As the year came to a close, we deemed it necessary to document some of our top prospects for 2018. Take a read below to learn more about 15 artists that are ’bout to blow.
Landon Cube
If Justin Bieber had the swag and attitude of a post-2012 John Mayer; you’d be left with something very close to Maryland native Landon Cube. The 19-year-old singer and instrumentalist broke onto the scene with solo tracks like ‘Beachtown and ’18’ earlier this summer, which were both further propelled by the ridiculously massive success of ‘Red Roses,’ his hit collaboration with Lil Skies. His calm demeanor and relatable lyrics blend to create the rare combination of a likable image and obvious talent; the perfect recipe for a superstar.
Shoreline Mafia
If A$AP Mob was from California, they’d be Shoreline Mafia. The ever-buzzing group experienced a fruitful year in 2017, seeing their breakout hit “Musty” surpass six million views, and their newest hit “Bottle Service” recently passing a million on our YouTube channel in just a few short months. They’re knack for catchy, drug-riddled anthems has them firmly positioned as one of the most promising acts on the rise in California’s crowded pool of talent, and we’re hella excited for what they have planned next. Following a foundation-rocking performance at LA’s inaugural Rolling Loud festival, a stellar group project in SHORELINEDOTHATSHIT and a flurry of fire singles and videos still doing numbers, it’s clear that they’re on an unstoppable wave. You’re gonna have to get with it or get lost.
6 Dogs
6 Dogs has quickly become one of the most interesting, enigmatic voices in this new generation of hip-hop. With his outside-the-box style and sound, he’s built up a massively loyal fanbase and has the eyes and ears of fans and music pundits alike firmly planted on him as we begin 2018. Fresh off inking a deal with Benny Blanco, he’s been quiet in terms of releasing music, though we’re sure he’s working on some tremendous tunes behind the scenes. We very much look forward to hearing his next wave of music, and you should too.
03 Greedo
03 Greedo aka iL Lupo aka The Wolf of Grape Street is my favorite artist right now, period. His raw style of rap and R&B consistently adds up for stellar records with meaning, and he’s been building a super strong fanbase through his simple formula—release a lot of good music. He produces, raps and sings, and is no stranger to putting out projects with 30+ tracks on them, and most times he’s produced them all. He’s without a doubt the most consistent and prolific artist that LA has had in a long time, and we’re super excited for what the new year has in store for him.
Larry League
With the Migos having their breakthrough year in 2017, it’s only right that another Atlanta trio enters the ring for the New Year. Larry League is composed of Randy, Larry and Sensei; three young creatives equipped with their own respective talent sets and the common objective of making enjoyable content. Their upbeat, infectious sound is shaped by Randy’s rambunctious verses, Larry’s catchy hooks and Sensei’s piercing instrumentals, complimented by the occasional feature from artists like Peewee Longway and Lil Yachty. With solid branding and a clear vision for the future, Larry League is coming for the top-spot.
Hoodrich Pablo Juan
Despite his familiarity within the Rap community (and Atlanta scene in particular), Hoodrich Pablo Juan is just now seeing his big-time break. After inking a deal with Gucci Mane earlier this year, his new mixtape ‘Designer Drugz 3’ is making the rounds thanks to ‘Do What I Wanna Do,’ one of the fourth quarter’s most recognizable trap anthems. Pablo Juan’s repetitive cadences and lyrical aggression will help push him to the forefront of the industry in 2018.
Rarri
A few months ago we labeled Rarri as the Insomniac rap crew’s best kept secret; but times have changed. The success of his ‘2OUTH2ID3 WORLDWID3′ mixtape came has helped catapult the Columbus native to the forefront of the Midwest’s steadily-buzzing urban scene, putting his name at the top of a list filled with veterans and newcomers alike. Look out for more from Rarri in the New Year, as he continues to execute his global takeover.
$teven Cannon
$teven Cannon has in-arguably been one of the most consistently dope artists over the last few years, delivering a ton of dope songs, projects and videos in that time. He reached new heights in 2017 along with the rest of his Xanarchy brethren, and is poised to breakout big-time in 2018. Through $teve’s hard-hitting style of rap and clever, catchy songwriting, he’s built a devoted core group of fans that’s been growing exponentially. We’ve been one of his longest supporters, and we’re so fucking excited to see where he goes from here, as he definitely deserves all the love he’s been getting.
Blocboy JB
BlocBoy JB is arguably the hottest street artist on the rise right now. He’s been going viral with his infectious song “SHOOT” and the wild dance that comes along with it, and has only kept his foot on the gas since then. Through his gritty, yet catchy style of rap he’s gained a huge following and has had damn near every label on his tail over the last few months, and the music just keeps getting better. He and his go-to producer Tay Keith have simply been on a roll for months now, and we’re anxiously awaiting their next hit.
Smooky Margielaa
Don’t let his ties with the A$AP Mob limit your opinions on the 15-year-old sensation. If anything, acknowledge his affiliations and the fact that Smooky Margielaa can hold his own on a track with some of the industry’s most celebrated acts. The youngest name on our list, Smooky’s youthful style and collected approach have assisted in creating one of the most unlikely breakout acts of 2017. With a plethora of co-signs under his belt and the ability to execute on his own, this kid is seriously a force to be reckoned with.
Key Glock
‘Glock Season’ made some serious noise throughout the streets, but expect Key Glock‘s name to be all-over throughout the next few months. After ‘On My Soul’ began tearing up the charts in May, the Young Dolph affiliate quickly became one of the hottest names in Memphis. Paper Route Empire looks to help Glock achieve even further accolades as we transition into another trip ’round the Sun.
Young Nudy
Young Nudy has been simply tearing shit up over the last year, and he’s primed and ready to breakout as one of the biggest artist Atlanta has had in a while. He’s been selling out huge venues, doing consistently big streams across all platforms and his fanbase grows in size and loyalty by the day—and he’s completely independent. With arguably his strongest project to date in Nudyland still making the rounds, it’s hard to argue that Nudy isn’t going to go even crazier in 2018. With or without a deal, I’m positive he’ll be a household name by 2018’s conclusion with his ferociously raw rapping style and unique flair as an artist.
MT
These guys are going to be huge. MT, or the Marshall Twins are twin brothers from Milwaukee that have been making huge waves in a relatively small market for hip-hop, and urban music in general. To me, they’re like the R&B version of Rae Sremmurd in the sense that their chemistry is just so apparent on each song, and the personality and flair they bring with it is purely impressive. They dance, they sing good as motherfucker and their songwriting is super strong—if that’s not a recipe to blow up then shit, I don’t what is.
Vory
After helping Bryson Tiller become one of the biggest breakout acts of 2016, Vory has taken the past few months to focus more on his solo craft & as a fan, I’m ecstatic. His hypnotic vocals and smooth delivery make for a sexy, alluring sound that hits just as hard in the club as it does in your headphones. Proven on recent tracks like ‘Do That Shit’ and ‘Hold of Me,’ the Louisville native has a knack for making relatable music and looks to spread his sound even further in the coming months.
Ro Ransom
Fresh off of two nationwide tours in support of Dua Lipa and Witt Lowry, rising New York heatmaker Ro Ransom is lined up to have one hell of a fuckin’ year. A style comparable to that of Prince and a voice reminiscent of a more experimental Justin Timberlake, the self-proclaimed Mystery Boy dabbles with rap & melody in a way that’ll make your mind spin. Best heard on tracks like ‘Doppelganger,’ Ransom’s unique flare is more than enough to light his direct path to the top.