As Black History Month comes to an end, I wanted to dedicate at least one post to some of the up and coming artists that are making a transition into mainstream music. From an eclectic style and sound to a lyrical content that's audio crack to your ears, this post is for some of the new artists that I keep in steady rotation on my iTunes.
Azealia Banks
Hailing from Harlem, NY, Azealia Banks is a rapper, singer, and lyricist recently signed to Interscope Records. At the age of 20 with only 3 years in the business, Banks is already a well known name in the UK and steadily making her way through the underground rap scene in the states with her debut track "212" ft. Lazy Jay.
"Liquorice"
Dawn Richards:
Although this former Danity Kane member is not new to the game, she recently was released from Bad Boy entertainment and is dropping a 3-album debut. Set to release later in the upcoming years, Dawn (formerly of Diddy Dirty Money) is a singer, lyricist, and dancer that has a distinct voice that provides a new sound to Hip-Hop/R&B.
"Change"
Jenny Bapst:
Sexy, beautiful, and diverse, the Parisian singer Jenny Bapst has become a recent obsession of mine. After listening to her island inspired track "Wrong but Right" then seeing what she looked like, I couldn't help but be a new fan.
Kirko Bangz:
Almost like a light skin T-Pain, Kirko Bangz is a Houston, Texas rapper that reached success with his debut single "what yo name iz". Although not the best emcee, there is something that makes Bangz's music stuck in your head and memorable.
"Say Hello"
Kendrick Lamar:
At only 24, Kendrick Lamar is one of the fastest rising and one of the dopest new comers to the music world. Off of just a mixtape and a debut album release, this Cali rapper's flow is distinct and one of the best compared to his peers. Any fan of music would enjoy and appreciate his work.
"Cartoon and Cereal"
Rapsody:
9th Wonder's female protege Rapsody has been making steady noise on the underground scene for the past couple years. Her work is raw but lyrically dope and with 9th Wonder producing her tracks, she provides a chill-jazz but serious addition to the rap game. Since the the game is missing so many female emcees, she is one that is more skill and less gimmick to get her notoriety.
"Extra Extra"
"Black Girl Jedi"
Spree Wilson:
Atlanta born and raised Spree Wilson sings, produces, and raps. This triple threat in the music game is like an offspring of Prince and Ryan Leslie for the new generation. This Q-Tip discovered artist is a diverse mix of new age funk and R&B that leaves the listener wanting more while raping the replay button.
"Sharpshooter"
Teyana Taylor:
First introduced to the world during her sweet sixteen bday party on MTV, Teyana Taylor has been making her way into all forms of entertainment over the past several years. From singing, rapping, acting, and dancing, Taylor does her best to represent for Harlem while still bringing in a new edge to the hip-hop world.
"DUI"
