If we have learned anything from history, it’s that times of great suffering produce amazing art. 2020 saw some of the music industry hit a temporary pause at the onset of the pandemic, we ended the year with some artists finding their way through to release some truly amazing new music. Heading into 2021, this set-in “new normal,”—music industry without live events—will see aspiring new artists with a narrower, less defined, path to gain new fans. A class of talent armed with only the digital space as their launch pad, we’re bracing ourselves for a year of some truly remarkable art from artists who will surely make their mark on this year. These are your 2021 Artists to Watch, according to our staff.
Arlo Parks
Standout track: “Black Dog”
Arlo Parks’s music was a definitive part of my 2020, and her debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, isn’t even out yet (January 29). Her style of soul is the warmest thing I’ve ever heard. – Steph Evans, Managing Editor
Asha Imuno
Standout track: “SIX PACK”
Fresh off one of the most versatile albums of the year, Asha Imuno is a name to watch, as he has barely scratched the surface of what he is capable of. – John Peterson, Contributing Writer
AUDREY NUNA
Standout track: “damn Right”
AUDREY NUNA had a breakout year in 2020. I can just feel she’s getting some work together for this upcoming year that will solidify her as a household name. – Steph Evans, Managing Editor
BBKnight
Standout track: “Major Leagues”
After signaling his arrival in 2018 with “Zines,” BBKnight proved he was here for the long haul in 2020 off the strength his acclaimed full-length release, Industry’s Unaccepted. With his new project set to drop on January 6, expect to hear BBKnight’s name amongst many conversations in 2021. – Ashton Howard, Contributing Writer
Charmaine
Standout track: “BOLD”
Toronto rapper Charmaine made her official Warner Music Canada debut with “BOLD.” The accompanying music video places the artist’s unique style and effortless charisma at the forefront, demanding respect as the “Queen of the North.” – Hayley Tharp, Contributing Writer
DCG Brothers
Standout track: “Mmhmm”
Comprised of three brothers from Chicago, the DCG brothers are putting a mainstream spin on the drill sound that has defined Chicago’s last decade and a half. – Ashton Howard, Contributing Writer
Flo Milli
Standout track: “Weak”
Flo Milli is an absolute firecracker of a rapper, delvering hectic and braggadocios bars of a seasoned rap vet at just age 19. Her powerful vocal presence and ease of delivery will quickly make her a household name in hip-hop. – Max Pasion-Gonzales, Contributing Writer
Foggieraw
Standout track: “U Can’t Be My Baby”
Foggieraw is the most promising DMV-act to watch in 2021. The PG County independent rapper has a captivating style and confidence that once is understood, is contagious. No worries. This year, there will likely be a Foggieraw project in your hands. – Gregory Castel, Contributing Writer
Kaelin Ellis
Standout track: “SHOES”
One of the hottest up and coming producers in the hip-hop/R&B world. Fresh off a strong year that saw the release of the collaborative House project with Lupe Fiasco, expect Kaelin to continue his upward trajectory as he continues to gain recognition and placements. – Max Rosenfield, Contributing Writer
Kaleb Mitchell
Standout track: “FOOL”
After going through many tribulations and challenges, Def Jam-signee, Kaleb Mitchell is prepared to finally unload a parade of music. New Jersey has produced another fantastic multitalented artist and the world will soon here what he truly has to offer. – Gregory Castel, Contributing Writer
Kee Riche$
Standout track: “Tell Me”
To be fair, “Tell Me” is a far cry from the rest of the Compton native’s output of fast-paced gangsta rap. Instead, it highlighted the exact kind of versatality needed to break into the upper echelon of the genre. – Ashton Howard, Contributing Writer
Kenny Relax
Standout track: “Therapy”
Earning his keep by way of songwriting, Kenny Relax jumped off the porch in 2020 and proved exactly why his pen is a go-to for some of your favorite artists. “Therapy” is five minutes of mentally stimulating rap music, no hooks, just bars. – Ashton Howard, Contributing Writer
Knucks
Standout track: “Jubilee”
As British rap becomes more mainstream, look for London rapper Knucks to emerge as a leading artist of the movement. – Kalen Murphy, Contributing Writer
