19 Rappers, Artists, DJs And Producers You Need To Watch In 2014
Wondering who's going to be big in 2014? Here's 19 artists we think you need to keep an eye on over the next 12 months.
-
1. Jhené Aiko
Jhené Aiko's been on our radar for a good while now, but 2014 looks set to be a big year - at last - for the US star as she prepares to release her debut album 'Souled Out'. The 25-year-old singer is already hot property, with artists like Childish Gambino and Kendrick Lamar both appearing on her releases in 2013.
-
2. Joel Compass
There's something ethereal about Joel Compass. With influences ranging from Drake to Radiohead, the British rapper burst onto the scene in 2013 with the incredible singles 'Run' and 'Astronaut' and make no mistake, 2014 is his for the taking.
-
3. Sam Smith
Sam Smith's vocals will be familiar to fans of Disclosure and Naughty Boy - in 2013 he helped give both producers two of their biggest tracks in 'Latch' (Disclosure) and 'La La LA' (Naughty Boy). Now the English singer is going it on his own, with his debut single 'Money On My Mind' set for release right at the start of 2014.
-
4. All About She
All About She dropped the single 'Higher' in 2013 - and it slayed just about every dance floor in the UK. Now the trio of talented singers and producers are preparing to release their debut album in 2014. We can't wait!
-
5. Kid Ink
At 27, Kid Ink is already kind of a big deal. The Los Angeles rapper has been on our hip-hop radar consistently in recent years, but it was 2013 and his collaboration with Chris Brown on the track 'Show Me' that got the world's attention. Now with his new album 'My Own Lane' set to arrive in 2014, Kid Ink is a name you're going to hear a lot more of.
-
-
6. Lil Durk
Signed to Def Jam, Lil Durk comes straight out of Chicago and is on the cusp of some very big things. In 2013 he dropped the mixtape 'Signed to the Streets', which Rolling Stone hailed the eight best mixtape of the year and, as the track 'Dis' Ain't What You Want' proves, he's not afraid of anyone.
-
7. Chris Malinchak
American producer Chris Malinchak has been on the radar of many a hardcore house fan over the past 18 months and after the chart success of 'So Good To Me', he looks poised to take even more steps up the ladder in 2014. He recently dropped the songs 'So Into You' and 'Call My Name', which you need to check out.
-
8. Le Youth
Le Youth is Wes James and throughout 2013 the American producer and DJ has quickly been asserting himself as a major player in electronic music. This year alone he's given us the R&B infused jams 'Cool' and 'Dance With Me', and both of those are setting him up for an epic 2014.
-
9. Martin Garrix
Picture: Facebook At just 17, Martin Garrix became the first EDM artist to sign to Scooter Braun's management company. As the manager of artists like Ariana Grande, Braun has a proven track record for spotting talent, as was demonstrated by Martin when his single 'Animals' went straight to number one in the UK in 2013. Now, with work on a debut album underway, Martin looks like he's got the EDM world at his feet in 2014.
-
10. Wilkinson
London producer Wilkinson breathed life into drum and bass in 2013, with his single 'Afterglow' becoming a dance floor staple. The track was taken from his debut album 'Lazers Not Included', which will surely help him secure some big slots next year.
-
-
11. Mista Silva
An Afrobeats star that has been doing it for Abrantee in 2013 thanks to tunes like 'No. 1', Mista Silva's 2014 looks set to be a big one.
-
12. Sasha Keable
Just like Ella Eyre, Sasha Keable's a young British female singer that looks set to own 2014. She'll be familiar to you already if you're a fan of Disclosure's 'Voices' - it's her vocal that drives the garage track. Expect a more soulful sound from her own material and for it to be very big when it finally arrives in 2014.
-
13. MNEK
At 19, MNEK describes himself as a "singer, songwriter, producer, remixer, dreamer", which is alright by us. The London all-rounder featured on two songs on Rudimental's debut album in 2013 and will step out on his own in 2014, powered by singles like the all-conquering 'Ready For Your Love'. We look forward to taking the journey with him.
-
14. Route 94
It's Route 94's remixes that have had the dance floors rocking in 2013, including the producer's epic remix of Skream's 'Rollercoaster'. With new productions set to 2014, keep an eye out.
-
15. Chance The Rapper
Chance The Rapper, at 20, seemingly has the hip-hop world at his feet. His mixtape 'Acid Rap' was one of the musical highlights of 2013 and now the rapper from Chicago is thought to be working on his debut album proper. 2014 could be his year.
-
-
16. Cyril Hahn
Cyril Hahn's rolls straight out of Canada and brings with him some devastatingly strong talent. His productions have soundtracked 2013 for many and with remixes of songs like Destiny's Child's 'Say My Name' and Haim's 'Don't Save Me' already under his belt, you can be sure you'll hear a lot more from Cyril in 2014. Picture: Cyril Hahn on Facebook