Chicago Rapper Thirteendegrees Redefines His Sound in 2025 Mixtape

As of October 16th, 2025, Chicago rapper Thirteendegrees has released his first project on Island Records, titled BLACK FRIDAYZ. The mixtape marks an important course correction for the rising artist, who no longer wants to be seen as a "gimmick" by his detractors.

Thirteendegrees is at the center of a wave of nostalgia in the rap scene, where artists born after the Bush administration are co-opting the swag of the late 2000s and early 2010s. However, Thirteendegrees is seeking to articulate his own unique style, drawing from the influences of artists like Young Thug and the broader Chicago music landscape.

The mixtape features tracks like "Da Problem Solva," which was an internet hit earlier this year. This song, along with others on BLACK FRIDAYZ, showcases Thirteendegrees' ability to recontextualize the stylistic language of Thug and incorporate Chicago touchpoints to create a catchy, melodic sound with room for substance.

Thirteendegrees frames his music as an alternative to the city's drill scene, providing a much-needed reprieve from the chaos of artists like Playboi Carti. By harvesting a bygone era to develop entirely new styles, Thirteendegrees sets his music apart from the endless assembly line of rage rap variants dominating the underground landscape.