Tea Fannie’s Hip Hop Picks for 2026

Hey y’all, it’s Tea Fannie, back with a roundup of recent hip-hop releases coming out of our city. I’ll be highlighting tracks that feel immediately playlist-worthy while also reflecting the growth, diversity, and creativity of our local scene. At this point, it’s no surprise how strong our hip-hop community is, but now it’s just a game of keeping up with what’s being released. 

If you’ve been to a hip-hop show lately, you already know the scene is bubbling, with packed rooms, hyped crowds, and artists continuing to raise the bar with every release. Narrowing this list down to just five projects was no easy task, especially in a city where consistency and experimentation are literally happening side by side. That said, if these artists aren’t already on your radar, now’s the time to start paying attention.

86 love - Bad Side ft. The Kids & Tinywiings

December 15, 2025

Dropping seven tracks in a single year is no small feat, and it speaks directly to 86 Love’s work ethic and consistency. He’s been steadily carving out his lane, delivering trap-leaning tracks that feel tailor-made for cruising with the windows down, volume up, and no destination needed. There’s an ease to his releases that makes them feel natural rather than rushed, a reminder that consistency isn’t just about output, but about maintaining a clear and confident sound.

I chose the track Bad Side partly because it’s the latest release, but mostly for the way it makes me move. It’s one of those songs that instantly makes you want to bounce everything on your body, head nodding, shoulders rolling, feeling like a boss just walking down the street. I can already picture myself dance-walking down the beach with a boombox on my shoulders. Yes I’m wearing a bucket hat, great question. It’s sexy, carefree, and just flashy enough to make you feel like you’re that bish, even if you’re just running errands. (the song, not the hat)

 Tinywiings - Mentos & Coca Cola

Baddest of the baddest, Tinywiings continues to deliver with the reliability of your favourite postman. Mentos & Coca Cola comes off her seven-track project Target Practice, released November 28, 2025 and with a title that feels especially fitting given how precise and intentional each track sounds. Fair warning: you might be sore from twerking through this whole album. Choosing just one track wasn’t easy, literally every song hits, but Mentos & Coca Cola stood out not just for the name, but for the momentum behind it. She’s about to blow… get it?

Representing for the gal dem in hip-hop, Tinywiings is doing so with confidence, consistency, and style. Over the past five years, she’s steadily released tracks, EPs, and albums, building a catalogue that speaks to both discipline and growth. She delivers the lyricism with undeniable presence, pairing her sound with visuals and sick fashion that always hit just as hard. This is an artist who understands the full package, and executes it effortlessly.

Bijaan - Jungle ft. Junia-T

If you haven’t heard Jungle yet, do yourself a favour and make the video your first listen. It’s a clear marker of just how elevated Calgary’s hip-hop scene has become. From the jump, the track pulls you in and makes you wonder how Bijaan hasn’t been on your radar sooner. If you haven’t caught him live yet, something I had the pleasure of experiencing at Junos 2025 in Vancouver, you’re only scratching the surface of what he brings.

While his catalogue isn’t massive, that’s not for lack of intention. Over the past year he’s been quietly sharpening his craft alongside Junia-T, and with a full project slated for 2026, the city should brace itself. This one feels destined to make serious noise.

The beat hits instantly, and Bijaan’s rooted, beast-mode bars seal the deal. Jungle is essential listening for anyone paying attention to the hip hop movement in the city.

Kquan - Space Jam

Kquan is good at keeping everyone on their toes, dropping four singles and a five-song EP this year alone! His latest, Space Jam, is a must-add to every workout playlist ASAP. This track radiates that “get it by any means necessary” energy, pure motivation in sonic form. And with the Space Jam movie getting a remake in recent years, this track is clearly something the soundtrack missed out on! Personally, I wake up to this one when I need to crush some work or get an instant energy boost.

Kquan is steady building momentum like many of the artists on this list, but he’s also absolutely killing it with local shows. Follow him so you know where he’s popping up live next, trust me it’s always a vibe.

Manni lewd - Villian Eyes

Manni Lewd has been making waves on the scene for a few years now, but his latest track, Villian Eyes, just hits different. And yes, you read that right, villian, not villain. If you know me, you know I love to mess things up a little 😏. Head over to Manni’s IG and he breaks down the track himself, but basically it’s about breaking down social constructs, totally my vibe, so this song speaks to me on so many levels!!

The smooth sample that opens the beat pulls you in immediately, and the moment you hear his voice, he’s already breaking through the audio wall, dragging you straight into the booth with him. His flow is buttery, the lyrics hit hard, and the message? Mad relatable. We all have that inner demon we’re working on… or maybe just pretending to. Villian Eyes is that raw, real, can’t-look-away kind of track you’ll be spinning on repeat.