If You Like Jairic, You’ll Want To Hear These Artists

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and now based in Cannes, France, Jairic is an independent rapper, producer and storyteller whose music brings together the foundations of hip-hop with a much broader range of influences. Growing up in a musical family, he developed an early appreciation for music before beginning his career producing tracks for local Detroit artists. Influenced by the lyricism of Nas and Eminem, the raw energy of Detroit’s underground hip-hop scene, classic funk, ‘60s rock and cinematic film scores, Jairic has developed a sound that moves between hard-hitting rap, experimental production and carefully constructed musical arrangements.

What makes Jairic particularly distinctive is his hands-on approach to his artistry. His releases are self-written, self-produced and self-performed, with his creative vision extending beyond the music into cinematic visuals, film and fashion. His eight-track EP, n=40, released in December 2025 through Rich Air Music, offers a compelling introduction to that approach. Tracks such as ‘Yolo 2 Yoga’, ‘Stick Figaro’, ‘Young, Old, Short & Tall’ and ‘Don’t Let Me Put A Track On You’ showcase his quick-witted lyricism, unconventional production and willingness to experiment with different sounds.

His growing international presence has brought support from publications including Rolling Stone UK, CLASH, EARMILK, WONDERLAND and NOTION, while official remixes by electronic acts KRONO and NERVO have taken his music into new territory. With a major collaboration alongside international hip-hop star French Montana and Detroit rapper Marv Won on the upcoming single ‘Heck 2 Da No’, Jairic continues to build connections across the international music scene.

From the lyrical foundations of Detroit hip-hop to alternative rap, experimental production and electronic crossover, there’s plenty to explore within Jairic’s musical world. We’ve selected nine artists worth adding to your listening list, each offering a different connection to the sounds, influences and creative direction behind his music.

French Montana
His ability to work across different styles and generations makes him an interesting counterpart to Jairic’s independent approach. For listeners discovering Jairic through this collaboration, French Montana’s catalogue offers plenty to explore, from club-ready records to more traditional hip-hop collaborations. Tracks such as ‘No Stylist’ and ‘Unforgettable’ demonstrate the versatility that has helped establish him as an international name.
Listen to: ‘No Stylist’ featuring Drake.

Marv Won
His appearance alongside Jairic and French Montana on ‘Heck 2 Da No’ brings that Detroit connection into focus. While their individual approaches differ, both artists share a connection to the city’s hip-hop culture and an appreciation for the writing and performance at the heart of the genre. Marv Won is well worth exploring for listeners who enjoy sharp bars and unfiltered rap.
Listen to: ‘More’ featuring NORTH NUYORK.

AZ
Jairic has shared the stage with AZ during his European touring run, creating a connection that goes beyond musical influence. AZ’s measured flow, detailed storytelling and ability to make complex lyricism sound effortless offer a different perspective on the qualities that have shaped Jairic’s own approach to rap. For anyone drawn to the writing side of hip-hop, AZ’s catalogue is essential listening.
Listen to: ‘God Body’ featuring Mathematic, Method Man and Wu-Tang Clan.

Nas
Nas is among the artists Jairic has directly identified as an influence, and the connection makes sense when looking at his emphasis on lyricism and storytelling. While Jairic’s production often takes a more experimental direction, that appreciation for thoughtful writing and carefully constructed verses provides common ground between the two artists.
Listen to: ‘N.Y. State of Mind’.

Eminem
Like Nas, Eminem is one of the influences Jairic has named when discussing the music that shaped him. Their approaches are not identical, but there is a shared appreciation for technical ability and the possibilities of lyrical performance. Eminem’s Detroit roots also make him a fitting recommendation for listeners interested in the musical environment that helped shape Jairic.
Listen to: ‘MADARA’ featuring EZ MIL, Neil Kaplan and Hideyoshi.

Machine Gun Kelly
His willingness to move between genres makes him an interesting comparison for Jairic, whose own music incorporates distorted guitars, heavy percussion and influences that extend beyond traditional hip-hop. Tracks such as ‘floor 13’ showcase MGK’s rap foundations, while his later work demonstrates just how far an artist can take a genre-crossing approach. Listeners who enjoy Jairic’s more aggressive and experimental moments may find plenty to connect with here.
Listen to: ‘floor 13’.

A$AP Rocky
The connection with Jairic lies in that interest in creating a complete artistic identity rather than focusing on music alone. Both artists explore the relationship between sound, visuals and personal presentation, while allowing their production to move into unexpected territory. Rocky’s ‘L$D’ and ‘Praise The Lord (Da Shine)’ offer two different examples of the creative range that has made his catalogue so distinctive.
Listen to: ‘L$D’.

Kanye West
For Jairic listeners, the connection is particularly interesting from a production perspective. Jairic’s music often treats the instrumental as an important part of the storytelling, using unexpected textures, contrasting sounds and cinematic arrangements to build atmosphere around his lyrics. Kanye’s work provides a broad introduction to that kind of production-led experimentation, with tracks such as ‘Flashing Lights’ and ‘Black Skinhead’ demonstrating two very different approaches.
Listen to: ‘Black Skinhead’.

HIGHSOCIETY
Taking the list in a heavier electronic direction, HIGHSOCIETY is an especially interesting discovery for listeners drawn to the more aggressive production found throughout Jairic’s catalogue. The connection is less about traditional hip-hop influences and more about energy, texture and experimentation. Jairic’s ‘Stick Figaro’, with its forceful percussion and distorted guitar elements, shows how his music can move beyond familiar rap production. HIGHSOCIETY offers a similar appeal for listeners who enjoy heavy, high-impact arrangements and electronic music that borrows from the intensity of rock and metal. It’s a different direction from the other artists on this list, but one worth exploring.
Listen to: ‘Critical Mass’.

From Detroit’s underground hip-hop foundations to international collaborations and experimental production, Jairic brings together a range of influences while maintaining a clear independent identity. Whether you’re drawn to his lyricism, his cinematic approach to production or his willingness to move between genres, n=40 is a strong starting point for exploring his catalogue. Discover more of Jairic’s music on PLAYY. Music.

AFROTRAX brings international hip-hop star French Montana to South Africa for two headline shows, with Jairic joining the lineups in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. The Detroit-born, France-based rapper and producer brings his distinctive blend of hip-hop and experimental sounds to the event, sharing the stage with a major international headliner and some of South Africa’s leading musical talent. The Cape Town show takes place at The Ostrich Farm on Friday, 4 December, before AFROTRAX moves to The Canvas in Johannesburg on Saturday, 5 December. Catch Jairic live in South Africa and secure your tickets through PLAYY. Music.

Stream Jairic on Spotify:

EVENT DETAILS

AFROTRAX CAPE TOWN

Date: Friday, 4th December 2026
Venue: The Ostrich, Cape Town
Time: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Headliner: French Montana

AFROTRAX JOHANNESBURG

Date: Saturday, 5th December 2026
Venue: The Canvas, Johannesburg
Time: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Headliner: French Montana

TICKETS

Tickets and VIP packages will be available exclusively through PLAYY.

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