Li 9
Standout track: “Summer Tings”
Blending hard-hitting trap with pop interpolations is something that was just crazy enough to work, if Li 9 is able to further carve out a niche in the rap genre then we could see a meteoric rise for the young rapper. – John Peterson, Contributing Writer
Nana
Standout track: “L.A. Times”
His debut Save Yourself was an impressive project with finely tuned production and of course Nana’s powerful lyricism. One of the most promising up and coming rappers in L.A., expect more greatness from Nana in 2021. – Max Rosenfield, Contributing Writer
Liv.e
Standout track: “Lessons From My Mistakes… but I Lost Your Number”
Liv.e’s latest project Couldn’t Wait to Tell You… is not quite like anything you’ve ever heard. Her stylish vocal style is at the forefront with diary entry-like lyrical passages and she is accompanied by some otherworldly (and captivating) production work, suggesting that Liv.e has a bright future ahead. – Evan Crandell, Staff Writer
MAVI
Standout track: “selflove”
Intoxicating, beautiful beat selection and the lyrical word-play to match. All MAVI needs is exposure, if anything. His 2019 Let The Sun Talk is already the type of work that you’d expect from a veteran and if his blesses us with an album in 2021, it’ll be essential listening. – Nathan Whittle-Olivieri, Contributing Writer
Navy Blue
Standout track: “With Sage”
Despite making noise for a while now, Navy Blue definitely seems to be continuously evolving. His off-the-beaten-path jazzy style and evocative lyrics make him an artist to watch. – Jacob Saltzberg, Contributing Writer
Pa Salieu
Standout track: “My Family”
Pa Salieu had a breakthrough year in 2020. Upon the release of his single “Frontline”, EVERYONE wanted to get him on their radio show. His swagger and flow mixed with the slick production meant his sound was a refreshing mix of hard UK rap and upbeat Afrobeat grooves. His subject matter stays very much to his street roots, but with collaborations with some of the UK’s hottest artists, it’s only a matter of time before Salieu becomes a worldwide name. – Mike Wood, Staff Writer
Pooh Shiesty
Standout track: “Monday to Sunday”
Atlantic Records hopeful and Gucci Mane protegé Pooh Shiesty has only a handful of singles out now, including “Back in Blood” with Lil Durk and “Monday to Sunday” with Lil Baby and Big30. Closing off the year with hard-hitting features with some of rap’s rising stars (Hotboii, Slatt Zy, Lil Loaded), Pooh Shiesty has only upwards to go in 2021. – Madeline Quach, Contributing Writer
Seddy Hendrinx
Standout track: “45”
Out of all the fresh newcomers going into 2021, Seddy Hendrinx is one that hitting next year with the most momentum. Following two consistent projects and signing to Atlantic, the Duval rapper is overdue for a new full-length that’ll really showcase the reason why he’s next up. – Kalen Murphy, Contributing Writer
Shygirl
Standout track: “Slime”
Shygirl’s creativity and daring are admirable. She has shown a lot of potential with the experimental styles of her past few records and is an artist that constantly excites. – Jacob Saltzberg, Contributing Writer
Tkay Maidza
Standout track: “Shook”
The australian newcomber brings sharp bars, bold experimentation, and shining confidence to her hip-hop crossover sound. She is well on her way to being a household name in the exciting expirimental vocal canon of the new decade. – Max Pasion-Gonzales, Contributing Writer
Yung Bleu
Standout track: “2 AM in Houston”
Yung Bleu is just one of the latest talent to emerge from Alabama. His love for lust-filled romantic and melodic riffs made hits like “You’re Mines Still” and “2 AM in Houston” so infectious. – Kalen Murphy, Contributing Writer
Zach Zoya
Standout track: “Slurpee”
The Canadian rapper successfully balances not taking himself too seriously while also showcasing his effortless rhyme talent. – Hayley Tharp, Contributing Writer
Zayland
Standout track: “St. Thomas”
Zayland is a versatile artist with various strengths; whether that’s a laid back R&B track or an upbeat rap song his soulful approach seems to strike gold with everything he touches. His versatility positions him for an exciting year in 2021 as he looks to follow up his first full length album, From Texas, With Love. – Max Rosenfield, Contributing Writer
