Since being described by Complex as Trap’s Newest Star, the buzz surrounding Toronto’s Shah has spread beyond Atlanta, where his career was launched by institutions like Magic City. Shah’s most powerful growth has been in the South, beginning in Miami, where Shah was introduced by his DJ Swamp Izzo, Cash Money Records’ official DJ. In December during Art Basel, Shah was regarded as one of the most influential rappers of Miami Art Week. Shah’s official SXSW debut provided one of SXSW 2019’s most memorable rap moments.

Shah is just the newest member of the guild of Atlanta rappers - which includes Gucci, Future, and Migos - to be propelled to local stardom by Magic City and regional stardom by Swamp Izzo. Shah’s regional presence is driving his national growth in 2019, and follows the trail blazed by Atlanta rap legends. However, Shah’s movement is also expanding in a way that hasn’t previously been seen in rap: his rapidly growing fanbase in South Asia. Despite never having performed there, his growing Indian stardom marks another new 2019 development for Shah. Shah’s foreign influence can also be felt in Europe, where his first international tour took place this spring.