As the music industry continues to accelerate at an incredible rate, it has never been a better time to be a young artist on the rise. FanLabel’s 25 under 25 is a yearly tradition of ours, and names the best of today’s young artists.
Here are some of today’s rising stars:
Billie Eilish
Age: 17 (turns 18 on Dec. 18)
While her lyrics eloquently touch on mature themes like love and heartbreak, Billie Eilish still isn’t old enough to drive in her home state of California. With a bright future ahead of her, many are calling her the breakout star of 2019.
Alessia Cara
Age: 23
Starting as a YouTube success story, Alessia Caracciolo has seamlessly made her way to mainstream stardom. From collaborations with stars like Zedd to hits of her own, Cara has racked up an impressive discography.
Melanie Martinez
Age: 24
Originally appearing on The Voice, the multitalented Melanie Martinez has released a series of increasingly successful records. Showing no signs of slowing down, the Queens native has undoubtedly become a name to watch in pop.
Troye Sivan
Age: 24
From humble YouTube beginnings, this Australian pop singer has established himself as a name to watch. His young career has included several monster collaborations with superstars including Lauv, Ariana Grande and Martin Garrix.
Kehlani
Age: 24
Kehlani Parrish has risen far above her original group Poplyfe, establishing a wildly successful solo career. Her discography ranges from solo features in hit movie soundtracks to Billboard-charting collaborations with some of today’s top artists.
Doja Cat
Age: 24
This 24 year old R&B singer has been blowing up recently. However, she’s been around for longer than most realize. She first experienced her taste of fame with “So High,” a track originally released on SoundCloud. In 2018, almost 5 years later, her viral hit “Mooo!” placed her back in the spotlight, and she’s put out several successful tracks since then.
Lil Nas X
Age: 20
Some would say that 2019 was the year of the “Yeehaw,” and many would argue Lil Nas X (born Montero Lamar Hill) is country’s bold new face. His light-hearted yet infectious country-rap hit “Old Town Road” was virtually inescapable for most of the year. Refusing to go out as a one-hit wonder, he has proven he can release a successful follow-up album and build a lasting fanbase.
Megan Thee Stallion
Age: 24
If you’re under 25, it’s more than likely that you heard someone refer to the warmer months of 2019 as “Hot Girl Summer.” This term was coined by Megan Pete in the months before her monster hit of the same name. With an uncanny talent in branding, Megan Thee Stallion is quickly becoming one of the most influential names in rap.
Yungblud
Age: 22
2019 was an exceptional year for alternative music, with countless artists blending genres to create genuinely new sounds. Yungblud is one of the best examples of the new alternative, already boasting collaborations with Machine Gun Kelly, Halsey, and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker.
Kevin Abstract
Age: 23
Best known for his central role in rap supergroup BROCKHAMPTON, Kevin Abstract (born Clifford Ian Simpson) re-established a name of his own in 2019. His latest album “ARIZONA BABY” was not his first, but its widespread acclaim refocused the spotlight on the artist as an individual. Touching on themes such as childhood and sexual identity while incorporating sounds inspired as much by alternative music as hip-hop, Kevin Abstract has proven he is both lyrically and musically talented.
Roddy Ricch
Age: 20
Rodrick Moore’s first breakout hit, “Die Young,” was recorded the night before rapper XXXTENTACION’s death. Released as a tribute, the song caught the attention of rap’s biggest names. With several hits under his belt, Roddy Ricch has risen to become a new force in today’s hip-hop world. Contrasting heavily with most of today’s rap artists, the majority of Roddy Ricch’s most successful songs do not feature other rappers.
Clairo
Age: 21
Arguably the poster child of the rapidly growing “bedroom pop” movement, Claire Cottrill has come a long way from her viral YouTube hit “Flaming Hot Cheetos.” Having recorded and released her original songs in her bedroom using only her own laptop, Clairo has built upon her lo-fi appeal to release “Immunity,” her widely acclaimed debut album.
Cuco
Age: 21
Another rising star representing the “bedroom pop” subgenre of alternative, Cuco adds a unique, imaginative twist to one of today’s most prevalent styles. This bilingual, multitalented singer-songwriter undoubtedly has a bright future in both pop and indie.
Lil Tecca
Age: 17
One of the youngest members of this list, Lil Tecca undoubtedly has one of rap’s brightest futures. Born Tyler-Justin Anthony Sharpe, his newfound fame owes itself in part breakout hit “Ransom.” After the recent release of a successful debut album, Lil Tecca continues to release hits and build his career.
Lil Mosey
Age: 17
Most wouldn’t be able to guess Lil Mosey’s age just by listening to his hard-hitting brand of rap music. Lathan Moses Echols is only 17 years old, but he’s proven he has the talent and versatility of any full-grown rapper.
YBN Cordae
Age: 22
Arguably surpassing his affiliate YBN Nahmir, Cordae Dunston released the widely acclaimed album The Lost Boy in the heat of summer 2019. As lyrically profound as he is vocally talented, YBN Cordae has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, ranging from Anderson .Paak to Meek Mill.
Bea Miller
Age: 20
Starting out her career as an “X Factor” contestant at just 13 years old, Bea Miller has developed a solo career featuring two successful solo albums. Miller has shown an impressive degree of versatility, collaborating with artists like 6lack, Jessie Reyez, and producer Snakehips.
YK Osiris
Age: 21
Another rapper from the South on the rise, Osiris Williams owes part of his popularity to a Lil Uzi remix of his song “Valentine.” After releasing “The Golden Child,” his hit debut album, it’s clear YK Osiris is here to stay.
Chelsea Cutler
Age: 22
Originally a songwriter for Sony, Connecticut native Chelsea Cutler gained a great deal of exposure as supporting act for EDM/Pop star Quinn XCII. Today, Chelsea Cutler has paved a bright career for herself, almost completely selling out her U.S. tour.
Sabrina Claudio
Age: 23
Sabrina Claudio first found herself in the spotlight after garnering serious attention from her SoundCloud tracks. Choosing her best ones for an EP titled “Confidently Lost,” Claudio is a shining example of how open streaming platforms can lead directly to mainstream success.
Rich Brian
Age: 20
Born in Indonesia, Brian Imanuel Soewarno stole the internet spotlight with his viral hit “Dat $tick.” Since then, Rich Brian has traversed from meme to mainstream with two hit albums and numerous collaborative work with Pan-Asian rap collective 88rising.
Jeremy Zucker
Age: 22
Part of the new generation of multi-talented pop stars, Jeremy Zucker’s first taste of success was felt when his music spread like wildfire via Spotify and SoundCloud. Now a bonafide star, he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in pop’s new generation, including Bea Miller, blackbear and Chelsea Cutler.
Dominic Fike
Age: 23
While he was on house arrest, Dominic Fike signed with Columbia Records for a multimillion dollar deal. After violating his house arrest, he went to jail, while his song “3 Nights” simultaneously charted in multiple countries. Now that he’s free, Fike is planning a debut album and a world tour.
Zara Larsson
Age: 21
Zara Larsson won the Swedish version of “America’s Got Talent” at age 10. In the decade since, she has solidified her international career with two albums and numerous chart-topping singles. Her most recent single, “All The Time,” was released in anticipation of an upcoming third album.
Comethazine
Age: 21
Hailing from East St. Louis, IL, Comethazine’s young career is another example of a viral sensation finding mainstream fame. His unforgettable, over-the-top style of rap first spread through SoundCloud before taking on a life of its own through memes, YouTube, and eventually more mainstream platforms like Spotify.
Be sure to keep an eye (or rather an ear) out for these artists in the FanLabel app!
