Met Gala Music Debuts We're Manifesting

The Met Gala is undoubtedly fashion’s biggest night. But the first Monday in May has long been one of music’s favorite moments as well, bringing out some of

While we can consistently rely on a Rihanna and A$AP Rocky appearance – at the eleventh hour, at that – and carpet cameos from almost-routine regulars like Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, and Doja Cat, there are a handful of stars we’ve never seen grace the Gala. Tyler, the Creator has notoriously strayed from fashion’s most coveted carpet, along with fellow fashion-forward rappers Young Thug and JT.

Ranging from a mid-rollout Drake to fresh-off-the-runway underground talent like fakemink and Nettspend, we’ve rounded up some musicians whose debuts tonight would actually make sense.

Drake

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Why it makes sense: With ICEMAN just 10 days away, tonight seems like the perfect night for The Boy to step onto the Met carpet…

JT

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Why it makes sense: JT continues to establish herself as a force in the fashion space, her past year riddled with even more archival music video moments, editorial shoots, and custom pieces.

fakemink

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Why it makes sense: The leading new face of the UK underground scene has taken the entire global music scene by storm, already catching the attention of A-listers in both music and fashion, having nabbed a personal invitation from Demna to attend Gucci’s recent Paris show – and perform at the afterparty.

Tyler, the Creator

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Why it makes sense: As one of the modern era’s most fashionable musicians, every year Tyler, the Creator continues to stay off the Met Carpet is a surprise. Between his Marty Supreme press junket styling, his DON’T TAP THE GLASS apparel, and other GOLF WANG ventures, the past year has been a fashion-centric one for the musician.

Young Thug

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Why it makes sense: Last year, still somewhat fresh off his release from prison, Thugger stepped out to just the Met Gala afterparties, donning full Basketcase. Hopefully, this year, with a studio record out since his release, he’ll take to the actual carpet.

070 Shake

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Why it makes sense: Another fashion-forward face we’re shocked we haven’t seen on the Met steps. A proponent of adhering to no one’s standards when it comes to personal style and a recently named Dior brand ambassador, Shake’s affinity for the fashion space leveled up this year, setting the stage for a potential Met debut, perhaps.

Latto

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Why it makes sense: Latto used her Big Mama album announcement to double as her pregnancy reveal; the album is now just a few weeks away, and as we know, the Met steps have high potential for any sort of baby bump-related news…

Playboi Carti

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Why it makes sense: Once considered one of the most elusive rappers of the modern era, Playboi Carti has, over the past year, continued to align himself more closely with the mainstream limelight since the release of MUSIC. Maybe this will finally be the year that the Met Gala makes it onto his agenda.

Nettspend

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Why it makes sense: One of fashion’s favorite Gen-Z stars racked up another high-fashion runway cameo this year (Demna’s Gucci Fall/Winter 2026 showcase), while finding his way into the most important streetwear rooms and conversations. The Mark Hotel seems to be a room Nett would be in…

J. Cole

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Why it makes sense: We can’t help but hope for this one every year.

Dijon

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Why it makes sense: Prior to Baby‘s release, the Met Gala would never be something we’d expect Dijon to go anywhere near – but ever since his more front-facing era, ushered in by the drop of his second studio album, he’s used the stage to show off his no-frills, but definitely dialed-in personal style, assisted by none other than his wife, stylist Joanie Del Santo.

Max B

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Why it makes sense: If we learned one thing over the summer, it’s that the Max B return tour knows no bounds. After a year filled with fashion campaigns and collaborations, the Met Gala might be his next stop.

Yeat

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Why it makes sense: Still riding the high from ADL’s recent release, we could totally envision Big Tonka rocking his signature bell chain on the carpet.

Don Toliver

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Why it makes sense: OCTANE seemed to mark a new chapter for Don Toliver – not sonically, but in terms of his artistry as a whole. Fashion became a focus for Toliver, as he leaned into styling to cement the album’s creative world.

Victoria Monét

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Why it makes sense: Revered for her on-stage style and landing atop many an Awards Show Best Dressed List, Victoria Monét has surprisingly never stepped out to the Met. Earlier this week, she cleared her Instagram feed and then returned, revealing her graduation from culinary school and advising us all to “tune in.”

North West

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Why it makes sense: With her debut EP N0rth4evr out now, all eyes are on North West as she begins to forge her own creative path as an artist. Not to mention, there’s Met Gala greatness in her lineage.