In an era flooded with rappers who only seem to be getting younger, the 15-year-old Bronx star Smooky Margielaa stands out. He’s emerged in a cluttered New York rap environment, where artists and collectives from every borough are striving to become the next Bobby Shmurda or Cardi B. Amid the competition, Margielaa’s got a rare ability to render emotionally resonant AutoTuned melodies in sharp detail. Margielaa credits his style to the West African music he encountered during his youth. His dad is the famous Malian musician Abdoulaye Diabaté; This experience lends a depth to his music lacked by many of his peers in the realm of teen-centric internet rap. In 2016 Margielaa caught the eye of A$AP Rocky, who took him on as a protege. Margielaa’s relentless energy on tracks like “Bahamas,” off the A$AP Mob project Cozy Tapes Vol 2: Too Cozy, have solidified his place as one of the most exciting acts in the nebula of young New York City talent.