fire, Saiming’s music still has a lot of warmth, but adds in some hints of coolness. It’s music for calming memories made late at night with your favorite people. 

September: Future

Future’s catalog has the diversity for the highs of the beginning of autumn and the lows for the end of summer. His upbeat party-songs can bless any pregame, while his melodic music can be utilized for personal moments of looking back. Future’s longevity has shown different evolutions of himself, which can guide your entry into the darker autumn nights.

October: Drake

Was there really any other choice than October’s very own? Like the background of “Comeback Season,” Drake's catalog has an excess of changing leaves and scary hours. His early work has a lot of hero’s journey-esque storylines that are perfect to help you spark your late-year push. Drizzy also has tons of retrospective music that promotes wearing your heart on your sleeve, and his discography gives tunes for whatever October brings.

November: Rod Wave

“It’s November where the f**k is Rod Wave?” The obvious choice for this cold month, Rod Wave’s voice hits like a brisk winter gust. Yet, the warming, choir-infused instrumentals might have you longing for home and family. His lyrics are motivational, telling the story of a troubled boy finding fame and fortune. Rod Wave serves as a reminder that you should remember your roots and not take for granted the comfort of home.

December: Brent Faiyaz

Lastly, rounding off my list is DMV royalty, Brent Faiyaz. Brent’s vain, arrogant, and self-assured aura comes off as alluring and secluded. The “Clouded” singer is very blatant with his “me over you” attitude, which is integral to push through the jagged end of the year. His music gives us an impeccable confidence boost for the waning days of winter and a push into the future.