D Sturdy loves a balancing act. The young Philadelphia-raised rapper is living one right now, navigating his place as a member of the rising rap group Philly Goats with his skyrocketing solo career. Still, even as his nimble raps make him a star in his own right, his loyalties and allegiances lie with the trio that features his brother and their dear friend; he’s taking care of his crew above all else. He started rapping alongside his bandmates a few years back, messing around in the studio before realizing that he possessed a tremendous gift on the mic. Sturdy’s new single, “Against the World,” from his forthcoming Trendsetter project for Def Jam, proves he deserves to be one of the most in-demand rappers of 2023. Coupled with his background as a serious dancer, D Sturdy has channeled his love of rap into a singular voice that has quickly taken over the rap game through his solo work and the near-omniscient presence of Philly Goats on TikTok, Spotify playlists, and beyond. But it's his maturity that his trajectory so tantalizing. D Sturdy is a remarkably assured 18-year-old whose even-keeled demeanor will serve him well as he continues to take over the rap world. Already at the forefront of a number of trends, D Sturdy is as much a tastemaker as he is a superstar MC. Everything he touches turns to gold, which is quite a gift—but one he doesn’t take for granted. “I’m gonna keep going until I get the credit I deserve,” he says. “And I’m taking my team with me.”