Hip-hop music continues to be a leading genre throughout the world and together with a renaissance in R&B music in recent years, these two genres continue to impress. But behind the Drakes, Kendricks, Summers and SZAs, there is a whole crop of DIY independent artists on the rise and popping up daily with quality music that rivals their major-label counterparts. During this series, we’ll be bringing you 10 new releases to check out from the stars of tomorrow.
10k Kobee
Hailing from Chicago, 10k Kobee has been going from strength to strength since bursting on the scene a couple of years ago. Previous release “Vlone” was streamed over a million times, and the independent rapper looks set to have his biggest release yet with “Without My Tool”, which has already begun generating huge buzz and reactions online. The track arrives alongside an equally impressive music video produced by No More Heroes. Influenced by the likes of Eminem and Busta Rhymes, 10k Kobee immediately stands out on “Without My Tool” with his ability to switch flows and with his animated delivery – both on the track and during the music video. Enhanced further with its catchy lyrics and a gritty beat full of heavy bass and bouncing 808s produced by ProdByTr4nce, “Without My Tool” has all the makings of a bona fide hit.
Kyle Trippy
US singer, rapper, producer and songwriter Kyle Trippy has released his new single, “Out Of My Mind”, an enthralling track that makes a huge impression on first listen. “Out Of My Mind” gives a taste of Kyle’s forthcoming project, which is expected soon, and arrives with accompanying self-directed visuals. The video uncovers the first part in this 3-part story of a toxic relationship following previous videos “No Attachment” (part 2) and “Restless” (part 3). Showcasing Kyle’s broad repertoire of talents, the self-produced track highlights his silky smooth vocals, impressive storytelling abilities and his accomplished production skills, with Kyle opting for a mellow and dreamy R&B soundscape that will no doubt draw listeners in instantly.
G Peoples
Rising US rapper G Peoples has returned with his new single, “High”. Starting the year off on a high, the track follows on the back of a string of well-received releases from the Dallas, Texas rapper throughout 2021, such as “Shine” and EP Mind of the Times. Building his fanbase with each release, G Peoples looks set to continue his growing momentum with “High”. The track is the first taster of his forthcoming album, Eccentric Escape, which is due for release this spring. Proving what an exciting addition he is to the hip-hop scene, “High” stands out immediately with its infectious production and positive message. Enhanced further by G Peoples’ smooth cadence, thought-provoking storytelling and clever lyricism, “High” makes for a truly captivating listen, and it’s a track that will no doubt encourage and inspire listeners in the midst of what has been a challenging two years for everyone globally.
Jordan W. Carter
Fast-rising Atlanta rapper Jordan W. Carter has unveiled his new single, TORTOISE, HARE, AND SMOKEY THE BEAR, and accompanying visuals. The single is a standout track from his latest EP, Mr. Fun & Games, and sets up what will surely be another impressive year for the rapper, who is now based in Brooklyn, New York. A classically trained musician that has been making music since Kindergarten, Jordan showcases just why he’s so special on TORTOISE, HARE, AND SMOKEY THE BEAR. Switching flows effortlessly throughout the track, it highlights Jordan’s dynamic and varied cadence as well as his impressive lyrical abilities, with his clever wordplay and punchlines standing out immediately. Strengthening the track further, the music visuals see Jordan oozing with star quality as he charismatically performs for the camera alongside friends.
Bri 333
Chicago R&B singer Bri 333 has unveiled her brand-new single, “No. 9”, a stunningly smooth downtempo track that makes a huge impression on first listen. Having only debuted officially in 2020, the independent artist has already begun to amass a following from her previous singles, such as “Under Pressure”, and she looks set to propel her rise even further with this new release. With her gorgeous and silky vocals merged with a dreamy R&B beat, “No. 9” is Bri 333’s strongest release to date and decisively marks the rising talent out as one to watch.
L’S810
US rapper L’S810 has unveiled his new album, Requiem Of A Black Man. The project tells a tale of traveling to a parallel universe and returning with a higher consciousness. It hears the Flint, Michigan rapper having communication with himself in these parallel universes as he begins to have a stronger grasp on life. Armed with production from ConnorChillOut, Wahyo and Tumbo, L’S810 (alongside featured artists such as Joey Cool, Jon Connor and Messo) delivers his best and most candid project to date. The project is led by new single “Better Than”, a mellow hip-hop track that highlights L’S810’s impressive lyricism and smooth cadence, as well as the stunning vocals of featured artist Holli.
Austin Fox 狐
Rising rapper Austin Fox 狐, who hails from Virginia, has debuted his phenomenal new album, Ranger396v, a vibe-seducing 16-track collection of classic-sounding, authentic hip-hop about triumph, love and betrayal. It follows his 2020 debut project ESCAPE FROM TELEVANIA that produced the memorable “OUTIE.5K” (feat. Henry AZ) and “Autobahn” (feat. Tedy Andreas). Ranger396v also has a range of carefully selected featured guests, including Adé Hakim on standout track “Self Serve”. Inspired by the likes of MF DOOM, Capital Steez, and Earl Sweatshirt, it’s clear – whether solo or in collaboration – Austin Fox 狐 is an artist on the rise to watch out for and someone with a huge future ahead.
CKENT
Fast-rising Atlanta rapper CKENT has unveiled his brand-new EP, Blapman, an eight-track collection of straight-up authentic rap, which he appropriately describes as “all bars, no feats”. Having already experienced success with several previous releases, including “All Stars Freestyle” alongside Lil Yachty, the independent rapper looks set to continue his impressive run and reach new heights with the Blapman EP, which is supported by single “Domestic Tour”. Driving in his own lane with a strong vision of how he wants to present his talent and creativity to the world, CKENT is a fresh, dynamic and much-welcomed addition to the hip-hop scene and is undoubtedly an artist to watch out for.
Marshall Harner
Rising singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Marshall Harner has returned with his new album, When the Night Was Just the Time When We Could Fall Asleep. The album follows the release of the brilliant self-produced lead single “Weather” featuring Ben Tsakopulos. Hailing from Gaithersburg, Maryland, Marshall has been steadily building his fanbase with a string of well-received releases over the past two years, such as last year’s Daydream, and the new album looks set to continue his momentum and kickstart what promises to be an exciting year for him.
Casper D Goat
UK artist Casper D Goat has arrived with debut single “Doing the Most” (feat. Odysi). Produced by Neiman Brown and JustAcoustic (James Jarvis), who has co-written and produced for Ariana Grande (“Positions”) and Summer Walker (Still Over It), “Doing the Most” makes a huge impression on first listen. The track is taken from Casper’s newly released debut EP, Heartbreak on the Dancefloor. The south London newcomer perfectly showcases his versatility on “Doing the Most”, with the track stirring elements of Afro-pop, R&B and rap. Infused with catchy melodies, smooth vocals and a memorable anthemic hook primed for radio that will no doubt be fixed into everyone’s head after just one listen, it stands out immediately and sets Casper D Goat up for a great year ahead.
