John Givez

John Givez counts southeast greats such as OutKast and Anthony Hamilton among his inspirations, but the rapper and singer was born and raised in southern California — Oceanside, to be specific — and is a Christian artist. He draws from his spiritual upbringing and the turbulent environment in which he grew up, relating everyday struggles while dispensing positivity. Among his early releases are The Little Engine That Could, Mind Over Matter, and Four Seasons. Soul Rebel, released in 2015, was a breakthrough; it debuted at number ten on Billboard’s rap albums chart. Also a frequent collaborator, Givez has appeared on tracks by the likes of cousin JGivens, Beleaf, Ruslan, Swoope, and Serene, among others. ~ Andy Kellman