Top 20 Upcoming Artists to Watch in 2025

  1. Sara Kajari

Sara Kajari is a Croatian singer/songwriter whose music blends pop, R&B, and hip-hop with a unique, personal touch. Music has been a constant in her life since childhood, from dance and piano to poetry and songwriting. At 17, she began releasing her own tracks, and in 2024, she dropped her first collaborative album Znakovi with Croatian producer Beni Ducent, fusing electronic and R&B sounds. Currently, Sara is working on her debut solo album, which will showcase her versatility as an artist. Her songs are written in both English and Croatian, though she’s focusing more on English, where her true passion lies. Drawing inspiration from artists like Jhené Aiko, Tyla, Rihanna, Khalid, and SZA, Sara’s music is fresh, dynamic, and full of heart. She’s also exploring Afrobeats in her sound, adding another layer to her evolving style. Her upcoming release, a fun pop/afro house track, is set to bring a summer vibe to listeners worldwide.

https://youtube.com/@sarakajari?si=7E0R1Do18rbomOxm

2. Martel Smooth

Martel is a multi-talented creative whose self-confidence and work ethic set him apart. From Michigan to Brooklyn, NY, and he’s immersed himself in music, modeling, acting, and fashion. Known for blending old-school principles with modern tools, Martel has consistently studied and honed his craft. His latest project, Point of No Return, was released on November 28th, while his shoe line, Destiny Steps Collection, earned him a Staff’s Pick Award. A true visionary with a relentless drive, Martel embodies the Mamba Mentality, having put in his 10,000 hours to shine when the world finally notices.

3. YR OCHO

YR OCHO is an artist driven by the desire to tell his own story through music. His journey into music began with a deep sense of happiness, motivation, and the belief that the right song can change someone’s life. After serving over four years in prison, his passion for storytelling intensified, and upon his release, he recorded his first song—hearing his own voice on a track like a radio hit was a moment that changed everything. While his music is influenced by artists like Lil Baby and Lil Durk, who share similar experiences, YR OCHO’s sound is uniquely his own. He draws inspiration from his past, often writing after reflecting on his life experiences, and though he used to smoke to get in the zone, moving to a new state has shifted that routine. With his powerful storytelling and distinctive style, YR OCHO is carving his own path in the music world.

https://vyd.co/BlazedIt

4. GeeJohnson

Gee Johnson. 27. Originally from Miami, Fl. I’ve been singing since a kid and perfecting my craft throughout my school career. I’ve sang competitively for Dillard High school. Also studied music production at Queens Borough Community College in Queens, NY. I’ve been writing music since 2020 during COVID but Initially working on my album Feel Safe since 2020 as well. Fast forward 4 years later. God help me to release my first studio album September 30th, 2024 and history is still being written.

https://linktr.ee/GeeJohnson?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=8f8b2d18-db9f-4d42-8485-604a375647e4

5. Samuel Thomas

I’m an artist, producer and head of @abnrecords252 from Wilson, NC.
Way back in 2016 I had a vision of bringing authenticity and quality back to music, ever sense then I’ve been growing talent wise and creatively. The music reflects who I am as a person and what I stand for. You’ll hear themes of god and religion, struggle with daily life, and raw unfiltered emotions. I hope to push the interesting sound I have to the world and touch people souls all in the same process.

https://li.sten.to/fillerepisodes

6. Zaye Park

ZAYE PARK is an independent R&B and hip-hop producer and recording artist from Mississauga, ON, currently based in Toronto. Identifying as a black, queer female with preferred pronouns she/her or they/them, ZAYE has a passion for creating music and a strong interest in artist development, management, and the entertainment industry. They are the founder of PLYGRND MUSIC, an independent production house, and are dedicated to writing songs for themselves and other artists while managing talent.

https://on.soundcloud.com/fZV21QnyqxHnLgRJ7

https://youtube.com/@zayepark?si=U38jDEI66D17qkke

7. Jewellebryce

Jewelle Bryce is an up and coming R&B artist from Columbus Ohio! Originally starting out her career in St. Louis at 14 years old as more of an indie artist she continued to write her own songs and grow her talent to become the artist she is today at 24. Her unique tone and passion for songwriting is easy to see but watch out for the honesty and raw emotion she writes about in her music which truly makes you feel like she’s writing music meant for you. Sincerity and honesty drive this young artist every day and it’s exciting to see where that will take her next.

Follow her @jewellebryce on all of your favorite platforms to see more.

8. LUH Q

Luh Q is an up-and-coming artist from Lake County, IL. Known for his unique sound and authentic lyrics, he’s making waves in the music scene. Check out his debut album, Almost There, available now on all platforms.

