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KC Hip Hop Renaissance: A Historic Moment As KC-based Artists Burst Into National Music Scene

Sleazyworld GO is arguably the hottest upcoming hip hop artist in the country right now after going viral on TikTok with his major hit “Sleazy Flow.”
Images by HeavyZay | Left Photo: Jaebrwn & Sleazyworld Go, Right Photo: Sleazyworld Go

The Breakdown — Sleazyworld GO is arguably the hottest upcoming hip hop artist in the country right now after going viral on TikTok with his major hit “Sleazy Flow.” The hit single set the gun-toting rapper off on a blazing streak that has shown no signs of slowing down. 

After a surprise remix of “Sleazy Flow” featuring superstar rapper Lil Baby, and more recently collaborating with major recording artist Offset, for the much-anticipated “Step 1,” Sleazy has proven his bag and versatility is much deeper than just a 1-time TikTok hit. 

Sleazy has major roots in Kansas City. 

His DJ, Dj Street King, may not yet be recognized nationally, but in Kansas City is known as a street-veteran who has earned his stripes by playing at some of the city’s top events (especially 18th & Vine). It was no surprise when Sleazy secured Street to be his first traveling dj for their current tour. 

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Left Side: DJ Rocky Montana, Right Side: DJ StreetKing

In less than a year, Sleazy is now in talks to be potentially the biggest artist to rep the city in Kansas City history. 

Why the July 4th Concert at T-Mobile Center Marked A Historic Moment and Evolution of Kansas City Hip Hop

On July 4th weekend, Sleazy performed at the T-Mobile Center alongside other major tickets like Rod Wave, Latto, and Moneybagg Yo.

We spoke with RJ, one of Kansas City’s most industry-connected A&R’s/promoters. He runs Comeupseason, the main promotional backing behind the sold-out T-Mobile arena show. He also manages his cousin @dreinaction who is an actor in bmf and part of the 12th Street Boyz.

The Defender: How did y’all pull this big of a show off? Is it any people you want to shout out?

RJ: Definitely, we did this together. Especially @orca_promotions, Rio Entertainment, and @fatboy_ceo, they were all absolutely vital. Without any of them it wouldn’t have been possible. And of course Come Up Season (@frankb_abm, @og__lyfe, @bigd0gg__). Yea it was definitely a team of us. The other people who played an important role in helping us promote it were L’z, Marksmybarber, and we had Dj Rocky Montana. The show ended up selling out. Over 18,000 seats filled.

Left Side: RJ/@LustanHustle, Middle: @frankb_abm, Right Side: @bigd0gg__
Rio Entertainment & @dmariogray

Among the ticket of major rappers was burgeoning Kansas City rap artist D Walk, a fellow upcoming star who was formerly signed to major label Quality Control (the same label as artists like Migos and Lil Baby). The packed crowd knew every word to D Walk’s timeless hit single “Freak Block Tales,” and the performance marked a historic moment in KC’s emerging Hip Hop Renaissance.

Right Side: DWalk

We asked RJ what he thinks this moment means for the city; 

“The shift in potential has been here.” he told us. “We’ve been having the influence to showcase our talents for a while now. Kansas City is definitely up next and I’ve been saying it for a minute. Our determination will guarantee that. But Because of Sleazyworld, this is a pivotal point in our City’s history. He knocked it down for those chasing dreams in the future.”

Defender’s Major: While local media outlets chose to highlight the unfortunate outburst of violence that took place outside and unrelated to the concert, the concert itself was a positive and important moment for our city’s culture. We are excited to see so many young Black artists working together to put the city on the map, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for both Sleazyworld Go and D Walk.

Be on the look out for future Comeupseason events by following comeupseason816_. They have a show coming up Wednesday July 13th, at the Truman Kansas City, featuring superstar rapper Mozzy from Sacramento California.

1 Last Thing – We asked what advice RJ has for up and coming artists who are looking to get plugged in?

RJ: Keep workin, hit me up, Continue to work on your craft and if you got some music send it to me. Don’t let the politics detour you and get in the way of your career. Don’t let it ruin your relationships. I don’t care who you are hit me up, let’s build. I’ll give you my feedback. I would want someone to give me that. So I’m gonna do that for the next.

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