Song: What You Gon Do?

Age: 17
Hometown: Claymont, DE
Ray’s music is inspired by an era of hip-hop when women were respected more for their skills on the mic than the shape of their bodies. She writes about social issues that she observes in her community and aims to change people’s lives through music.

Song: Make Your Move

Age: 15
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Icee Jake has been writing, recording and producing his own music since age 12. A fan of underground hip-hop, Jake has plans for a career in music as an artist, producer or engineer.

Song: Represent

Age: 15
Hometown: Brockton, MA
Lil Witness uses his lyrical skills to glorify God, a purpose that has driven his performances nationwide. A rising star in gospel rap, he wants to show the world that "we don’t have to be profane to be entertained."

Song: Think About It

Age: 16
Hometown: Montgomery, AL
Jamaar is a trained drummer who started rhyming after cousins pushed him into freestyling. He’s also a peer mentor, honor roll student, and avid hip-hop scholar who sees being a hip-hop artist not as an occupation but a way of life.

Song: Fairy Tale

Age: 16
Hometown: Derwood, MD
The youngest of six, Victor has been writing since middle school and says he feels music in his soul every day. This track was inspired by his troubled past and how it will affect his future plans.

George Clark a.k.a. Chaos
Song: Turn the Music Up
Age: 15
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Chaos is one half of the rap duo Young Duece, alongside comrade Previn Ricks Jr. a.ka. PJ. Only 15, he is a dedicated musician who writes and produces.

Anthony Heard
Song: On Top of the World
Age: 17
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Anthony is a well-rounded student of hip-hop culture — an MC, graffiti artist and breakdancer. Still in his teens, he has already started a label called Ya Heard Records for local Philly artists.

Brittney Whittaker a.k.a. B-Dangerous
Song: Wat It Do
Age: 16
Song: What It Do
Writing since age 13, B-Dangerous raps about overcoming her life’s struggles as a way to motivate her peers. Equipped with an enthusiastic personality and a passion for music, she plans to have her songs heard around the globe.

Landyn Pittman a.k.a. Landyn Jackson
Song: Closer
Age: 17
Hometown: Detroit, MI
A high school senior, Landyn was a varsity player on his school’s basketball team before leaving sports to pursue music. Always on the grind, he has participated in numerous talent shows and musicals, and he’s also active in his father’s church.