Carolinas on the Rise 2 | Carolina music expands

2019 is when the world took notice of the Carolina music scene. Renni Rucci dropped a banger with Lil Yachty “Cold Hearted,” Stunna4Vegas put out what so far has been the best music of his career and DaBaby had just signed his deal with Interscope and took off with the hit “Suge.” 

In 2020 The Carolina music scene is still producing some of the best music in the industry while also being home to the hottest rising indie acts. We predicted the rise of DaBaby and Stunna, here’s why Toosii, SauxePaxk TB, and Kaio Kane are up next

Carolina music

Before jumping into the article check out season 2 of the ThriveCast. In this episode, we discuss our thoughts on two projects that will push the Carolina music scene forward.

Toosii

Thrive Indie has been covering the 20-year-old MC for a while now and honestly, his potential has always outshined his music. However, with his new album Platinum Heart this is not the case. The intro “Why you think” sets the tone for the whole tape. A woman’s voice slightly blares full of soul as he raps about walking over bodies and changing his ways. Pain and confidence are the words I would use to describe the project. In “Sky’s Red” Toosii transitions back to his singing ways, however, the atmosphere is dark and moody.

“I think I’m in love whenever the sky’s red. Think I love when the sky’s red.”

“Sky Red” Platinum Heart- Toosii

The entire project is an intriguing dive into his thought process with peeks into his day to day struggles. A relatable and genuine piece of work.

SauxePaxk TB

There’s no one quite like Paxk in the industry. Unique delivery, comically clever bars, and a bright personality. He’s on the rise in the Carolinas and his project HARDER THAN YO DADDY along with co-signs by E sudd, Dj Chuck T, and more are sure to bolster his profile. HTYD is his debut project and it proves that he’s a rising force. Potentially, he can be as versatile as the late XXXTetacion and Lil Uzi.

As his career progresses I would love to see what he could do with different musical influences. Only time will tell but my money’s on Sauxe Paxk having a long successful career in this industry.

Kaio Kane

Another artist who has been mentioned on the site before, Kaio Kane is different from the other artists we have mentioned. Though popular in the state he has no big names pushing him or his music and he is not signed (as far as we know) to any label, independent or otherwise. However, Kaio is extremely resourceful. His name and music are always in the mix. He makes beats, leads his own promotional campaign, and has been consistent year in and year out. With this Slyde Drexler tape, he has separated himself from the other emerging acts in the state. Tracks like “Azul Hunnidz” and “Draco Gang” are our standouts. Kaio dropped visuals for his single “Roll up my Dope” 3 months ago and is sitting at 3K on youtube.

All three projects are available on all streaming platforms. Comment your favorite track from each one below.