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2. Cozz
Original post: Published on March 7, 2014 / Read it here.
Highlights: Releasing debut album Cozz & Effect; Signing to Dreamville Records
Though South Central, L.A.'s Cozz would never identify himself as a gangsta rapper, there is a desperate hunger and intelligence to his raps that channels his home in a way rarely seen since the early '90s heyday of West Coast rap. From the opening lines of his debut song "Dreams" (an entry in his small catalog that remains a blazing highlight), Cozz's back-against-the-wall passion and penchant for breathing life into familiar concepts shine through his forceful delivery. His music channels the spirit of his hometown admirably, continuing a storied hip-hop legacy without getting mired in derivation or forced reverence. One of the more exciting, traditionally-styled rappers to come along in recent memory.
Cozz is now with J. Cole's Dreamville Records, he properly introduced himself with the strong Cozz & Effect album, and he's already headlining shows.
4. Kacy Hill
Original post: Published September 17, 2014. Highlights: Signing to G.O.O.D. Music
Back in September, former model Kacy Hill told us that music wasn't always in her career plans. "I never considered getting into music, despite playing classical music growing up. Stephen Garnett, who directed the video for 'Experience,' reached out to me on Instagram and we ended up shooting some photos together. I was singing to myself and he told me he wanted to start some sort of music project and asked me if I’d be on board. I’d never written a song, but [producer] Jaylien and I sat down together and I started pumping stuff out that got me really excited and fell in love with the process."
Her debut song was a beauty, but it came as a big surprise when we found out that Kacy was the newest addition to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music. Apparently, Kacy was a back-up dancer on the Yeezus tour, so the partnership makes sense. It's too early to make predictions, but we can't wait to hear what's next for Kacy.
5. Mr. Mitch
Original post: Published February 11, 2014. Highlights: Releasing debut album Parallel Memories; Running Gobstopper Records
Even if Mr. Mitch hadn't released his debut album, he still would have had a great 2014. Running Gobstopper Records, Mitch released forward-thinking, genre-crossing music from Dark0, Loom, Strict Face, Mattwizard, and himself, while also dropping a bunch of time-warping remixes (or peace edits as he called them) of tracks ranging from grime anthems to Pharrell's "Happy." On top of that he helped the Boxed club night become an essential incubator for talented producers and finally capped off his year with the impressive, immersive Parallel Memories, released via Planet Mu.
6. Raury
Original post: Published March 6, 2014. Highlights: Releasing Indigo Child; Opening for Outkast; Signing with Columbia Records
Back in March, Raury just released "God's Whisper" and it was clear that the then 17-year-old kid from Atlanta had something special. "I look at my home town as the fucking strongest bull out there and I’m a fucking matador," he told us.
Since then, it's been a rapid ascent. He released his debut album and a couple of incredible videos, signed with Columbia Records, worked with big-name artists like SBTRKT and The Neighbourhood, won over New York City, announced his own headlining tour, and he's been covered by practically every relevant music outlet in the country. As if that wasn't enough, he also joined Kid Cudi and Childish Gambino as an opening act for Outkast's homecoming show in Atlanta. Oh, and he turned 18.
8. Boogie
Original post: Published February 3, 2014. Highlights: Releasing debut project Thirst 48, working with SBTRKT
In Southern California's small rap renaissance, Long Beach rapper Boogie represents one of the more unusual voices. Not quite "conscious" and certainly not hardcore, Boogie is often incisive and thoughtful, looking at street life and youth culture with an entertainingly critical eye. While debut album Thirst 48 packs a few highlights that point to Boogie's ample potential, standout single "Bitter Raps" remains the strongest microcosm of his particular spin on West Coast rap. The song also comes with a captivating video, and while Boogie hasn't taken over the charts or the airwaves yet, people are starting to take notice. His freestyle on Sway in the Morning didn't hurt.
9. SOAK
Original post: Published September 16, 2014. Highlights: Being selected by Spotify, iTunes, DIY, and BBC as an artist to watch in 2015
At 18 years old and without an album to her name, Irish singer/songwriter SOAK is still very early in her career, but she knows what she wants to do. When we spoke with her earlier this year, we asked her what she'd be doing if she wasn't doing music full time. Her answer: "Doing music full time."
The dedication has paid off. SOAK—real name: Bridie Monds-Watson—has everyone who knows about her declaring her as an artist to watch for, and her debut album comes out on Rough Trade in 2015. The expectations are high, but she seems pretty cool about it all. "I feel pressure to be the best I can and write when I can," she told us, "but that’s it, I’ve a lot of freedom."
