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.
Insaame
Rising star Insaame is the latest artist out of the bubbling Canadian music scene, and he’s made an impressive return with new single “Yoko”. Insaame delivers a vibey trap-infused hip-hop/rap track that showcases his dynamic cadence and impressive lyricism, with the song’s catchy hook bound to be etched into everyone’s head after just one listen. The track is enhanced even further with an equally impressive music video directed by Dragan Andic (@the.97) and hosted on GRM Daily. Although a newcomer in the industry, the Toronto-based artist has already showcased his huge talent on previous singles such as “Honor”, and he looks set to continue his impressive rise and reach even greater heights with new release “Yoko”.
Solid 806
Rising UK rapper Solid 806 has unveiled his debut album, Versatile. The mysterious independent artist from east London, who is yet to reveal his full identity, has begun to take the underground scene by storm, seemingly out of nowhere, following the release of the album’s new single, “Married To The Game”. The track has already racked up hundreds of thousands of streams on YouTube with no signs of slowing down. Infused with Solid 806’s dynamic rap flow and a huge anthemic hook primed for radio and clubs, the single’s early popularity is surely a sign of great things to come.
RxL World
UK duo RxL World have returned with their brand-new single, “Winter Time”. As the winter is here, the track couldn’t have been better timed. With a mellow production intertwined with smooth rap flows and gorgeous silky vocals in the chorus, the track continues RxL World’s brand of combining rap and R&B with an afro-twist inspired by their African descents – Reece is Ghanaian and Lorenzo is Angolan. Combining all of these elements makes for a truly fascinating listen that has already captured audiences early on.
Jupiter Grey
Jupiter Grey has returned with “From 80’s With Love”, the fourth single to be taken from Jupiter’s upcoming debut album, FIRES ON THE MOON. “From 80’s With Love” continues Jupiter’s love of merging experimental and futuristic sounds with retro ‘80s influences. Tying this all together with his enthralling vocals and vulnerable lyrics, Jupiter has once again raised his own bar and taken his sound to impressive new levels. Lyrically, the track delves into yearning for love and the emotions involved when left without it, and the juxtaposition between such emotive lyrics and the track’s entrancing production ensures “From 80’s With Love” is a memorable listen.
VIBE WORLD ORDER
Hip-hop collective VIBE WORLD ORDER have shared their must-hear new single, “LIFT”, alongside accompanying visuals directed by Chris Andrade. Based in Union, New Jersey, the fast-rising collective are currently riding a huge wave of momentum following the release of debut album STILL BROKE – from which “LIFT” is taken. The track showcases the depth of talent and versatility within the collective, highlighting their sharp lyricism and fast and furious rap flows, with each member taking it in turn to deliver their verse with conviction and authority over a gritty, hard-hitting beat produced by group members Reg Mason and JTT. The accompanying video, which sees the rap collective pursuing an Ocean’s Eleven-style heist, elevates the track even further and makes it clear that this is an act with a huge future ahead.
Nana Razaia
Rising singer, songwriter and producer Nana Razaia has unveiled “It’s Already Yours”, which is accompanied by a colourful and vibrant music video directed by Reko. The single is taken from Nana’s latest EP, Como Água. Hailing from Brockton, Massachusetts, and now based in LA, the independent artist already made a huge impression when she arrived on the scene back in 2018 with debut single “Spill” and has now elevated her sound to even greater heights with this latest release. Nana showcases her range of talent on “It’s Already Yours”, with the track highlighting her silky vocals, clever songwriting and insanely addictive melodies. “If you want me, you know where to find me – I’m always running through your head”, she playfully sings on the catchy hook.
Jay Productions and Mars
Rising UK musicians Jay Productions and Mars have teamed up for their brand-new EP, BIPOLAR, which is led by new single “5 to 9”. The single arrives with accompanying visuals directed by 1Time Productions and hosted on GRM Daily. The track speaks about their dedication and work ethic, which will surely be a fuel for inspiration and motivation among listeners. Armed with clever punchlines, great lyricism and hard-hitting rap flows, these two London-based talents are not to be slept on. Although they have collaborated before, “5 to 9” is their best effort to date.
Kaleo Sansaa
Fast-rising innovative hip-hop artist Kaleo Sansaa has returned with “Black Light”, which is lifted from her latest album, Solarbased Kwing. The track arrives with accompanying visuals directed by Katharina Ziemkus. “Black Light” highlights Kaleo’s unique and experimental brand of hip-hop – named solar-based-hip-hop by Kaleo – which sets her apart from many of her contemporaries. Oozing with originality and a clear vision for how she wants to present her artistry, Kaleo Sansaa is a much-welcomed addition to the music scene.
VIB
After impressing with debut single “Light At Midnight”, which received high praise, UK artist VIB has returned with his captivating new single, “Tonight”, alongside a music video directed by Leonxwavey. Swapping his aggressive rap flow from the previous release for a more mellow approach, it showcases the 19-year-old’s impressive versatility. With debut release “Light At Midnight” speaking on the injustices of the world that he is passionate about changing and making a difference with, “Tonight” reveals VIB’s fun, carefree side. Packed with catchy melodies and VIB’s smooth vocals, the track looks set to be another success for the rising artist.
Readey
Rising UK rapper Readey has returned with his new mixtape, Between The Lines. The independent artist from Walsall has been going from strength to strength since arriving on the music scene in 2019, with his audience growing with each release. The project is led by new single “Simplify”, which has already rocketed to become Readey’s most streamed track to date on Spotify, and Between The Lines looks set to follow suit and continue his growing momentum.
