August, Haze, and Bixy Among 2026 Top Ten
By: Dennis Richmond, Jr.
On Monday, July 13, 2026, I posed a simple question across social media, “Who are the top rappers from Yonkers in 2026?” The response was immediate and overwhelming. Close to 1,000 votes poured in through comments, tags, direct messages, and text messages, demonstrating just how passionate the City of Yonkers is about its music scene.
To be clear, this project was never intended to rank or compare the city’s legendary figures. Artists such as DMX and The L.O.X. have already cemented their places in Hip-Hop history, and their legacies remain untouchable. Instead, this initiative focused on the current generation of artists, those who are actively creating music, building audiences, and shaping the sound of Yonkers in 2026. Similar to how XXL Magazine has successfully highlighted emerging talent through its annual Freshman Class, this project sought to spotlight the artists who the people of Yonkers are talking about today.
After carefully reviewing nearly 1,000 votes submitted across multiple platforms, identifying just 10 artists proved to be no easy task. Every tag represented a vote, every direct message reflected support, and every recommendation helped paint a picture of who is capturing the city’s attention this year.
While the complete Top Ten list will be unveiled in the coming days, three artists have already emerged as clear selections based on the public’s response, August Rush, Philly Haze, and Bixy2Trendy. Like the seven other artists who earned their spot, these performers have demonstrated consistency, dedication, and a growing impact within Yonkers’ music community. Their selection reflects the voices of the people who participated in this community driven project.
It is also important to recognize the incredible depth of talent throughout Yonkers. The city is home to hundreds, and perhaps even thousands, of rappers, singers, producers, dancers, and entertainers spanning multiple generations. Narrowing that talent down to only 10 names was never meant to diminish anyone else’s work or potential. Rather, this list serves as a snapshot of the artists who generated the strongest public support during this particular moment in time.
The remaining members of the 2026 Top Ten will be introduced individually across social media before being featured through interviews, special content, and newspaper coverage celebrating their artistry and contributions to Yonkers’ vibrant Hip Hop culture.
Dennis Richmond, Jr. (@NewYorkStakz) is a journalist, historian, and educator from Yonkers, NY. He writes to uplift unheard voices, honor history, and inspire change.
