You don't name your debut album Something Awesome without being able to back it up. This New Zealand MC went about it by using throwback boom-bap to fuel his soulful rapping style and personal lyrics. He gave away his follow-up Rose Tint for free on his website and over 50,000 people took up the offer, where they heard him maintaining his minimalist vibe but expanding his lyrical palette, whether writing a kiss-off to an ex or a heartfelt ode to his family. The world started taking notice of Dallas as a result—he moved to New York and four of his songs featured on TV's Entourage.