For Fans Of: Kevin Gates, Boosie Badazz, YoungBoy Never Broke Again
Fredo Bang
Having created the underground and street-rap hit-of-the-year with the Drego collaboration "Bloxk Party," Sada Baby stands poised to be one of 2019's most-watched up-and-comers. With his hometown of Detroit at a creative peak it hasn't experienced in several years, he also stands side-by-side with Tee Grizzley as its biggest potential crossover-success stories. With videos for songs like "A Pimp Named Drip Dat" and "Ghetto Champagne" racking up millions in just a few months and several highly-anticipated records -- including a collaborative project with fellow Motor City up-and-comer FMB DZ and music with West Coast hero Mozzy -- on the way, Sada Baby stands moments away from the center of the spotlight.
For Fans Of: Tee Grizzley, Migos, Sauce Walka
Sada Baby
Houston has a rich history in hip-hop but Megan Thee Stallion could be one of the biggest new acts to come out of the city since Travis Scott. The 22-year-old MC, who was born and raised in the south side of H-town, combines an immaculate rapid-fire flow and an unfiltered directness that has drawn the attention of fans all across the internet. Videos of her killing her male competition in cyphers and her no nonsense bravado have empowered women listeners plus garnered fans from all demographics. Megan Thee Stallion is pound-for-pound one of the best new rappers coming into 2019.
For Fans of: Trina, Kash Doll, Dreezy
Megan Thee Stallion
It’s insane to think that Yellow Days is only a teenager. The talented UK artist, born George Van Den Broek, may well be a prodigy. He’s been making music professionally for just two years, however, he’s been glued to a guitar since he received one for Christmas at age 11. His musicianship and ability to tackle complex issues like depression, anxiety and politics within his songs is beyond his years. Harmless Melodies and Is Everything Okay In Your World? are a wonderful display of the bottomless potential he has; it's only the tip of the iceberg.
For Fans of: Homeshake, Rex Orange County, King Krule
Yellow Days
Jack Harlow is the poster child for progression. Since his 18 and the Handsome Harlow EP in 2016, to 2017’s Gazebo tape and finally 2018’s stellar major-label project Loose, the Louisville native has steadily improved as a rapper, with the latter being secretly one of the best put-together body of works of 2018. Harlow falls in line as a prototypical contemporary rapper, but showcases an aptitude to rap and sing with a unique drawl that bleeds freshness with each record. With Generation Now, an Atlanta label run by DJ Drama and Don Cannon, Harlow has the foundation and talent to become a solid name in music.
For Fans of: J.I.D, EarthGang, Rexx Life Raj
Jack Harlow
Roddy Rich makes music for the everyday listener who’s fighting for the future they want. His records spark an emotional response that resonates so astoundingly, it's difficult not to think the songs were made for you personally. Born and raised in Compton, Ricch sounds like no other Los Angeles rapper you ever heard before, and he’s already been catching the eye of superstars such as Nipsey Hussle and Meek Mill. Momentum has been rising fast, starting with the 2017 Feed Tha Streets mixtape, then 2018 four-track EP Be 4 Tha Fame, but it was the breakout single “Die Young" that displayed his full talent. Most recently, Roddy Rich released his impressive second installment to Feed Tha Streets, an album you’ll have trouble turning off.
For Fans of: Meek Mill, YoungBoy NeverBrokeAgain, Kevin Gates
Roddy Ricch
YNW Melly has the unique ability to make some of the most menacing songs sound like a love ballad. “Murder in My Mind” is a perfect example, it's a tragic tale about Melly’s close friend dying in his arms and although the content is terrifying, you can’t help but think how fantastic Melly’s voice is while listening to record. The Florida rapper establishes his talent on his debut full-length I Am You, showcasing his vocal range and ability, while his newest album We All Shine, cements his staying power. With superstars like Kanye West among his collaborators and a voice that is distinct as we’ve heard in recent years, YNW Melly is an easy choice for any list of artists to watch.
For Fans of: Young Thug, Lil Durk, Skooly
YNW Melly
Summer Walker will be a star. It’s really not a question if it’s going to happen, it's when. The singer from Atlanta has the charisma, songwriting ability, style and voice to be the next big R&B superstar and most importantly, she has the perfect team around her. Her label LVRN, which stands for Love Renaissance, signed a joint venture with Interscope because of its indie success with acts such as 6LACK, Raury and DRAM. Summer Walker has the potential to be the label’s biggest act ever. Her debut project, Last Day of Summer, is one of the best projects of 2018, intensely resonating with new fans because of the music’s brash seductiveness; the album is intoxicating. Her momentum has grown organically and the hype has been building fast, jumping from 500,000 monthly listeners to over 2 million monthly listeners in a little over a few months. Summer Walker is one Hot 100 song away from being on your TV screen.
For Fans of: SZA, H.E.R., Queen Naija
Summer Walker
It’s understandable to be cautious of the hype around Dominic Fike. How is this young Florida kid the centerpiece of a label-bidding war for millions of dollars if he only has six songs out online? While little is known about Fike, his Don't Forget About Me, Demos EP should quiet any doubts around his talent. The project kills and could mark the ushering of a new indie star, delivering with excellent production and insane replay value. The next big step is his live show, which music lovers are patiently waiting for. If he crushes that, Dominic Fike will be playing in front of sold-out shows for the foreseeable future. “King of Everything” in particular is one of the best songs of 2018, evoking nostalgia for the 1990’s indie rock era.
