Jul 6, 2023

Why we’re fascinated: Because it’s gator season, y’all. Brooke — aka “Big Gator” — has made her home of Bed-Stuy proud. On New Year’s Eve, she became a viral sensation after unleashing her first smash hit, “Don’t Play With It,” at Future’s sold-out Barclay’s show. Now backed by Arista Records (in collaboration with New York’s Team 80 Productions), Brooke’s making moves, appearing on CBS’s “East New York,” releasing “Da Girls” with Ciara and landing a spot at Hot 97’s Summer Jam. For Brooke, who can hype a packed arena, then freestyle like no one’s business, this is clearly just the beginning. “When I do have control,” she says, “I’ll make sure shit happens.”

— Colin Kirkland