2016 Year End Wrap Up: 20 Artists To Watch For in 2017
by Site Manager
6. Russ
If you want to attach a new face to versatility, look no further than Russ. Born in New Jersey but raised in Atlanta, Russ is a man of many talents as he produces, raps, and sings. In what sets him apart from the deep pool of new artists, Russ has already toppled millions upon millions of listens on his Soundcloud page. That milestone can be mapped to Russ’s ever changing and expanding sound that makes it hard and disrespectful to pin him into an artistic box. Already having albums under his name & vibrant tracks like, “Ain’t Nobody Takin My Baby,” Russ has yet to crack the masses on a large commercial scale, which makes his latest wins thats much more interesting. Sticking to a formula that possibly only works for him, 2017 is shaping up to be a movie for the passionate creative.
“Caroline, you divine, mighty fine.” Yes, it’s that guy and we’re excited to see and hear what his future holds in music. From Portland, Oregon, Amine’s homie/friend next door demeanor is only a small margin of what has had people connecting with him and his music. Releasing his project, Calling Brio, which Amine fuses elements of his Ethiopian background with Hip Hop dynamics, the grind continues. Originally starting out recording diss records aimed at a rival high school, Amine capitalized on a joke that’s now turned into a bubbling career. Experimental and currently unpredictable, Amine is making this journey a thrill to watch. Oh, and let’s not fail to mention that he’s worked with Kaytranada! Amine, we’re locked in.
You have likely heard the name Don Q, but putting your finger on the exact moment, place, and/or song could be the hard part if you’re not a loyal fan just yet. Not referring to the popular Rum, Don Q is a Bronx, New York rapper that has all the makings to catch the ears and eyes of his fellow NY natives and more. Linking up with fellow rising star, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, on the Highbridge the Label: The Takeover mixtape, Don Q has shown that he can also stand on his own two feet with “Everything Lit” and much more. Conveying just how he’s so much more than your typical New York rapper, Don Q season is about to be in full swing!
Casamova 2x proudly carries Brooklyn on his back while he keeps New York shining in the hip-hop spotlight. It only took a year for Casanova to grab the attention of many when he dropped his hit record “Don’t Run” that owns the NY airwaves and beyond. With a slew of hits in the can and a new deal with Roc Nation inked, Cas is bound to blow up in 2017.
One time for D.C! Another new artist stemming from the nation’s capital, WillThaRapper represents strong for those that can connect to the struggle of hood-life. Going beyond just that, Will’s music is a reflection of that struggle, but also hosts a hope for more, all while keeping things 100% real. Being apart of various music collections with his “Pull Up Hop Out” tune, WillThaRapper even received a special nod from Wale, who put his signature flare on the track. Having a drive that is heard throughout the records he’s previously put out to the world, if he keeps that same mindset, WillThaRapper will have nothing to worry about.