In the 90s emcees such as Roots Manuva and Blak Twang helped to establish worldwide credibility of Hip-Hop coming out of the UK. Whilst delivering clever lyricism and stories coming from an English perspective, the next generation of British rappers completely and unapologetically kicked open the door, playing by their own rules. This lot of lyricists included acts such as Ms. Dynamite, Sway DaSafo, J2K and of course Incisive. Hailing from West London, Incisive has been on a steady mission of bringing forth the best Hip-Hop music possible, proving more than equal to his respective counterparts across the Atlantic.
New York City band Manic Pixi reflects the very example of what it means to take varied musical influences, place them in a blender and stir them together, with the outcome being a true collage of styles married in perfect union. This is also a testament to their family-like environment that has been instrumental in the group’s groundwork rising and progression. Comprised of vocalist Kat Hamilton, Marshall Biever, Emmett Ceglia and Drew Bastian, Manic Pixi is everything great and hopeful about the new sound of alternative and pop punk.
Stockholm's Ängie may boast a physical beauty synonymous with her country, but as a music artist she is far from the typical lighthearted pop songstress. Equipped with a bad girl swagger, the tattooed, marijuana-loving vocalist has already begun to shake things up with her debut single 'Smoke Weed Eat Pussy'. The rumbling drum & bass meets trap bit is practically an anthem for stoners and cunnilingus connoisseurs, and at the very least, those who simply love a party-starter of a track. Already tipped to be a fire-starter this year, Ängie currently has us lifted in her hazy, smoke-filled aura.
Adian Coker is what one would call the perfectly balanced emcee. With the ability to let-off bars for days with clever metaphors and punch lines, he also possesses an in-depth skill of storytelling which allows the listener to form vivid pictures whilst being musically transported throughout the journey. There is also the element of accessibility. Coker's songs cross both the underground and mainstream with sheer dignity and a quality level that blows everything else out of the water.
Sonia and Anna Kuprienko aka Bloom Twins aren't your typical pop siblings. Sure they're incredibly addicting style of musical noir is undoubtedly intriguing upon first listen, but digging deep into their history, what you'll find are a pair of classically trained multi-instrumentalists and singers who have literally been steeped in the art form for most of their lives. Since releasing their cover of the Kish Mauve track 'Fahrenheit', followed by their haunting rendition of Bob Marley's classic song 'Get Up Stand Up" in support of the people of Ukraine during the midst of political turmoil a couple years back, the Kuprienko sisters have gone on to create a few astounding recordings, ink a deal with IMG Model Management and tour with iconic musical giants Duran Duran. It's safe to say that Bloom Twins are staring at a future as bright as the midday sky.
Shakka is the guy right now. The The MOBO Award-winning singer, emcee, songwriter, producer and performer is a classic example of what one would describe as a renaissance man. His live shows are second to none, with the cheeky artist possessing the ability to capture a crowd with bare wit if he chose. Aside from storming the UK Charts with Wretch 32 for the 2013 hit single 'Blackout', his single 'Say Nada' featuring JME was an instant radio smash with Shakka supported by BBC Radio 1xtra. Multi-faceted in every sense of the word, he is a part of that specific heritage of well-rounded artists who only come around so many years in music.
To modify anything is to simply make changes. It would then make sense for well-respected musicians Adam Scrimshire and Dave Koor to come together to alter the current state of music, powered by sophisticated instrumentation and the idea of futurism. This concept of pushing sound forward also comes from firmly planted roots steeped deep in jazz, soul, funk, afrobeat, rock, electronica and more. These are genres that both Scrimshire and Koor know well with keen expertise. This is also why their 'Modifications: Set 1' album under the guise of Modified Man will undoubtedly go down as one of the most entertaining and important releases of the year.
It's almost unfair when you think about the blessed attributes that some people have. When referencing Cocovan, certain qualities and characteristics are blatantly evident - insanely talented as a music artist (which includes production and vocals), a natural flair for fashion and a striking beauty that can instantly grab the attention of everyone in a room. Her sound is described as glam pop, which is accurately fitting. In a sense, it is a soundtrack to all things beautiful.
Cheney may be new to the music industry but she is getting ready to make a splash harder than a tropical tsunami. The London bombshell creates a dark and uber-sexy helping of electronica and future r&b that radiates with a strong confidence of attitude and a security in her evident sexiness. First emerging on the scene with her track with Toronto producer OBESØN titled 'Say My Name' in 2015, Cheney went on to record the song 'Sex' with Spain's Choclock, not to mention her sultry cuts 'Dirty Secrets' and 'All About You'.
Iceland is truly one of the world's gifts of the world. Its magical landscape has not only made for one of the most visually pleasing sights of all time but in terms of the country's musical contribution, Iceland has birthed some of the most influential artists of all time i.e Björk, Sigur Rós and the list continues. Whilst Reykjavík duo East Of My Youth have much to be proud of regarding their city and country, they are the next Icelandic wonders to add on to this firm legacy.
