The Best Male Artists Under 25 Of 2023
As Gen Z's most-talented male artists finally reach 25-years-old, a new wave of young singers enters the music industry. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes still remains the reigning Gen Z king of pop; but 2023's diverse male roster of 24 and under musicians ultimately gives the past few years' A-listers significant competition for GOAT status. Whether you're into alternative, hip-hop, electropop, punk, R&B, or country music, these male artists under 25 are bound to find their way onto your next playlists. Versatile rapper Lil Nas X continues to dominate the Billboard charts and collaborate with many of today's hottest artists; and 2022 XXL Freshman Nardo Wick is ready to take the rap world by storm. Hip-hop moguls YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Baby Keem consistently deliver premium content across their records and featured tracks; and Justin Bieber's Australian protégé the Kid LAROI finally plans on dropping his highly-anticipated debut studio album KIDS ARE GROWING UP this year.
Which trending Gen Z male singers are you most excited to see live, and whose records are you currently listening to? Vote below for the best male artists under 25 of 2023, and be sure to also check out their top new songs afterwards.
The Kid Laroi, born Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard on August 17, 2003, is a rising Aussie hip hop star making major waves stateside. With his distinctive vocals and melodic flow, the 20-year-old rapper and singer has quickly become one of the hottest new talents in the game. After getting his start releasing tracks on SoundCloud, Laroi hit it big in 2020 with the smash hit "Without You," showing off his signature heartfelt lyrics and pop-punk inflected sound. Fresh off collabs with Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus, the tattooed teen heartthrob dropped his viral bop "Stay" with Bieber last summer, followed by even more angsty bangers like "Thousand Miles" in 2022. With his star firmly on the rise, there's no doubt this talented, emo-inspired artist is just getting started.
Montero Lamar Hill, or as you likely know him, Lil Nas X, is a tour de force in the music industry. Born April 9, 1999, this boundary-pushing artist is rewriting the rulebook on genre. A mashup of pop rap, hip hop, and let's not forget some twangy country rap vibes, he’s got all bases covered seamlessly. In recent years, Lil Nas X has been pumping out tracks that are not only earworms but also cultural touchpoints. Don’t tell me you haven't got "Industry Baby" or "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)" permanently tattooed on your brain. Then he shook up 2022 with "STAR WALKIN'," confirming that he's got his finger on the beat of the zeitgeist. It's clear this 24-year-old artist isn't just a flash in the pan—he's here for the long haul.
Conan Gray, an American pop singer and songwriter, first lit up the music scene when he was just a teenager. Born in Lemon Grove, California, on December 5, 1998, Gray’s music journey kicked off with him sharing vlogs, covers, and original songs on YouTube. He managed to capture the hearts of listeners with his unique sound, eventually leading to a record deal with Republic Records in 2018. Known for his pop genre masterpieces, the 24-year-old artist has released some killer tracks in recent times. In 2022, his album Superache spawned some stand-out hits like "Memories," "Family Line," and "The Exit." Moreover, he has been keeping the vibe alive in 2023, with the release of "Never Ending Song." Conan’s ability to uniquely and honestly reflect life’s truths in his songs has positioned him as a firm favorite among pop music enthusiasts.
Tione Jayden Merritt, better known as Lil Tjay, is slaying the hip-hop scene with his trap and drill vibes. Born April 30, 2001, in The Bronx, New York, Tjay's got the rhythm of the streets flowing through his veins. His artistry started to explode in 2017, and he's been going full throttle ever since. This 22-year-old hitmaker has been turning heads and moving feet with his latest jams from the 2023 album 222. Hits like "Gangsta Boo" and "Stressed" are painting the town with fresh verses and infectious beats. With his strong dynamic flow and undeniably catchy melodies, Lil Tjay is charting his path in the competitive world of rap and hip-hop.
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, famously known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, has been dropping tracks like it's hot since he first burst onto the scene. This Baton Rouge native, born on October 20, 1999, is a frontline soldier in the rap battlefield, spitting out verses that reverberate with the intensity of his experiences. With his unique blend of southern hip-hop, trap, and drill, he's been heating up the charts. His 2023 tunes "B**ch Let's Do It" from the album Richest Opp and "I Need to Know" from Don't Try This at Home, are just prime examples of the caliber of bangers this 23-year-old fires out. With his rhythmic genius and lyrical storytelling, YoungBoy is constantly reminding us why he's "Never Broke Again."
Born on October 22, 2000, Hykeem Jamaal Carter Jr., better known as Baby Keem, is an influential figure in the American hip-hop scene. With a successful career that brings a unique vibrancy to the genre, Baby Keem has gained recognition for his collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on the song “Family Ties” from his 2021 album The Melodic Blue. Other hits from this album include "Booman" and "Vent." Born and raised in Carson, California, the 22-year-old rapper brings a voice into the industry that echoes with authenticity, merging relatable narratives with innovative beats in a way that's distinctly his own.
