At just 17 years old, The Kid LAROI has shown he’s more than deserving of the recent attention. Mixing styles of Post Malone, Juice WRLD, and his own unique flair, The Kid LAROI has the potential to really blow up. A superstar in the making that’s just getting started.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to songs “WRONG” and “WITHOUT YOU” to understand both types of his style
Listen: The Kid LAROI
After being in the game for multiple years, Durkio started getting the respect he deserves in 2020. From a #2 hit with Drake and featuring on numerous projects to a successful mixtape of his own, Durk sounds hungrier than ever. Look out for the No Auto Durk album with Metro Boomin next year.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to songs “How I Know” and “Stay Down”
Listen: Lil Durk
Fresh off a hot 2019, Megan Thee Stallion continued to expand her artistry with the release of a new EP and album. With an amazing feature by Beyoncé, the “Savage Remix” reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2020, Megan Thee Stallion solidified her role as a star with longevity.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to songs “Savage” and “Girls in the Hood”
Listen: Megan Thee Stallion
Not only did Taylor Swift craft a masterpiece of an album that completely reinvented her style, she did it twice. With folklore and evermore, Swift explores her limitless possibilities and shows that she can’t be boxed in as an artist. Swift has one of the strongest discographies of all time.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to the album Red before you dive into folklore & evermore
Listen: Taylor Swift
Teasing his album Eternal Atake for what seemed like decades, this was the year we finally saw its release. However, the Philadelphia rapper didn’t stop there, and continued to feed the fans with two additional projects. In 2020, Lil Uzi Vert had the most Billboard Hot 100 entries out of any artist.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to the mixtape Lil Uzi Vert Vs. The World before Eternal Atake
Listen: Lil Uzi Vert
Lil Baby took 2020 by storm. With the release of his aptly titled album My Turn, he kept the momentum going and followed it up with an acclaimed deluxe release. The improvement in Baby’s craft is noticeable, and he currently carries the torch as the hottest rapper out.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to songs “Emotionally Scarred” and “The Bigger Picture”
Listen: Lil Baby
Taking four years to release his next album, the wait was well worth as The Weeknd released The College Setlist’s album of the year. Seamlesslly fusing styles of pop, hip-hop, and R&B together, it’s no question that the Canadian artist is one of the most talented artists on the planet.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to songs “House of Balloons” and “Reminder”
Listen: The Weeknd
Despite the coronavirus that prevented BTS from their planned global tour, the K-Pop group did not let that get in the way of their massive success. The ballad “Life Goes On” became the first predominantly song in non-English to debut at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. To top it off, that wasn’t even their biggest song of the year.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to songs “Life Goes On” and “Save Me”
Listen: BTS
First off, rest in peace to Pop Smoke. Just getting started in his career, it’s heartbreaking to see the potential he had cut short. Pop Smoke is one of the few artists who completely blew up after his passing, and it’s a shame that he never got the roses he deserved. His unique style and the work he left behind will only continue to grow.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to songs “Welcome to the Party” and “Dior”
Listen: Pop Smoke
Despite his album not even being released in 2020 (December 2019), Roddy Ricch reached new levels this year. The number 1 success of singles “The Box” and “ROCKSTAR” with DaBaby showcase Roddy’s raw talent that outcharts pop stars. He’s young, unique, and will continue to dominate the game in 2021.
If You're New to this Artist:
Listen to songs “The Box” and “Ballin”
Listen: Roddy Ricch
