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.
Jessica Nicole Brown
Rising US recording artist and songwriter Jessica Nicole Brown has returned with her new single, “Single Forever”. A student of Jon Bellion, Musiq Soulchild and Lauryn Hill, Jessica’s breadth of talent is on full display, with the track highlighting her candid and relatable songwriting and knack for infectious melodies and mesmerising hooks. Combining these qualities with her sweet, honeyed vocals, it’s a winning recipe that gives her huge appeal and ensures she stands out in the crowd. The self-composed track arrives alongside a picturesque self-directed music video that depicts single life and elevates the song even further.
Kaidy Superville
Kaidy Superville has unveiled her latest single, “Disclosure”. Although only releasing music since 2019, the Brooklyn-born artist, who originally hails from Grenada, has made a strong entrance into the music scene with her sultry Caribbean-influenced R&B, as heard on previous tracks such as the popular “Gold”, and she looks set to take her career to new heights with her latest release. Infused with island sounds, poetically powerful lyrics and a rhythmical head-bopping beat perfect for dancefloors, the track is an instant winner and will surely be capturing many people’s attention over the coming months as it becomes increasingly evident that Kaidy Superville is a star. “Disclosure” is lifted from the rising artist’s forthcoming EP, Unconditional.
Banggz
With the release of his latest single, “Who’s Gassing Who?”, Nigeria-born, Canada-based rapper Banggz commands the spotlight and makes it known he’s an artist to watch out for. Located in Ottawa, Banggz already sounds like a seasoned pro on the track, hinting at his expertise when it comes to producing music – he often approaches his music endeavours singlehandedly. Responsible for writing, performances and production, Banggz is doing an impressive job so far of using his ever-growing catalogue to showcase his musical prowess, as can be heard on self-produced “Who’s Gassing Who?”
AdamTx
“Kickback” is lifted from rising rapper AdamTx’s newly released EP, somewhereintexas vol. 1. Based in Houston, Texas, AdamTx has been going from strength to strength since arriving on the scene in 2016 with debut EP Worthless, and he looks set to take his career to new heights with “Kickback” and his latest EP. With vibey and hypnotic lo-fi hip-hop beats and AdamTx’s smooth cadence, “Kickback” stands out immediately. Enhanced further by its memorable hook and AdamTx’s impressive lyricism and storytelling abilities, the track’s replay value is undeniable and will surely draw in many new fans for the talented independent artist.
ODXC
Fast-rising producer ODXC has returned with his brand-new EP, In the Dungeon: Chapter Two, a six-track collection that incorporates the captivating fusion of drill, hip-hop, grime and R&B that the producer from Tottenham, north London, has become known for. The project sees the talented producer shine a light on future stars and collaborate with a host of different artists and vocalists from around the UK. And when the artists are paired with ODXC’s dynamic and versatile genre-spanning productions, it makes for a fascinating listen from start to finish. The project is led by new grime single “R T R Freestyle”, which features north London MC Ben DSP.
MANGM
Rising UK rapper MANGM has dropped his latest single, “Bonnie & Clyde”. Hailing from Leicester, UK, MANGM made his impressive debut back in 2019 and has been steadily rising ever since with a string of successful independent releases, but “Bonnie & Clyde” looks set to be his biggest single yet. What’s immediately noticeable is his versatility and ability to switch between his fast and furious cadence in the verses and the smooth melodic vocals during the track’s anthemic chorus. Capped off with a memorable trap-infused production and an accompanying music video directed by VIP (@shotbyvip), “Bonnie & Clyde” shows MANGM in his element and uncovers a star in the making with a huge future ahead.
Danny Aro
Connecticut singer, rapper and songwriter Danny Aro has uncovered his latest single and first release of the year, “999!”, which is a tribute to one of Danny’s influences – the late rapper Juice WRLD. With already well over a million streams accumulated as an independent artist, “999!” continues Danny’s increasing momentum for what looks set to be a great year ahead. Fusing hip-hop and indie-pop-punk, Danny’s versatility and appreciation for various genres result in a song with enormous appeal that sounds original and fresh and has all the right elements to catapult his career to new heights.
Adri Ray
US recording artist Adri Ray has shared her new single, “For You”, a stunning ballad that leaves a huge impression on the first listen. Hailing from Southern California, Adri has been dazzling audiences with a series of well-received releases since arriving on the scene in 2018, and the rising artist looks set to keep her momentum going with this latest release, which is lifted from her forthcoming EP, Spinnin. “For You” is led by striking piano chords that allow Adri’s gorgeous and emotive vocals to take centre stage. The track is elevated further by its hypnotic melody and Adri’s candid lyrics that were based around the fear of losing someone, which – like many of her tracks – many people will be able to relate to. An instant winner that will surely captivate listeners, “For You” marks out Adri Ray as one to watch in 2022.
Raisxn
Raisxn is a rising artist in Ireland’s underground hip-hop scene. Hailing from Dublin, the 21-year-old rapper/singer/songwriter has just unveiled his new single, “Misconception”. The track is lifted from his forthcoming mixtape, Misguided Adolescent, which is due for release on April 25th and dives into the psyche of a misguided youth on a path to self-discovery. Having been writing songs since his childhood, Raisxn demonstrates the full breadth of his musicality on “Misconception”. Infused with an irresistible hook, a gripping production and Rasixn’s impressive cadence and refined lyricism, the track proves exactly why he’s an artist with a huge future ahead.
Ty Rise
Rising singer, songwriter, producer and visual creative Ty Rise has released his new single, “Stop Me”. The LA-based newcomer got off to an impressive start last year upon releasing his debut EP, My Own, with the independent release already accumulating in excess of 100,000 streams on Spotify alone, and he is on track to build on this number with “Stop Me”. The single also arrives with an accompanying self-directed music video. The vibrant and fast-paced visuals, which show Ty driving through the Mojave Desert, California, complement the track’s high-octane production and are sure to impress.
