Katie Got Bandz

In Chicago's drill scene, where catchy refrains collide with gangsta narratives, Katie Got Bandz established herself as a leading voice. Born Kiara Johnson and raised in the city's Bronzeville district, the rapper was still an 18-year-old juggling fast-food shifts and coursework at Truman College when "I Need a Hitta" erupted online during 2012. Her cousin Donta Moye, operating as producer BlockOnDaTrack, had encouraged her to begin rapping, resulting in their debut joint effort being uploaded to the web in late 2011 amid her drive-thru duties. The track's rapid spread eliminated any need to continue serving burgers and secured its inclusion on the L.R.A.D. Chicago compilation alongside cuts from Haleek Maul, Supreme Cuts, and fellow contributors. During 2013 she issued the single "Ridin' Around and We Drillin'" together with the mixtape Drillary Clinton, while 2014 brought the release of "Pop Out" featuring King Louie.