For Fans of: Weezer, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Travie McCoy
Odie has quietly released one of the best debuts in music in recent years. Quite frankly his stellar Analogue full-length is one of the best projects of 2018, meaning this kid could be something special. Front-to-back, the project from the 21-year-old artist meshes a number of genres together forming a sound that is completely his own but can still appeal to a diverse audience. Born in Montreal and raised in Toronto by Nigerian parents, what stands out is his ability to freely communicate complicated feelings around fraught topics such as religion (“Little Lies”), love (“Northface”) and so much more. Analogue is an easy and enjoyable project created by an exciting artist with limitless potential.
For Fans of: Kid Cudi, Childish Major, SiR
Dominic Fike
ODIE
New Gen is HYPEBEAST’s new series that spotlights the most promising up-and-comers in the music game. Every season, we will highlight some of the most talented and/or buzzworthy new artists from all corners of the globe, across all genres.
After one of the busiest years in music history, we’re just a month into 2019 and things are already starting to ramp up. A number of artists have emerged over the last few months that have put themselves in contention to be the future stars of tomorrow. The streaming era is in full swing, allowing artists from around the world to go from bedroom musicians to overnight stars. Below are 15 of the most promising up-and-coming artists you should check out for Winter 2019.
Fifteen artists to put on your radar during the winter.
New Gen Winter 2019:
Baton Rouge's Fredo Bang currently only has one major studio project under his belt and he's just a few months into his newly-gained freedom, but he's already caught the attention of the streets and the internet. With several million streams and views already in his resume, the fast-rising Da Real Gee Money -- who passed away in September of 2017 -- affiliate is his city's favored up-and-comer and its most versatile rising act. Songs like "No Mo" show his penchant for soul-searching narratives and music-as-medicine melodies; his debut full-length is full of the street-savvy records that brought YoungBoy Never Broke Again to rap's top spot; the success of "Oouuh" proves he has a one-of-a-kind ability to reach all sides of the hip-hop and R&B spectrum.
AzChike
For Fans of: YG, SOB X RBE, E-40
LA's AzChike stands firmly at the forefront of a modern West Coast rap-renaissance, having helped bless his area with a type of fresh, exciting creativity that hasn't been seen since YG transitioned from jerking and "Toot It and Boot It" to mainstream magazine covers and Barney's shelves. Virtually every song he's put out in 2018 has had the potential to be a regional hit, having gone on to soundtrack parties and filled up cruising playlists across the West. Alongside fellow AzCult members AzSwaye and AzBenzz, he’s a large part of why West Coast hip-hop sounded like it did in 2018. Now in the same R Baron-helmed camp that brought us the ascents of Drakeo the Ruler and 03 Greedo, AzChike is just one big record away from becoming his state's next headlining star.
Lil Dude
For Fans of: 21 Savage, Gucci Mane, Migos
Alongside his close friend, musical affiliate and fellow DMV underground king Goonew, Lil Dude has created a signature style that's being imitated as much as Valee's. Mixing together calmer-toned vocals with agile, breathless flows, the "Trapnana" originator slithers across menacing, bass-heavy beats as if every new record is a freeform sonic experiment. In the same fashion as Atlanta superstars Young Thug, Gunna, Future and Lil Baby, Lil Dude uses his voice as an instrument, adding unconventional, psychedelic twists and turns to raw street music. As the codeine-coated melancholy of recent releases like “Magic” and his experimental, progressive approach to production prove, he also holds the type of of versatility that almost guarantees longevity. With his cult following expanding beyond the boundaries of the underground, expect his next run of videos and projects to quickly catapult him to new commercial heights and critical breakthroughs.
Blueface
For Fans of: 03 Greedo, Young Thug, YG, Gucci Mane
Say what you will about his "unconventional" -- to say the least -- delivery, Blueface is one of hip-hop's most impressive recent success stories. Swiftly propelled to his side's top spot thanks to the astounding organic explosion of "Deadlocs," "Thotiana" and "Respect My Crypn," the fast-rising LA rapper has turned head-spinning and polarizing viral triumphs into a meteoric rise that could be compared to Migos after "Versace." Adding fuel to the fire: Drake is a huge fan, Quavo has been spotted in the studio with him, DJ Mustard has popped up at his recording sessions and a YG collaboration out now.
1TakeJay
For Fans of: YG, Nipsey Hussle, RJ
Ever since listeners were given a taste of what it was like to live a "day in the life of a player named Quik," the West Coast has always been hip-hop culture's foremost supplier of party music -- whether it was bottle-breaking, beat-down-your-block records or smooth cuts that feel at home in the middle of a Sunday night session with Art Laboe. Carrying on that proud, substance-streaked tradition, 1TakeJay has become the latest hero for his coast's nocturnal set. Separating himself from the pack, the slick-tongued proponent of the fast life blends together tightly-wound flows, 200 mile-per-hour energy and the playfully-arrogant shit-talking of like-minded regional cohorts like Drakeo the Ruler and Blueface. As raw snippets of future releases go viral within hours and the views of his videos near the million-mark, 1TakeJay stands as one of his scene's most promising new acts. If he continues at this pace, superstardom is inevitable.
Japanese Breakfast
For Fans Of: St. Vincent, Grimes
The solo project of Michelle Zauner, Japanese Breakfast has racked up millions of views and listens in recent months thanks to the act's genre-agnostic approach to experimental indie, rock and alternative. Zauner's Japanese Breakfast project has received a flood of critical acclaim since its inception, and Zauner herself is also an award-winning author. Japanese Breakfast blends together various cultural influences from around the world, connecting with listeners on levels outside of just the usual sonic bonds. While many have noted contemporary rock's lack of innovation and creativity as of late, Japanese Breakfast stands as one of the most forward-thinking, progressive acts in that field. Breaking boundaries on all sides, Zauner's solo effort stands poised to be one of indie's biggest forces in 2019.
