We're more than halfway into 2017, with dozens of phenomenal musicians releasing music faster than it can be listened to. This year I've been overwhelmed by the sheer talent of new rap and hip hop artists. These 14 artists have had quite an impact in the last seven months, and are worth putting on your radar.

1. 6LACK

First of all, it's pronounced "Black." He hates "6-Lack.” The Atlanta artist has been tied to several other Atlanta rappers, such as Raury and Future since his debut album Free 6Lack in 2016. 6Lack has a real driving emotion to his voice and lyrics, making everything he touches seem raw and brand new.

2. Choker

Choker just released his debut album Peak in May, and I’ve consistently recommended it to my friends since I found it. The Michigan artist is inventive and imaginative, allowing himself to learn as he goes. His song “El Dorado” may never be a radio hit, but it has been on repeat for me all summer.

3. D.R.A.M.

Obviously "Broccoli" brought D.R.A.M to mainstream attention, but D.R.A.M. is more than his hit single. The Virginia rapper is a genuinely positive dude, releasing happy giddy hits with great hooks in his debut album Big Baby D.R.A.M. His recent Tiny Desk Concert with NPR showcased D.R.A.M. illustrating his real creative potential.

4. Jahkoy

Jahkoy caught my attention during his tour with Kehlani and has kept it ever since with his passion for reinvention. His debut EP Foreign Water was released in October 2016, but the songs definitely followed him into 2017. “California Heaven,” his first single with a Schoolboy Q cameo, blends bliss and sorrow beautifully. He’s currently working on his debut album Glory Child, which will be released by Def Jam.

5. Jazz Cartier

There’s a reason Jazz Cartier has been hailed as the next Drake – besides their shared hometown. His output in 2016 was astounding, catching the attention of several seasoned rappers such as Lil’ Wayne. He continues to push out tunes at a staggering rate and shows absolutely no sign of slowing down. “Red Alert/100 Roses” is amazing.

6. Khalid

Honestly, including Khalid feels a little like cheating. The precocious 19 year-old’s debut album, American Teen, was written during his senior year of high school, but Khalid’s musical inspirations have been long in the making. Khalid’s rich, husky voice and honest, heartfelt lyrics make him seem wiser than his 19 years, especially on “Reasons.”

7. Nadia Rose

The South London rapper is bouncy, witty, and incredibly cool. While some claim she’s following in the footsteps of her cousin Stormzy (also on this list), I think she’s in a new class altogether. She’s got sharp lyrics, insane confidence, and punchy beats. “Skwod” is a personal favorite.

8. Noname

Noname (formerly Noname Gypsy) has been linked to Chance the Rapper since Acid Rap in 2013. After a long hiatus, she’s back to building up her career, as evidenced by her surprise appearance with Chance on SNL. Her delivery and expressive, poetic language has cemented her as a favorite collaborator among young rappers, but her mixtape Telefone speaks for itself.

9. Ray Blk

Ray Blk combines soulful, full throated, old school vocals with passionate lyrics and an edge that makes her old and brand new at the same time. The South London singer-songwriter has garnered attention from everywhere on the globe for redefining R&B as a genre and not just a sound. Ray Blk’s voice has been compared to Mary J. Blige, Estelle, and Mariah Carey, yet holds a sound unique to them. While she may have gained traction with her Stormzy collaboration “My Hood,” her work stands by itself. Listen to “5050” and “Chill Out” and tell me she isn’t onto something.

10. Rex Orange County

A U.K. teenager, Rex Orange County has been singing since he was a child. His album Apricot Princess dropped in April, and every time I revist the album I feel like I’m 16 again. What I really love about Rex Orange County is how unexpected he is: the album mixes rap, indie rock, jazz, R&B, funk, soul, and pop to create a musical rollercoaster of emotions that is adolescence. “Nothing” and “Sycamore Girl” are perfect examples of this, playing off the emotion of the last song to weave seamlessly into the next.

11. Smino

The St. Louis rapper is currently my favorite album of 2017 with his debut blkswn. This album is perfectly crafted and hits on so many current issues that it flawlessly exemplifies this year, reminding us the art of a poignant, cohesive album still exists. Pigeons and Planes did a great “Who Is?” video profile on him here.

12. Stormzy

This has been a defining year for London rappers, but Stormzy was ahead of the curve, starting with his viral freestyle videos in 2015. His success has been repackaged into his debut album Gang Signs & Prayer this February. Stormzy readily illustrates his versatility within the album, with a mix of gospel, R&B, grime, and hip-hop that transcends just one genre. "Big For Your Boots" heralds old school rap with a fresh sound.

13. SZA

CTRL just dropped in June, and it’s amazing. Within the 14 honest, incredibly relatable tracks, SZA tells the story of a woman learning to love herself. She begins as an insecure, shy girl searching for acceptance and affirmation but by the end, is a force to be reckoned with. What’s absolutely revolutionary to me is how rare it is to hear where the insecurities of unfaithfulness stem. Her acceptance isn’t shameful – it’s regenerative, showing how time and growth intertwine to create a new person.

14. Tank and the Bangas

I discovered Tank and the Bangas when they had the winning submission to NPR’s 2017 Tiny Desk contest. Since February, I have doggedly forced all my friends to listen to her and watched every single video she's in on YouTube. Tank is a vocal powerhouse in flux, always dipping into her never-ending reserve of inspiration. Their sound is something all its own – a funky, jazzy hip hop trip with soul-baring vocals and lyrics completely and totally influenced by New Orleans storytelling. They are absolutely astounding, evidenced by their spellbinding Tiny Desk.