Chaz French

Hailing from the recently bubbling DC rap scene, Chaz French dropped Happy Belated last October, a 13-track mixtape that marked him as a pacesetter in the District. Urgent and vigorous on the mic, French flips nimbly between blunt boasts and introspective tales of self-improvement and family. It’s this latter side that starts to separate French from the pack; he’s open about his appreciation for the strength of his single mom and his passion for providing a great life for his daughter. At a time when contemplation is paying off (Drake, J. Cole), French’s honesty might really be the best policy. If his debut is any indication, he’s got plenty to say, and it’s a safe bet more and more people are going to listen.