2017 Top 5 New Hip-Hop Artists to Watch
As a radio and club DJ here in Los Angeles and NYC, I am privy to some of the hottest new music that is buzzing in the underground and I am proud to introduce hip-hop fans everywhere to the new artists that you should know and be an early in-the-know as I have each year through the Hip-Hop Wired and Complex Magazines.
Check out my thoughts for 2017…
- Russ
Atlanta has long been known as a breeding ground for hip-hop artists. However, as of late, artists from the A have all begun to sound alike. Trinidad Jame$, Young Thug, 2 Chainz, Rich Homie Quan, Future, Migos, and iLoveMakonnen are just a few ATL rappers who, as of late, all seem to be making a very similar sound. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, there has to be A-Town hip-hop artists that have a different sound, right? The answer is yes, and his name is Russ. Russ is an Atlanta rapper/singer/producer creating a lot of buzz lately. His area of expertise is almost the complete opposite of most Atlanta trap rappers, yet his production and melodic songs remain catchy and upbeat.
2. Denzil Porter
“Hailing from North Bronx NY, Denzil Porter “is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Denzil Porter sounds like an artist fresh out of the golden era of Hip Hop. Adding substance to his witty lyrics, catchy hooks, quotes, and highly charismatic performances. What Denzil aims to achieve with his music is to allow its listeners to be inspired and to uplift them and others around them. Denzil may not be your typical conscientious rapper, he derives his lyrics from his experiences and allows his actions to tell his story rather than his words.
3. Marlon Craft
Born and raised in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC as the son of a jazz musician and a frequenter of Harlem and the South Bronx during his basketball playing years as a kid, Craft came across hip-hop honestly and developed a love at an early age. It wasn’t until his college years, however, that he began recording his own music and sharing it with his peers. Craft then honed his musical style — centered around his remarkable lyrical ability, substantive song-writing, and boom-bap/jazz-infused sound — while completing his degree in Urban Education & Social Justice at American University in Washington, DC. Think Logic’s mainstream appeal meets Joey Bada$$’ classic New York grit, meets J. Cole’s education and thoughtfulness, meets Kendrick Lamar’s social consciousness and new age jazz incorporation — all coming from the unexpected mouth of someone who looks like he’s more likely to confirm existing stereotypes and power structures than challenge them.
4. Jaron Marquis
The only midwest rapper on this list, Jaron Marquis hails hard from Indianapolis, Indiana. Although, Jaron Marquis sounds like an east coast artist with a touch southern Ludacris style rap, his ability to jump on any type of track has placed him above others to make this list this year.
His music is filled with catchy hooks and memorable bars with a strong ability to tell stories with witty pun filled lyrics, and his live performances are full of energy and extremely hyped(been there). When asked about his sound he said he hopes ‘his music can inspire listeners to face their fears and enjoy their God-given life to its fullest’. A songwriter…truly. Jaron Marquis has the ability to create songs..not just dope bars and good lyrics…but his songs are ‘stuck-in-my-head’ worthy. You will definitely be hearing his name a lot more in 2017!
5. Anik Khan
Bengali-born, Queens-raised Anik Khan, who’s standing up for immigrants across the U.S. with his newest joint song “Columbus.” Anik was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh and immigrated to Queens when he was four because his father sought political asylum. This hip-hop rapper has a strong use of melodies and his deep tone voice is harmonic as he lays it on thick. His flow is decent, nothing that stands out too much…but keep watching. 2017 may be a big year for him.
