Ones to watch this Autumn

Summer 2019 has seen an influx of new talent arriving to the industry as well as some fresh projects from some familiar faces. Now that we've seen who can create those songs of the summer, let's see which artists have caught my attention and will be on my radar this autumn.

Guapdad 4000

Hailing from Oakland, California, this rapper has made his mark as something of a ‘secret weapon’ in the industry. From his involvement in the rap group, Zoink Gang with the likes of J.I.D, Smino and Buddy to his appearance on Dreamville’s ‘ROTD3’, Guapdad 4000 has received the necessary co-signs from other established artists to prove that we should be looking for what else the rapper has instore for us this year.

Listen to:

Costa Rica

Featuring Mez, Buddy, Jace, Reese LAFLARE, Ski Mask the Slump God, Smokepurpp & Guapdad 4000

https://open.spotify.com/track/5WnfnSpuNEGXyEt78PBA6d?si=LR7kJLOvQjmYWcoeH6VoIw

Scammin

https://open.spotify.com/track/72JmSHyBLDFE4odn9iHjyy?si=sEgTIZwjSHCCPIcauFW36w

YBN Cordae

Last month saw the release of YBN Cordae’s debut solo album ‘The Lost Boy’, a project currently receiving positive acclaim for its bold yet somewhat intimate nature, as we are invited to further understand the experiences and psyche of the rapper himself. Prior to the release of this project, the young rapper was making a name for himself through freestyles and , supplying intelligent and quick-witted bars within the hip-hop collective YBN (alongside core members YBN Nahmir and YBN Almighty Jay). We’ve seen him collaborate with the likes of Anderson .Paak, Chance The Rapper and even make this year’s 2019 XXL Freshman List, alongside other rappers such as Gunna, Tierra Whack and Blueface (to name a few). For hip-hip fans looking for a fresh take on the state of the culture, make YBN Cordae one of your rappers to watch this Autumn.

Listen to:

RNP

Featuring Anderson .Paak

https://open.spotify.com/track/4vRaGGiQN6l2LiQxSFg6ZP?si=hXjktYVsTEGHi3-r_3v4tA

YBN: The Mixtape

https://open.spotify.com/album/6l4itLa2SkBAVBASZ2WKFv?si=rZz77sChSCO2BIudlJRWRg

Lava La Rue

2019 was definitely a time of resurgence for female musicians, in particular female rappers and many have advocated for the changing of the narrative that this industry is one that should be continued to be dominated by male artists. Lava La Rue embodies this change, marrying slick, soft vocals with the energy and mannerisms of soul with hip-hop to create a sound that falls into what I would describe as 'Mellow Rap'. The West London rapper often cites her Jamaican grandmother as a source of inspiration that has helped to shape her sound, making her another artist that has tapped into her diasporic identity and created a unique image that simply cannot be catergorised.

Listen to:

MOSCHINO IN 83 (with Virgil Hawkins)

https://open.spotify.com/track/5oPCxuHNsH5JLWq6l5bIyK?si=CJ5piJY9TqWdN9RlvceNWw

Widdit (A COLORS SHOW)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-x6sBYbmbM

Miraa May

Algerian-born Miraa May is known for her unapologetic ownership of her music and refusal to put her sound into one box. Her music displays the influence of her North London surroundings in which she grew up and has been noted for its heterogeneity, combining RnB, pop and a hint of garage for sound that is still fairly unique with the UK's music scene. She has worked with the likes of JME and Salaam Remi and last month saw the release of her 6-track EP entitled 'Dark'. Showing no signs of stopping, Miraa May has solidified her position as one to watch as we anticipate what else she has to offer her audience.

Listen to:

N15 (Prod. by Salaam Remi)

https://open.spotify.com/track/57C5pdPSgVm6pjVAQ2GIMZ?si=7JsmtEXUSc6_fMcxe0_mtg

Angles

Featuring JME

https://open.spotify.com/track/67CffJY7YoOnnMOOuDVHOv?si=c9U7ISp1QT6AashYguUiMQ