11. Shamir
Original post: Published April 11, 2014. Highlights: Signing to XL Recordings; Making his live TV debut
We originally got familiar with Shamir when Brooklyn indie label GODMODE put a couple of his songs on their Soundcloud, which was followed by the incredibly high quality Northtown EP in July. Not long after, Shamir announced his signing to the always excellent XL Recordings and he later confirmed that he had nearly finished working on his debut album. With XL re-releasing Northtown, Shamir dropped "On The Regular," the first single from his forthcoming album, and surprised us with fun-filled rapping to partner his beautiful singing voice.
With a big 2015 on the way, Shamir also made his live TV debut on French TV performing two songs.
13. Novelist
Original post: Published May 19, 2014. Highlights: BBC Sound of 2015 nomination; Making an EP for XL Recordings with Mumdance
A lot of people who were unfamiliar with grime in 2014 will be paying much closer attention in 2015, and one of the artists they'll be paying attention to is Novelist. The young MC made one of the year's grime anthems with Mumdance in the form of "Take Time," and the two collaborated further on the 1 Sec EP that is out January 21 via XL Recordings. Quite apart from popping up regularly on radio with the likes of Logan Sama, DJ Slimzee, Elijah & Skilliam, and Skepta, Novelist hit the studio with Jamie xx earlier this year and rounded off a breakout year with a BBC Sound of 2015 nomination. With a respect for the past but no fear of doing things his own way, Novelist is in a great place going into 2015.
14. Kwamie Liv
Original post: Published March 3, 2014. Highlights: Releasing Lost In The Girl EP; Performing at Pitchfork Paris
When we first found out about Kwamie Liv, all we had was "5AM." That song now has over 130,000 plays on SoundCloud, and the Danish/Zambian singer followed it up with the eclectic and impressive Lost In The Girl EP. Since then, "5AM" has been on Danish radio, Kwamie has been getting international coverage, and she joined the likes of James Blake, Jamie xx, St. Vincent, Caribou, and CHVRCHES at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Paris.
16. Nick Hakim
Original post: Published February 17, 2014. Highlights: Releasing Where Will We Go, Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 EPs
Some voices feel like they belong to other eras—not that they're stuck in distant times, but that they are born of contexts separate from our present.
Brooklyn-based singer Nick Hakim enchanted us throughout 2014 with a take on R&B as indebted to modern genre legends like D'Angelo as it is to the lope and heart-bearing lyricism of classic blues. With a dedication to classic song craft and a beautiful voice to give each lyric the coloring of experience, Hakim feels like an old soul making genuine music at the right time, as listeners seem hungry for songs steeped in emotional truth.
17. Poter Elvinger
Original post: Published June 3, 2014. Highlights: Official Illangelo remix; Debut EP to release in 2015
Poter Elvinger's intricate and widescreen production showcased its potential from the opening moments of his debut track, "Ghosts." We haven't received much from the Last Night In Paris producer since the release of "Ghosts," besides a few loose tracks here and there, but he's already gearing up for big things. 2015 will see the release of his debut EP, and if the ever-rising status of Last Night In Paris is any indication, some high-profile collaborations, too. The future looks incredibly bright.
19. Appleby
Original post: Published October 29, 2014. Highlights: Performed for Russell Simmons in his office
He doesn't have a lot of music under his belt, but the enigmatic Appleby's ambition is pretty evident. None of his plans for the future are small, with his unique take on R&B and soul showcasing some impressive legs. Befriending Poter Elvinger and Corbin among others, his list of collaborators promises to expand greatly in the near future. After linking with manager Amir Abbassy and performing for Russell Simmons in his office, it seems the possibilities are endless.
21. Mura Masa
Original post: Published November 14, 2014. Highlights: Releasing his debut album Soundtrack To A Death
Young and extremely talented, UK producer Mura Masa combined a deft touch with samples, beautiful keys, and an understanding of what makes people dance to create his debut album Soundtrack To A Death. Before it was released, the 18-year-old told us: "Expect a cohesive, thoughtful project that makes for just as much dancing as it does crying and staring at your ceiling, thinking about that one person. There’s an arc to it, and I hope people really enjoy it as an object."
He succeeded in all his aims, and although Mura Masa might not have blown up quite yet, he's one big cosign away from stepping up to the Cashmere Cat or Lido level.
22. D/C
Original post: Published February 17, 2014. Highlights: Releasing debut EP Epiphany; Signing to Atlantic Records UK
With his gruff, deep voice and unique blend of electronic production and cello, London singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist D/C is yet another exciting, soulful vocalist to use an EP to begin building his story. His debut project Epiphany is a focused affair, touching on matters of race, melancholy youth, and love with a pain and poignance translated through D/C's gravely tone. It's hard to pin down D/C's genre-home precisely, but his songs are unmistakably those of someone who feels deeply—even in his most accessible moments, there is an undercurrent of bluesy darkness that adds weight to his words.
