16 artists that made my year and can’t wait to see what they bring in 2017!
1. Toby
Toby Corton – singer-songwriter from London has a distinctive sound influenced from jazz, blues and soul but also adds his stamp when it comes to creating music. Please get to know this guy, he is defo one to watch in 2017.
https://soundcloud.com/tobydotmusic/french-breakfast-toby
2. Bobbi Lewis
I have always said that this guy was a superstar from the first time I saw him perform. Bobii Lewis has done so much in 2016 from releasing hit tracks, working with people like Wretch 32 and WSTRN, to his EP release – ‘Blind in the Summer.‘ He’s defo been working hard so 2017 is due to be an amazing year for him.
3. Nao
NAO – formally known as Neo Joshua originally from Nottingham has KILLED 2016 and is ready to take on the new year with some amazing stuff. Working with the likes of Mura Masa and Disclosure, being a MOBO Nominee, selling out 2 headline shows in Shepherds Bush Empire to her latest album release – ‘For all we know’, NAO has been at the tips of everyones tongues. Of course she had to be on this list!
4. Olivia Louise
Singer-songwriter Olivia Louise, from up North – Chester, grew up on the sounds of Neo-soul and this is definitely shown through her iconic voice. Collaborating with the likes of Gautier and Question on her 2 EP releases this year, Olivia Louise has set herself on a path to create magic for 2017.
5. Lippi
Every time I listen to one of this guys tracks I am shocked that the world isn’t ranting and raving about his talents. Lippi, formerly known as Lippicool – who was one of the worlds best beatboxers supported by the likes of Papoose and Punjabi MC, wowed millions on live television programmes and festivals but now has changed that all around. Now a soulful singer-songwriter paving his way in the UK R&B charts. He has released loads of amazing tracks this year and set himself back on the airwaves. Excited for what he brings in 2017!
6. Danzey
Zé Zé – Tottenham born Danzey has been doing his thing for a minute now but his EP ‘Cos of me’ really gave him the recognition he needed. The project is definitely one of my favourite for 2016 and he has just kept on releasing bangers after that. He has created his own style in the game and I rate it highly. Working with the likes of Baseman, having 2 headline shows and being booked for loads of other events, he’s got it locked for 2017! A lil birdie said a new project is coming out early next year…
7. TailrMdeLvn
South London’s Duo Tailr.Mde.Lvn – have set pace this year with their project ‘House Party’. With a mix of 90’s R&B matched with soulful British rap – the combination is too sweet. Performing at the launch of Croydon Boxpark along with A2, Jay Prince and Barney Artist, they are definitely up there. Cant wait to see what they bring in 2017.
8. A2
Talking about A2… I think he is the most talked about artist this year. With the recent release of his EP ‘More Sleep 2’, 2 SOLD OUT headline shows, performing at wireless and dropping a handful of tracks, his fans are still waiting on BLUE! His music speaks for itself.
9. Ray Blk
This girl has done bares this year. From releasing her mini album – ‘Durt’, working with the likes of Wretch 32, Stormzy and SG Lewis, 2 SOLD OUT headline shows and has already sold out her January show in Village Underground. I rate her work ethic, and I cannot doubt her talents at all. She is amazing!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ABOUT RAY BLK.
10. House of Pharaohs
I keep on saying this, but if you don’t know about HOP you need to get to knowing! They have already made 2016 TURNT so 2017 is about to be super WILD. The South London collective are definitely doing their ting! Each and every one of them are building their craft and making sure wherever they go, people know who they are!
FOR MORE ABOUT HOUSE OF PHARAOHS CLICK HERE.
11. Jords
UK rapper Jords has been one of my favourite artists of 2016. I dunno what it is, but I absolutely love him! Like you know when you listen to music sometimes and your heart just feels heavy… just me? okok….
Anyways Jords released his album this year entitled ‘Means to an End’ featuring the likes of rising stars Olivia Louise, Thea Gajic & Proton. His sound is a mix of soulful, R&B melodies which can switch up to Hip Hop and Grime vibes and this is all shown on this album. His tracks tell a story and I’m hoping the stories continue right through 2017.
FOR MORE ABOUT JORDS CLICK HERE.
12. Tom Misch
One the most inspirational British musicians out there! South London born Tom Misch is a talented composer, singer, guitarist, violinist , producer and DJ. Only 21, he has paved his way to the forefront of the UK music scene.
Berlin beatmaker Iamnobodi shared one of his tracks on Soundcloud, leading to the first spurt of widespread interest of his music. He has ended up working with a cluster of new London artists who share his sensitive, soulful, deeply melodic and emotive approach to music.
He then went on to release of his EP ‘Reverie’ – this 4 track project featuring the likes of his also very gifted sister Laura Misch who is a saxaphonist shows the talent and creativity in his work. Misch hit the roads this year for his first US tour and is bound to keep growing exponentially.
13. Collard
Collard – part of the collective Last Night in Paris & The British Are Coming, has taken a new approach this year. His EP release – ‘Clean Break’, shows us how talented he is with the mixture of beautiful melodies in this project. Still only 21, this multi talented artist has found his niche and is showing us what he is all about.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ABOUT COLLARD.
14. Knucks
South Killy born Knucks has jumped into the scene and no one can get enough of him. With the release of the track ’21 candles’ in November 2015, this producer/rappers fanbase has rapidly grown. He’s defo set pace in 2016 and I’m all seeing images of him on set with Kojey Radical and SNE! I am super excited to what the lil bro brings in 2017.
FOR MORE ABOUT KNUCKS CLICK HERE.
15. JMSN
1 of my 2 favourite American based artists of 2016. JMSN – born Christian Berishaj, is a singer-songwriter, multi- instrumentalist, producer, engineer, mixer, and videographer from Michigan. JMSN’s impressive talents have allowed him to collaborate with the likes of Game, J. Cole, Tyga, Ab-Soul, Kaytranada, Ta-ku, and many others. His highly anticipated album ‘It Is’ released this year and runs on a core of 90s R&B and soul influences with orchestral infusions. Them modern vintage vibes.
FOR MORE ABOUT JMSN CLICK HERE.
16. Daniel Caesar
2/2 of my favourite American artists this year. This guy is absolutely AMAZING! His music will either automatically put you into a trance or get you singing to the top of your lungs. Singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar from Toronto, is making moves in his own lane. Fuck all the Drakes, PNDs and Torys from that City Daniel is defo the guy. Ok I might be overreacting a lil, but I just love him so much! *cries*
While he already has four EPs under his belt, Daniel Caesar is just getting started. He teamed up with the incredible Kali Uchis on one of his newer tracks ‘Get you’ and it actually blew me away. Sometimes I listen and a tear rolls down my face… I dunno how :(. His effortless sound includes everything from rock, R&B, soul, and gospel.
Make sure you listen to my monthly playlist to find out about all these new artists so you don’t have to wait till the end of next year! 