Virginia’s a state that sits on the East Coast of the United States but draws inspiration from the best of the country’s current Hip Hop trends. D.R.A.M.’s the latest artist to break out of the state, but there’s a ton of talent that sits ready to unveil itself in due time. The influence of Virginia legends Pharrell, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and The Clipse is evident in the outlandish nature of many of its artists’ styles and has drawn a spotlight to the state as of late. Guessing who’s going to blow up next is anyone’s guess.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the biggest artists in the state. Whether they’re actually good or not is up to your discretion – they’ve captured the interests of people at a national level, so go figure. But if you’re not up to date on what’s happening in the Commonwealth State, take a gander at who’s who below.

Young Crazy

Back in 2013 when Crazy released “Get Dumb,” it quickly went viral because of its guttural look into life in Norfolk. Since then, Crazy has consistently released the type of music that his growing base of fans want to hear. He’s worked with legendary producer Timbaland as well as opened up for Young Thug at NSU, promoted to main act when Thugger never showed up.  He also recently connected with 40 VAN for a performance in Texas.

He’s poised for a quick takeoff sooner than later. It’s important to know that his success didn’t happen overnight – he’s been about this for a while now. Take a listen to some of his music and become a fan.

Standouts: “Lessons” and “Painter Clique”

Treez Lowkey

When you think of atmospheric trap music in Virginia, Treez should be the first name you think of. He’s been on the scene for years, acting as a mysterious force that drops acclaimed projects that seem to come out of nowhere. He recently connected with the A$AP Mob and has become a member of A$AP Rocky’s AWGE collective. The future is bright for young Treez.

Standouts: “Watch” and “Not At All”

Masego

There aren’t many rappers nowadays that play live instruments on stage. A defining part of Masego’s persona is that he’s a master saxophone player – and it’s not an act. The release of his breakout hit “Girls That Dance” made him an overnight celebrity, serving as a culmination of years of hard work in the college circuit. Now, he amongst relocating to Los Angeles to perfect his sound, he’s been spotted with DJ Jazzy Jeff and J Cole.

Standouts: “Navajo” and “Send Yo Rita”

Levi Carter

Have you ever heard of “Galaxy Trap?” It’s a genre that Levi Carter has created and perfected. His artistry has gotten him a deal with Roc Nation and he continues to release music, albeit slowly. He’s a breath of fresh air in the rap scene, with hard-hitting bars that pave the way for some serious growth potential. We can’t wait to see where he goes.

Standouts: “You Not Gang” and “Dear Mama”

Katt Leya’s pretty mysterious for a rising model. Although you can easily come across pictures of her and videos of her dancing on the internet, finding out who exactly she is is a little harder. Here’s what we do know: she’s beautiful, voluptuous, and she likes anime. She also keeps it real on her Twitter account.

https://twitter.com/vivalaBadChiCk/status/883581721417043968

https://twitter.com/vivalaBadChiCk/status/883122463676215297

She’s also watches anime so if you’re into Dragonball Z, Hunter x Hunter, or One Punch Man, you may have a shot.

https://twitter.com/vivalaBadChiCk/status/894484040572702721

There’s one oddity about her: she eats fries with mayonnaise. So maybe she’s more off kilter than she lets on.

https://twitter.com/vivalaBadChiCk/status/876985028739293184

Regardless of her questionable food tastes, she’s someone that we can’t wait to see rise in the modeling and entertainment world. Her Instagram account features more of her pictures, giving more insight into who she is as a person. We decided to peruse through the account and gather some of the best posts four our latest Best of Instagram list.

Two Desserts

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYmUdd0hknY/?taken-by=katt__leya

What looks better – her or that slice of cake?

Empty Glass

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYouM7hhksx/?hl=en&taken-by=katt__leya

The cup looks like it’s empty.

Summer Vibes

https://www.instagram.com/p/BX35a6cBJ45/?hl=en&taken-by=katt__leya

Yellow is definitely her color.

Shades of Pink

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV8LeOThwpS/?taken-by=katt__leya

Pink hair, blonde hair, hell, maybe even blue hair. It can all work.

Animal Pillows

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRoYBCuhMU6/?taken-by=katt__leya

It seems like she’s a fan of animal print pillows.

Pink and Orange

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS68gMohR7r/?taken-by=katt__leya

Pink and orange are her colors as well.

Baywatch 2

https://www.instagram.com/p/BM4uj5AAiyQ/?hl=en&taken-by=katt__leya

Katt Leya for Baywatch 2.

A lot of beautiful music has come out of Detroit in the last two decades. Artists like Eminem, DoughBoyz CashOut, StreetLords, and much more have created a sound that the world has run with, on multiple occasions. Here, is where the essence of musical creativity and freedom resides. Don’t believe us? We’ve rounded up some classics, from the new school and the old, that have come from the city so that you can be a judge for yourself.

Blade IceWood – Ride On Me

Rock Bottom – No

Trick Trick featuring Eminem – Welcome 2 Detroit

Eastside Chedda Boys – Oh Boy

K-Deezy – In My Hood

Blade IceWood – Boy Would You

Selfish by Slum Village featuring Kanye West and John Legend

Eastside Chedda Boyz – Chedda Boy Baby

DoughBoyz CashOut – Grind 2 Shine

Tone Tone – I Ain’t Playing wit cha

StreetLord Juan – So far gone

Team Eastside – Needy Bitch

Dusty McFly – I’m Out Here

IceWear Vezzo Feat. Team Eastside Peezy – Dancin