COLLEGE PARK, Maryland — “Perennially underrated.” “Triumphant underdog.” These are just a few phrases used to describe Washington D.C.’s Shy Glizzy, a rapper who has the ability to “soundtrack what life is like in one of rap’s most underrepresented national regions.”
Many people were introduced to Shy Glizzy and his “artfully pressurized style of mouth-music.” through his daring Chief Keef diss track played over a Keef beat. A bold introduction that he was going to make a name for himself on his own terms.
Fast forward a few years to when he spit a verse on the DMV hip-hop anthem Crew, a song that allowed for three DMV musicians to take this song to the national stage. Watch as Goldlink, Shy Glizzy and Brent Faiyaz perform the track on Jimmy Fallon.
Glizzy even has the Beyoncé stamp of approval.
Shy Glizzy is part of this wave of talented DMV hip-hop artists bubbling into the mainstream, taking signature D.C. sounds and styles with them on their artistic journey.
The Washington Post wrote about his style, saying “that elegance, that unhurried steadiness — it’s a D.C. thing. You can hear it in last year’s “Crew,” an odd-couple duet between GoldLink and Shy that felt frictionless enough to go platinum. You can hear it in Wale’s sauntering contribution to “No Hands,” a guest verse from 2010 that became his trademark. You can hear it in the go-go music that perpetually pitter-pats out of open car windows at nearly every stoplight in the city.”
It’s the honoring of the DMV’s musical past that will continue to propel this area further into present day mainstream.
And speaking of honoring the DMV, Shy Glizzy is very public about his support for local sports teams.
You can catch Shy Glizzy opening for Gunna on his Drip or Drown 2 tour across the U.S.
And with a new project that just dropped, we’re excited to see where Shy Glizzy is headed.
New project coming April 19th titled “COVERED N’ BLOOD” #GG pic.twitter.com/bYatWdNDwX
— Jefe (@ShyGlizzy) April 13, 2019
With Shy Glizzy, one thing is clear: no matter what, the DMV will always show him love.
Check out some of Shy Glizzy’s work below.
Editor’s note: some songs may contain explicit content.