Why we’re fascinated: Because, bar for bar, he has the skills to become one of the greats — and the discipline to go with it. The independent Brooklyn-based spitter (by way of Norfolk, Virginia) recently released an impressive EP, “Prescribed Overdose,” which features Virginia hip-hop legend Pusha T and stunning visuals to accompany the music. Now Al-Doms is bracing for tour and wrapping up a new project, slated to be released later this year. On his standout track, “Sincerely,” Doms raps, “You’re either the n—a you know you are, or find out you ain’t who you think you is.” Al-Doms, an artist full of healthy hubris, knows which he is.

— Curtis Rowser III

Why we’re fascinated: Because Reverend Vince’s weekly concert at Union Pool is equal parts Joe Cocker, John the Baptist and a sweaty good time. By day, he’s the music and artistic director at Bushwick Abbey, a queer-friendly Christian community, and runs their Tiny Purple Pantry. By night, you might see him dancing (possibly naked) onstage every Monday in Williamsburg. This year he added a new line to his resume: movie star. Anderson is the subject of Brooklyn filmmaker Nick Canfield’s stellar documentary “The Reverend,” about his 20-year residency at Union Pool.

— Joshua Encinias

Why we’re fascinated: Because Baeza creates affecting dreamscapes that explore immigration and the struggle to survive. While some curators have tried to pigeonhole Baeza’s work as solely a reflection of his undocumented status (he was born in Mexico), they are missing out on the full scope of his talent and creativity. Prominently featured in this past year’s Venice Biennale with his large-scale, uncannily alluring paintings of foliage bursting from human heads, Baeza has also recently showed in London at the Maureen Paley gallery and is currently an invited artist-in-residence at the Getty Research Institute. Not content with taking over the art world, on August 9 he will take over bus stops too, with his new works titled “Unruly Forms” to be displayed in thousands of bus kiosks across all five boroughs, Chicago and Boston.

 — Jessica Robinson

Why we’re fascinated: Because there are very few people in the world we would want narrating a two-hour meal for us. But Balogun, the chef and affable host at this acclaimed Nigerian restaurant in Bed-Stuy, is definitely one of them. Because as good as the food is at Dept. of Culture — the place was just nominated for a James Beard Award for being among the best in the city — it’s Balogun’s stories that precede each course, whether about his family, his childhood in the Nigerian state of Kwara, or the many different cuisines of his native country, that make this such an unforgettable night out.

 — Scott Lynch

Why we’re fascinated: Because Balingit first made a splash in the thick of pandemic, when the Filipino American culinary guru started selling pasalubong (“souvenir” in Tagolog) treat boxes bursting with delicious desserts around town and donating proceeds to those affected by Covid. Today, the gastro genius inspires thousands of followers on her unique Instagram account and through her excellent cookbook, “Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed.”

 — Anna Rahmanan

Why we’re fascinated: Because this writer and artist deftly dissects the commonalities and differences between the worlds of art and politics. Bishara, who is Palestinian, has written for Hyperallergic, Euronews and Al Jazeera, among other outlets. His position as co-director of Soloway Gallery in South Williamsburg also reflects his overall worldview: Run by artists, the space sheds light on works usually overlooked by more prominent museums across town.

— Anna Rahmanan

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

Why we’re fascinated: Because Bui, born in Vietnam and educated at Philadelphia’s University of the Arts and the New York Studio School, is a bulwark of the New York art world and beyond. Bui founded the acclaimed “Brooklyn Rail,” a monthly print magazine distributed for free across the city that has spawned sister projects like “The Miami Rail” and the publishing press Rail Editions. Bui himself has curated some 60 exhibitions. In 2008, he began a portrait series depicting colleagues and collaborators with pencil softness and startling clarity. A selection of those appeared at the latest Frieze art fair in Los Angeles with Craig Starr Gallery. Whenever this enigmatic polyglot walks through the door you can bet people in the room are angling to get a minute of his time.

— Vittoria Benzine