KA$HAUN details his come-up in the DMV rap scene

Written by: Xavier Serrano

Local DMV rapper KA$HAUN is pictured wearing headphones for a headshot (Photo courtesy of KA$HAUN).

Local underground artist KA$HAUN discusses his journey as an emerging rapper on Nov. 25, 2025. Following the release of his debut album “PAPER TRAIL$,” the artist aims to expand his outreach.

Keshaun Esper, 22, better known by his stage name KA$HAUN, was born in Silver Spring, MD, on Oct. 19, 2003. He discovered a love for music at an early age when his father taught him how to create beats, which sparked his interest in rapping.

KA$HAUN started rapping during his freshman year of high school, receiving support from his family. The rocket would be strapped to KA$HAUN’s back as he dropped his debut album, titled “PAPER TRAIL$,” in 2025.

Since then, he has consistently released singles, including “Cross It,” “Kookies & Ka$h,” and his infamous “Dwerk Anthem.” KA$HAUN has spread his name by performing at the open mic nights at the Galactic Panther venue in Alexandria, VA.

“The venue we did the show at, we were able to get it because we previously would do open mic nights there every Sunday, so we had that prior relationship,” said KA$HAUN.

The DMV community serves as a platform for artists to build their identities and network. KA$HAUN did exactly that with his close musician friends, including Aryeh Stone, Peace.Godz, Djin, and Bonyon. Together, they worked on a collaborative album that took nearly two years to complete.

KA$HAUN’s sophomore album, “UWANNA MAKE SOME KA$h” marks his first time working with a producer outside of his usual collaboration circle. 

“I ended up working with a producer outside of my collaboration circle, +uwanna!. The producer, he kinda just found me. He DM’d me on IG [Instagram], and then I gave him my number. He started sending me beats, and we went from there,” said KA$HAUN.

The rapper continues to develop his craft as a versatile artist, producing beats for himself and others. He cites influences such as Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, and Future. 

The artist has announced future plans, determined to strike while the iron is hot, excited to satisfy the eager supporters that he’s gained. 

“As for anything else from me, imma keep posting my content daily on all my socials,” said KA$HAUN. “I will be creating my merch page for a lot of my solo music. We already have merch out for the “How to Spend Your Ka$h in Peace” album if you want to check that out. I’ve been back in the studio just working on songs, so hopefully another single from me as well.”