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 article series, take a deep dive into 10 new independent releases from the stars of tomorrow within hip-hop, R&B and related urban music genres.
Joose The Conqueror
Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Joose The Conqueror is a rapper and co-founder/member of the rising artist collective and independent label AGO Music. Having already accumulated millions of streams thanks to hits such as “Bounce”, he’s firmly established himself as an artist to watch, and he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. The talented artist recently teamed up with frequent collaborator Sango (Frank Ocean, Wale, GoldLink, Smino) for “Pinky Ring”, which showcases his impeccable flow and sharp lyricism. And when paired up with Sango’s laidback hip-hop production, it makes for a fascinating listen and will no doubt help continue Joose The Conqueror’s impressive rise.
ZeXzy
Born and raised in Benin City, Nigeria, and now based in Lagos, ZeXzy made his huge music debut only last year but has already firmly established himself as an artist with a huge future ahead. An independent artist, ZeXzy has quickly amassed millions of streams, including two million streams on Spotify alone for last year’s hit single “My Mind”, and he looks set to reach even greater heights with the release of “Obsession”. With catchy melodies, an infectious hook and hypnotising silky-smooth vocals from featured artist Natasha Gartner, the track has all the right elements to be another hit for ZeXzy and proves just why he’s one to watch.
ANTICALM
Rising rapper ANTICALM is ready to make himself known as one of the most distinctive voices from the UK with his ferocious debut single, “Bobs n’ Bits”. The destructive blend of raw and playful storytelling delivers a fresh take on modern rap alongside his production partner Samuel D. ANTICALM is assured as he delivers his tongue-in-cheek lyrics, whilst the futuristic production hooks in the listener with a caustic blend of heavy bass and piercing synths, which gives the track its distinct edge. It’s forward-thinking, chaotic, rowdy and powerful. Simply put, ANTICALM just may be what the UK rap scene is in need of.
Nikki Taylor
Nikki Taylor is a US recording artist with a soulful voice and an ability to connect deeply with her audience through hypnotic vocals and lyrics that tell stories, as can be heard on her latest single, “Fake Luv”. The track will inspire confidence within listeners through its empowering lyrical themes about discovering self-worth. Packed with sticky melodies, entrancing vocals and a memorable hook, Nikki is onto something special with this latest release, which is arguably her best to date.
AMIRAH
AMIRAH is an independent artist with a talent for writing infectious tunes and relatable narratives. Being the avid storyteller that she is, the LA-based singer, who is originally from Malaysia, is greatly influenced by real-life experiences and hardships, where the majority of her inspiration derives from, allowing her to evoke strong emotions within her listeners, as demonstrated on new single “Silently”. The track immediately commands attention from the first listen with its dark and gritty R&B production, which provides the perfect backdrop for AMIRAH’s versatile vocals – at times sugary sweet and at other times delivered with rap-like bravado. Only her fourth official single, it’s clear AMIRAH is an artist worth paying close attention to.
Kennyflowers
Kennyflowers is a rising artist hailing from Chicago. Following the release of debut single “Butterflys” in 2019, the independent self-made artist has been quickly growing his fanbase with a series of soothing and captivating R&B singles, including “Fireball”, which has surpassed one million streams on Spotify alone. And Kenny looks set to continue his ascent with latest single “Anonymous Girl”. Showcasing his vocal prowess and range, Kenny’s voice on the track is crisp and soulful, with his silky falsetto particularly striking. Boosted further by Danny Dwyer’s mesmerising production and Kenny’s candid lyrics, the track really highlights what a special talent this Chicago native is.
Jedbrii
Jedbrii is a singer/rapper from Canberra, Australia. Since arriving on the scene in 2018, Jedbrii has released a series of singles that have garnered attention, and “Play”, his first release of the year, will no doubt be any different. One of the most versatile artists out there, he started off making hip-hop but now dabbles in everything from funk, trap, drill and D&B to neo-soul, R&B and pop. With Jedbrii’s smooth singing vocals fused with his impressive rap flow, “Play” has immense appeal and puts the spotlight on an artist with a promising future.
Rachel Kerr
2022 has seen multi-award-winning UK recording artist Rachel Kerr unveil her debut album, Masterpeace. More than a debut album, Masterpeace reveals Rachel’s most authentic, vulnerable and groundbreaking songs to date. Choosing to write and co-produce all 11 tracks herself, Masterpeace is an undiluted and unapologetic expression of her most sincere musical work. One of the album’s highlights is lead single “I Do”. The uptempo anthem drives home the message that we need not look too far to find the ride-or-die love that every human deserves, and it’ll easily have you reaching for the replay button.
MANGM
UK rapper MANGM has returned with his brand-new single, “Trust Again”. The independent artist from Leicester has been going from strength to strength since bursting on the scene in 2019 and recently scored his first two 100k streams on Spotify with previous singles “Bonnie & Clyde” and “Who Needs Love”. And he looks set to break new ground with “Trust Again”, which picks up where previous release “Bonnie & Clyde” left off. On “Bonnie & Clyde”, the rising rapper discusses the breakdown of a relationship and on “Trust Again” we hear him rapping from a more positive headspace about moving on and finding new love. MANGM’s talent is evident throughout the track, and it’s becoming clearer with each release that he is a major force to be reckoned with.
Ghostluvme
With a unique style and a mesmerising lyrical aptitude, 25-year-old rapper/singer Ghostluvme is poised to take the hip-hop world by storm. Having dropped several releases over the past few years, he has built a loyal following and racked up over 10 million Spotify streams. And the streams will surely keep on coming after the release of his new project, Mixtape. The project features standout track “Bowser”, which is on course to be another hit thanks to its hypnotic production and Ghostluvme’s melodic flow. Expect to see and hear plenty more from this fast-rising star over the next year.
