rap

Rapper Jamel Thompson, better known as The Royal Chief, got his start in Atlanta learning about the industry and even ghostwriting for Kanye West. He came back home to Kansas City in 2017, and now works to advance the music industry here

Joseph Isaac overcame his own obstacles to become the most popular artist from Kansas City in years. His songs depict the tragic bloodshed caused by an ongoing plague of violent crime, and earned him a spot in XXL magazine's Freshman Class of 2023.

Kansas City has its share of popular rappers, including Tech N9ne and Amira Wang — but few of them are middle schoolers. This local fifth-grader is making kid-friendly rap music that’s just as cool as the adult stuff.

He may not be a household name in his hometown yet, but The Pradagy wants to share his Kansas City roots with the hip-hop world. After a decade hiatus, he’s hoping some recent successes could help him do just that.

Meet two rappers who prove it's never too early or too late to take that first step on a musical journey.