Is the internet erasing the line between underground and mainstream? 

Atlanta may be known for lemon pepper wings, but the city’s hottest export right now isn’t on a plate; it’s a new generation of underground rappers ready to take over your playlist. From a city that continues to shape the genre’s sound and culture, rappers like diamond* and Teezus are making waves throughout the country. By mixing booming, loud production with clever flows and hooks that will have you yelling “Øwayy” all day, this duo delivers the kind of adrenaline that demands to be played at full volume.

So, here’s what you should know about these upcoming stars: diamond* and Teezus founded the Øway collective, which is the love child of Xavier Anthony’s 4ET collective and Teezus’ Phønk Dølla Wørldwide crew. 4ET included artists like Southsidesilhouette, Diorvsyou, and Rollin Thrax. With the release of “ØWAY CYPHER” on YouTube on January 1st, the 13-member group put its star power and versatility on display, earning over 201k views and 10k likes. According to Teezus, ØWAY is much more than just a label; it’s a way of life, a community, and a brotherhood. The Ø means “against oppression,” and they are all about artistic freedom and expression without judgment. You’ll hear it as an ad-lib in almost every song, and quickly you’ll start to understand how this group is changing the rap game right now. 

Tracks like “Duality” (diamond*, Teezus) and “JOTP” (featuring Sk8star, EA TJ, and Lil Righteous) showcase exactly why diamond* and Teezus are gaining momentum. Their music has a chaotic element, making it perfect for a drive down the highway or a challenging workout. Personally, I love playing it on my drive to work to start my morning with a bang. 

Thanks to social media, streaming platforms, and online fan communities, the music industry’s path to success has changed. Their breakout single, “Bada Bing Bada Bøøm,” came out in July of last year and now sits on a throne of over three million Spotify streams. Footage of the duo performing the song at a club in Atlanta found its way to Young Thug. In an effort to rebrand his YSL label with a focus on the next generation of underground artists, he co-signed diamond* and Teezus at ComplexCon 2025. There’s something so exciting about living in the digital age where the rules of discovery have been rewritten, and a talented artist can go from obscurity to everyone’s playlists overnight. 

Pick any interview, and you will see this pair is all about having fun, and their passion for making music runs deep. In an interview with the YouTube channel Kids Take Over, they mentioned going straight to the studio after a show to record, and said that the first time Thug flew them out to California, Teezus stayed in the studio with him until eight in the morning. I would stay that long too if I were with THE Young Thug! What stood out most in Teezus’ response was his emphasis on being a lifelong learner, or someone who stays open to learning and absorbing everything he can from the professionals around him. That mindset fuels long-term growth, and if they keep approaching their music with that level of curiosity and openness, there’s no doubt this duo has a bright future ahead of them.

Gathering inspiration from some of the greats of the game, including Young Thug, Future, Tupac, Lil Wayne, and Chief Keef, Teezus says that like them, he’s here to stay in the music game for life. He wants to be that 50-year-old, dragging his feet, singing “Øwayy.” He is committed, to say the least. In an interview with YouTuber Kevlar Jenner just two months after signing with YSL, the duo said they look up to icons such as Michael Jackson, James Brown, Tupac, and Jimi Hendrix. It’s no wonder their music is so eclectic and full of energy and passion. If you haven’t heard of the Øway collective yet, you have now, so take a listen. 

And the cherry on top…in an era where music videos are making a comeback, Teezus and diamond* are definitely capitalizing on that. Their music video for “Duality,” directed by Kai Chu, opens with a brief scene of the two chatting about how their “Scooby” isn’t strong enough anymore. They need something better. We then follow them on a quest to find some “Scooby” that will make them feel like they’re on cloud 9. We hear the song start to play as the duo has officially made it to La-La Land. Here in this fantasy land, the meaning behind the title “Duality” is finally revealed; diamond* flows with confidence in his calmer, more melodic voice, dressed in a full white suit with matching sunglasses (absolutely dripped out).

Through YSL, Thug has helped introduce a new generation of Atlanta talent, and fans have high expectations for future albums and performances. “Duality” now has over 700,000 streams on Spotify, and the music video has 295k views on YouTube. What makes these artists stand out isn’t just the streaming numbers; it’s the energy. Whether it’s a packed festival crowd or a small club show, they perform like they’re already headlining arenas. The collective gained even more momentum after their high-energy performance at Rolling Loud 2026, where their electrifying stage presence left a lasting impression. That confidence is exactly what has made Atlanta artists impossible to ignore for decades. If you have the chance to catch diamond*, Teezus, or any member of Øway before venues get bigger and ticket prices climb, take it. 

Looking ahead, Young Thug just announced that his upcoming tour, the “New Generation Tour,” is set for fall 2026. And he’s taking his new crew with him. The Øway collective will be hitting the road with Thug, and that includes Teezus, diamond*, 1300Saint, iyrus, Yume, and Lil Unky. Everyone, get excited and get your wallets ready!