10 Artists to Watch In 2015

This year is forecasted to be one of the most vibrant and exciting years for music, with releases from Kanye West, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Travi$ Scott, Chance the Rapper, James Blake, Jamie xx, Toro Y Moi, Miguel, and many, many others to look forward to. With all these highly anticipated heavyweight releases, it is highly probable for one to overlook content by newcomers in the industry who might be equally — or even more — talented than the current reigning virtuosos. We don’t blame you though; we live in an era where blogs, music platforms, and social media are consistently flooded with new (and often mediocre) artists, as improved technology has allowed everything to be much more accessible than before, including the music creation process. To help you out with keeping on top with up-to-date but relevant music knowledge and exposure, we at HYPETRAK — after evaluating hundreds of rising artists — have compiled a list of ten artists we’re watching for in 2015. In the list, you will find a diverse selection of rappers, singers, and producers from around the world, all specializing in different genres: examples include UK Grime artist Novelist, Bay Area songstress Kehlani, ATlien DIY rapper and label head Father, Canadian producer Nick Nikon, among others. Check the list and let us know if you agree with the choices and if so, who you’re looking forward to hear from most.

APPLEBY

Bred in two of the country’s most popular cities, Chicago and Miami, newcomer Appleby introduces an excitingly dark sound that’s somewhat of a hybrid between New Jack Swing and R&B. Gaining in popularity through web and word of mouth, he has garnered nearly 100,000 plays on SoundCloud within four months. All the while shielding his face from the public eye like he’s practicing for the paparazzi. The art is meant to be the focus and with a delectably honest approach to his music, one doesn’t have to see him to appreciate his creations.

Explore his music on SoundCloud.

DANIEL CAESAR
Tdot isn’t only about Drake and the OVO camp. The city flourishes with diverse talent, and Daniel Caesar is one of them. The singer-songwriter takes R&B and moulds it with scatterings of of rock, soul, and church music over airy, warm and rhythmic instrumentals. While sonically he displays a strong classical foundation from influence the influence of church music, a lot of his heart for artistry is a result of the rebellion against his rigid religious upbringing. We trust that his extraordinary music will help in furthering the recognition of his budding Canadian city.

Explore his music on SoundCloud.

FATHER

On top of spawning two hits “Look at the Wrist” and “Fake AF” last year off his album Young Hot Ebony and owning his own label Awful Records (which now consists of 15 members) by himself, this 24-year-old rapper-producer is one of the most promising to come out of Atlanta’s flourishing music scene. In a city where currently a majority of the music might seem homogenous to the public eye, Father shines light to the DIY scene, showing that all types of styles can co-exist and pop off within his vibrant city.

Explore his music on SoundCloud.

JON WALTZ

Memphis’ Jon Waltz isn’t even old enough to legally purchase a beer, but he’s already put out projects that showcase versatility and maturity most artists take years to discover. He can flow melodically, seamlessly bob and weave between rapping and crooning, and craft narratives outside of the usual, cliche stories we hear in rap. You can probably draw comparisons between Waltz and plenty of other rappers, but the tales he tells in his bars aren’t really being told by that many right now, and definitely not told with these type of airtight flows. His ‘Alyss’ EP is one of the most immersive rap projects of 2014, but also one of the most slept-on. But, if he keeps on releasing projects like the aforementioned EP, he’s bound to have a bright year.

Explore his music on SoundCloud.

KARI FAUX

In recent years, female artists from Arkansas haven’t exactly made garnered too much attention, but 22-year-old rapper Kari Faux has been setting the internet ablaze in the past year. Since the release of her debut project ‘Spontaneous Generation’ in February of last year, the “Rap Game Daria” has been ensuring her share of the spotlight through work alongside globally-recognized artists such as Childish Gambino and releasing music that synthesizes all the sounds currently popular in rap. From the open-minded, forward-thinking rap championed by labels such as Awful Record to more traditional down-south trap, she has showcased an ability to do it all. Plus, she has a personal fashion sense that’s more NYC or LA than Arkansas. Combine all this together, and you have a recipe for success in today’s day and age.

Explore her music on SoundCloud.

KEHLANI

As far as up-and-coming singer-songwriters go, our money is on Kehlani to be one of the top emerging artists of 2015. She’s spent the past year building her career, with features on Billboard and millions of listens on SoundCloud for impressively-sung numbers that range from rap-leaning club anthems to well-polished, glossy pop offerings.The HBK crew really hit a homerun by bringing Kehlani to the light, and the 19-year-old singer has all the tools at her disposal to ensure the new year will be her true breakout one.

Explore her music on SoundCloud.

MARVEL ALEXANDER

Marvel Alexander is a man who does it all. You may have seen his name floating around, but did you know that this rapper-producer-engineer is co-produced A$AP Ferg’s 2013 hit track “Shabba?” Having already collaborated with both veterans and up-and-comers in the game, Marvel can definitely also hold his own. Having released Don’t Die Yet a few days back (as well as a plethora of projects before that,) it is evident that the Jersey native is a master of his craft(s). Make sure not to sleep on him.

Explore his music on SoundCloud.

NICK NIKON

Back in 2011, Nick Nikon decided that he needed more time to focus on his true calling. He dropped out of the University of Toronto to then give full-time attention to his music. This wasn’t the beginning, however. Nikon has been making music for a decade now, as the Toronto artist honestly does it all. He writes, performs and even produces his own stuff. After experimenting with several genres, Nick has settled in on a nice blend of R&B, hip-hop and EDM.

Explore his music on SoundCloud.

NOVELIST

This talented 18-year-old Grime MC hails from Lewisham in South London. He is described by legendary Grime DJ Logan Sama as “the poster child for the first generation of real grime kids,” as the genre seems to have taken a dip since its earlier days. Since 2014, the XL Recordings signee has already released two solo EPs and a collaborative track with producer Mumdance titled “Take Time,” and now is set to team up again for an upcoming project through the label. We can’t wait to see what this kid has to offer for the year.

Explore his music on SoundCloud.

PELL

2014 has been a milestone year for Pell. His debut ‘Floating While Dreaming’ showcased his ethereal grooves, exemplified in his rapping, singing, and songwriting skills. At 14, Hurricane Katrina had forced the New Orleans resident to relocate to Mississippi, where he learned to forge multiple cultures into his unique artistic identity. Tracks like “The Never,” “Runaway,” and “Eleven:11” are demonstrate his ability to masterfully execute in the said areas of expertise. There’s definitely a big year ahead for this guy.

Explore his music on SoundCloud.