After a great break out year from many new artists like Cardi B, SZA, Khalid, Julia Michaels, Alessia Care and many others, I’m excited for what the new year has to bring for music. Many artists I listen to now are right on the cusp of becoming mainstream.
Some of these artists have made their way to my headphones because of some of the songs they have been featured on, really interesting music videos or true talent that I just couldn’t ignore. Here are my top five artists I’m looking forward to hearing more from in 2018, and you should too.
- Sabrina Claudio
For a number of these artists, their music career is very new, or young. Sabrina Claudio, hailing from Miami, Florida, is only 21 years old.
As of now, her discography is slim with majority of it being soundcloud singles, but she has recently added one more mixtape to her official project list, totalling her projects to two. Her voice is strong and her style is soulful. She has the potential to be a very captivating artist.
- J.robb
J.robb, a hip hop producer and rapper from Baltimore has received most of his fame from Soundcloud. J.robb is signed to the small record label, Soulection, notorious for giving artists a platform to express their true styles.
He released his first mixtape under his label on November 2, 2017. This mixtape received hundreds of thousands of plays on each song. He is currently working on his debut album which does not have a planned release date, but is anticipated for sometime in 2018.
- Ella Mai
She is by far one of my favorite artists. The first song I heard from her was “She Don’t” featuring Ty Dolla $ign on her first EP “Time.” Mai has an unbelievably beautiful voice. She has released three EP mixtapes since 2016.
Some of her most recent work was assisting Chris Brown on his song “This X-Mas.” Among his 57 songs on his most recent album, this song was one of the best on the album. She has the capacity to entertain a crowd as well as make genuinely great music.
Although she released a project in late 2017, I anticipate that she will acclaim attention from her tours and potential collaborations. Mai has signed with Interscope records and I foresee this enabling her to increase her following and projects released.
- Dvsn
Contrary to popular belief, Dvsn is not just one artist. It is a duo consisting of Daniel Daley and Paul Jefferies aka Nineteen85. Dvsn has captivated the ears of many avid R&B listeners but has not became “mainstream.”
With a recent album release Dvsn has acclaimed much more attention than before.
They are going on tour this year and I foresee them building their following. Dvsn is signed to OVO Sounds and Warner Bros.
- Joyner Lucas
Joyner Lucas has been in the headlines for the past couple of months for his “I’m Not Racist” video that addressed the current racial climate of the nation from the perspective of a white and black man.
Lucas is notorious for addressing controversial topics and remixing popular songs. Most recently he remixed Lil Pump’s “Gucci Gang.” Since signing to Atlantic Records in 2016, he has released one album.
As of late, he has collaborated with Chris Brown on multiple songs. He is continuing to ride out his fame and with continued promotion from his record label, he has the ability to make 2018 his break out year.
