Yes, the artists who dominate the radio airwaves and streaming platforms are extraordinary talents – they don’t get there by coincidence. Before they were famous musicians or even rising artists, they were each unknowns at some point until magic started happening for them. Maybe they got heard or seen by a label, maybe their fans lifted them up by spreading the word, or maybe a music video they produced went viral.
One thing’s for sure, some of today’s unknowns will become the music business’s biggest acts of the future. They’re out there. Performing at small venues. Building their fanbases. Scrapping for their shot.
To help some of the talented rising artists we’re following break bigger, we’re shining some spotlight on them here. We think you should get to know them and also spread the word about them. We’re also including them in a FanLabel contest where you can play the A&R role and predict which has the most potential by adding the artists/songs to your fantasy record label.
FanLabel’s picks for rising artists are:
Yung Gravy
Born Matthew Hauri in Rochester, Minnesota, rapper Yung Gravy has a thing for goofy lyrics and sampling oldies. One of his songs, “Cheryl,” details a trip to the grocery store gone crazy. Now signed to Republic Records, he has released three EPs and an album. His unique style is definitely something you should check out!
LISTEN TO: “Mr. Clean”
Smino
Smino’s style is hip-hop with some electric and funk elements. Most of his songs have an upbeat feel to them. He released his first album, “blkswn,” in March 2017 — a great summer listen!
LISTEN TO: “Netflix & Dusse”
Leven Kali
Leven Kali first gained attention after being featured on Playboi Carti’s song “Flex.” He has five songs out on Apple Music and Spotify with more on SoundCloud that all have a R&B and soul sound to them.
LISTEN TO: “Smile”
Ant Clemons
Wondering who the voice of the chorus on Kanye’s song “All Mine” is? Here’s your answer! Clemons is a young artist from New Jersey and doesn’t yet have any songs of his own, but we know he’s good if he was featured on “ye.” You can check out his other features including “Sunset Venice” by Bizkit or Teyana Taylor’s new album K.T.S.E.. We’ll be on the lookout for any new music by him.
LISTEN TO: “All Mine” by Kanye West feat. Ant Clemons
Win and Woo
Electronic music duo Nick Winholt and Austin Woo together are Win and Woo. The Chicago natives started releasing remixes in 2015 and their first original followed in 2016. Be sure to listen to both their remixes and originals!
LISTEN TO: “L.A. Love Song (Win and Woo Remix)” XYLØ feat. Win and Woo
Jorja smith
A 21-year-old from England, Smith released her first EP, “Project 11,” in 2016 and her first full album, “Lost & Found” in 2018.
LISTEN TO: “On My Mind” Jorja Smith & Preditah
Whethan
At only 19 years old, Ethan Snoreck, better known as Whethan, is well on his way to being a very well known and influential EDM artist. He started remixing songs in 2016 and since then has collaborated with Flux Pavillion, Dua Lipa, Oh Wonder, and others.
LISTEN TO: “Be Like You” Whethan feat. Broods
Tierra Whack
The 22-year-old Tierra Whack just released her debut album “Whack World”, an interesting concept in and of itself–15 songs, all exactly 60 seconds long. “Whack World” was technically released as a hip-hop album, but it stretches the limits with its wacky lyrics and interesting sounds.
LISTEN TO: “Child Please”
Saba
As mentioned before in our article “25 Artists Under 25”, hip-hop artist Saba began his success at a young age, graduating high school at 16 to focus on his music. He’s dropped two albums so far, “Bucket List Project” in 2016 and “CARE FOR ME” in 2018.
LISTEN TO: “Monday To Monday”
Petit Biscuit
French DJ Mehdi Benjelloun at only 18 has already had several hits. His most popular song, “Sunset Lover” was released when he was only 15, and he’s been on a roll since then! Although mainly an electronic artist, Benjelloun is skilled with the piano, guitar, and cello, all of which he learned at a young age.
LISTEN TO: “Sunset Lover”
