Spotify Launches Most Necessary Live, a Concert Series to Showcase Hip-Hop’s Rising Stars

Fifty years into the game, the world of hip-hop keeps evolving, influencing artists from around the world with different sounds and scenes, and ushering in a new wave of superstars. Now, Spotify’s Most Necessary playlist is celebrating the next generation of hip-hop with its concert series: Most Necessary Live.

With their unwavering support and amplification, local hip-hop scenes all around the globe have been bolstering the rise of this new crop of artists.. Today’s hottest rising stars of hip-hop are breaking out of their homes and stepping into the spotlight, accumulating countless fans and influencing the trends of music at large.

To continue our support of artists at every stage of their careers, we are launching Most Necessary Live, a quarterly live performance series highlighting regional rap scenes and emerging local hip-hop artists from across the United States. The series kicks off at Warehouse Live in Houston, Texas, on August 2. Spotify will invite top listeners in that city to see a stellar lineup of the home’s freshest faces, including DeeBaby, KenTheMan, Mike Dimes, Monaleo, and That Mexican OT. 

Stay tuned for a Most Necessary Live showcase coming to a city near you.

For the Record caught up with some of the performers at the Houston show to ask about the advice and inspiration they’ve gotten on their musical journeys.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

DeeBaby: Keep going! No matter what is in the way of you and your goals and dreams, face it, overcome it, and WIN. 

That Mexican OT: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is to stay humble and thankful for every blessing. 

Mike Dimes: Best piece of advice that I received in this stage of my career was to focus on myself, because that’s all I have control of.

Monaleo: To be present, live in the moment, and be appreciative and grateful for the blessings bestowed upon you. Sza said it best in “Good Days”: “Half of us chasing fountains of youth and it’s in the present.”

KenTheMan: The best piece of advice was from my manager: “A skilled sailor never sailed a smooth sea.”

Who were your favorite rap and hip-hop artists growing up, and who inspires you now?

That Mexican OT: Growing up, I was super inspired by Big L and the Texas hip-hop scene. Right now, I’m inspired by a lot of my peers, including the ones I got on this new project Lonestar Luchador, which will be landing later this month. 

Mike Dimes: A$AP Rocky and Joey Bada$$ were my biggest inspirations growing up; now my inspiration comes from Mike Dimes.

Monaleo: I was a huge YMCMB fan, specifically Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Lil Wayne. They all inspired me to pursue music and take it seriously. I was also a huge Odd Future fan. I just loved how the entire group was committed to being themselves and creating fun music. Currently, my inspirations are Frank Ocean and Beyoncé. I love Frank’s deeply poetic nature, and I’m inspired by Beyoncé’s amazing talent and dedication to the culture.

KenTheMan: Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, 2Pac, and my supporters and friends are the ones that truly inspire me!

From Houston to Miami

On November 15, Miami’s next generation of emerging rappers, including Luh Tyler, Real Boston Richey, Danny Towers, Wizz Havinn, Loe Shimmy, C-Stunna, Icandy, and Lil Crix, brought high energy to the stage in our second live Most Necessary showcase. They were even joined by surprise guests Kodak Black and Nardo Wick. Catch shots from the unforgettable evening below.