CHI PRIDE: KIDD KENN

Windy City rapper Kidd Kenn made history in 2021 when he became the first openly gay rapper to hop in a BET Hip Hop Awards cypher. Notoriously cutthroat, the annual rhyme roulette gave the 19-year-old a perfect platform to smoke the competition, so much so that he went viral. Rocking electric-blue hair and a personality to match, Kidd Kenn undoubtedly impressed those who wanted to write him off simply because of his sexual orientation. But much like Lil Nas X, the Kidd isn’t concerned about someone trying to stop his rainbow flag from flying.

Now based in Los Angeles, the 4th & Broadway/Def Jam artist is ready to sally forth. After landing a placement in a Target x NY Pride ad online in 2021, Kidd Kenn capitalized on the mounting momentum by continuing to pump out colorful and oh-so-sassy singles such as his latest, “Body.” Part homage to his hero Nicki Minaj and sprinkled with a dash of Megan Thee Stallion’s unabashed bravado, the track bristles with attitude. With his next EP, Grown, expected to arrive this summer, Kidd Kenn plans to bring that “bad bitch” confidence into a new chapter. Let Hot Kidd Summer commence.