Artists to Watch Out for in 2019
These are the artists that will explode in 2019.
Ava Max
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As per usual, the U.S. is always the last to get hip on new artists and songs. Ava Max's breakout smash hit, "Sweet but Psycho," has already reached #1 in 15 countries including three consecutive weeks (and counting) in the U.K. Max's smash hit recalls the candy-coated daydream of 2010 Katy Perry with the edge of 2011 Lady Gaga. Her voice recalls Sia is some aspects, but her overall aesthetic is completely unique to her in today's music climate. She has a dark twist on fourth-wave feminism that's very interesting to interpret keep an eye on her! Listen to: "Sweet but Psycho"
Billie Eilish
Billie has been on a slow-burning rise over the past year and a half. Last year she released the biting "you should see me in a crown"; reissued her debut EP, dont smile at me, which included strong tracks such as "idontwannabeyouanymore" and "ocean eyes"; and duetted with Khalid on the heartbreaking "lovely." Her gritty sound and "edgy" image have captivated hearts around the world and she's only going to grow bigger in 2019. Listen to: "WHEN I WAS OLDER"
Ariana Grande
Of course, Ariana is not a new artist, but she is still someone to keep an eye out for this year. With the follow-up to her massive "thank u, next," entitled "7 rings," due this Friday and her giant Sweetener World Tour on the horizon, Ariana is likely to rule 2019 with an even tighter grip than she did 2018. She's also headlining Coachella and Lollapalooza and dropping her fifth album (Thank U, Next) this year. Ariana is not slowing down! Listen to: "imagine" & "7 rings"
Nicole Bus
A transplant from The Voice: Holland, Nicole Bus is Roc Nation's newest signee. Her debut single on the roster, "You," blends reggae and soul to create an uplifting ode to Black men. Her voice has notes of Erykah Badu and Jazmine Sullivan and her smoky tone drives everything home. "You" deserves to follow the footsteps of Ella Mai's "Boo'd Up" and continue to represent R&B in the mainstream. Listen to: "You"
Ryan Trey
With cosigns from Lebron James and Bryson Tiller, Ryan Trey has been on a steady rise. His R&B-inflected rap sound fits right at home in today's music landscape but he has that special something that sets him apart. The best way to get into him is just to listen. Listen to: "Mutual Butterflies"
Blueface
Blueface is just waiting to explode. Sure, his rapping is unconventional (by that I mean he rarely raps on beat), but that off-kilter delivery is part of his draw. Add in his good looks, charisma, and irresistible production and we have our next big rap star. Listen to: "Thotiana"
Megan Thee Stallion
The past two years saw the rise and dominance of Cardi B. I think this year will see the rise of Megan Thee Stallion. Her bodacious flow and fun-loving image have helped her gain more and more traction by the day. The best part? She's decided to finish her college education despite signing a major label record deal. Listen to: "Hot Girl"
BLACKPINK
Pop music fans have known about the magic of BLACKPINK for a minute now. With a slot at Coachella and an imminent debut album, this K-Pop girl group is poised to truly break the U.S. With perfect pop songs like "Whistle"; "Boombayah"; and "DDU-DU DDU-DU," these girls are definitely ones to watch. Listen to: "As If It's Your Last"
Normani
Normani has been dropping a steady stream of heat since this time last year. The ex-Fifth Harmony member has is poised to make a big splash this year. With a hit under belt like "Love Lies" and an impending smash hit in "Dancing with a Stranger," she's going to kill it this year. Her debut album is reportedly due this year, and with collaborators like Pharrell, Ester Dean, and Stargate, this could be one of the strongest R&B/pop records of the year. Listen to: "Checklist"
YBN Cordae
Easily the strongest of the YBN crew, YBN Cordae is going to pop off this year. Mark my words. His the most lyrically-interesting and has the most intriguing flow out of the entire group. He bridges the gap between meme-rap, gangsta rap, and mainstream rap. Listen to: "Kung Fu"