9. lilmaudx

Lilmaudx is a boundary-pushing rapper and singer from Lake Park, Georgia, known for his versatile sound that spans from Juice WRLD’s emotional melodies to AzChike and OhGeey’s hard-hitting vibes. Not afraid to stir up controversy, he blends genres and tackles raw, real-life topics with unapologetic honesty. His music serves as a platform for spreading mental health awareness and creating meaningful conversations. Check out his journey on kin.bio/lilmaudx.

10. NURD

NURD is a rising R& B / Neosoul singer -songwriter that is on a mission to use her music as a bridge, bringing understanding and hope through her powerful voice. Born and raised in the cultural hub of Leimert Park, NURD’s musical journey began early, surrounded by the rhythms and stories of her city. Apart from her mesmerizing voice, NURD is a dedicated advocate for mental health, especially within the Black community.

11. Shelby Cordell

Midwest native Shelby Cordell’s music is a dynamic fusion of pop, R&B, and recent country influences, woven with personal stories that reflect her journey through pain, growth, and empowerment. Known for her uplifting messages, even when tackling heavy emotions, her music encourages resilience and the belief in a brighter future. Shelby’s tracks are marked by catchy hooks, raw honesty, and a sound that resonates with listeners on a heartfelt level. She released a new song each month for the first half of 2024 and ended it with her debut country pop EP “Midwest Barbie” available now on all streaming platforms.

12. Mir Mir

Chicago’s foreign California-born, Mir Mir, is strikingly still up for grabs in the world of production and artistry. Mir Mir displays a form of versatility that can’t be mimicked by seemingly any artist in the retro-urban music scene. His ability to blend into various genres as if he’s been placed within them for decades is tauntingly nothing short of remarkable and stakes him at the eyes of countless labels throughout the industry. Across the various tracks Mir Mir has produced, Mir Mir has garnered millions of streams with a placement on one of TikTok’s top 5 most streamed songs of 2020, which he has produced alongside the bedroom rap/Hyperpop era. When asking why Mir Mir, or Emir Baller, remains independent despite his talents, he explains that although a short number labels have reached out with “a few solid offers” he is unwilling to pursue them if they aren’t enough to assuringly cover his school and his future, claiming music is not his “main focus in life”.

13. J Macyy

J Macyy, originally from Iowa, recently made the bold move to Las Vegas to chase her dreams in the music industry. From a young age, J Macyy always aspired to be in the spotlight, but it wasn’t until later that she discovered a true passion for music. Writing about anything and everything, she found solace and excitement in the studio, which quickly became an addictive and integral part of her artistic journey. As a single mother to five kids under the age of six, J Macyy balances her family life with her dedication to making a mark in the music world, fueled by a deep love for creating and performing.

14. lj savvy

LJ Savvy is an artist from Pomona, California, whose music blends love, heartbreak, and raw emotion. His unique sound is crafted to make you both cry and dance, capturing the essence of life’s most vulnerable moments.

15. Cease

Cease, is an emerging artist and producer from Peru. His music blends influences from pop, urban, and electronic genres, delivering smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with listeners worldwide. With standout tracks like No Es Igual, Suerte, and Un Ángel, Cease has showcased his versatility and passion for exploring diverse sounds, from modern reggaetón to vibrant house-inspired rhythms.

https://linktr.ee/Ceaselpz

16. PoppaFTN

PoppaFTN is an independent artist whose music is a reflection of his life, blending heartfelt storytelling with powerful lyricism. With a style that fuses raw emotion and dynamic beats, PoppaFTN’s music is a journey through life’s highs and lows, connecting with listeners on a deeper level. Currently working on his debut album “Ghetto Gospel” , PoppaFTN is carving his path in the industry, driven by purpose and a love for the craft.

17. Gp Rymer

Gabriel Peguero (born March 9, 1992), better known as Gp Rymer, is a Dominican singer, songwriter, actor, music producer, graphic artist, and entrepreneur. Known for his versatility, Gp Rymer has made a mark in the Latin Christian music scene, writing and producing hits for top artists. He debuted with his album “180 Degrees” in 2014 and later returned in 2021 with his project “DETOX”, which brought a fresh sound and solidified his place in both national and international music circles. Beyond music, Gp Rymer is also a creative entrepreneur, blending his artistic talents across multiple industries.

18. Kyngjai

Kyngjai, is a multi-talented rising Hip-Hop and Dancehall Artist. Mr. Akeem Manhertz also known as Kyngjai was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to the United States in late 2010, when he was (15) years old. He began seeing professional success around 2012, with the release of his first critically acclaimed work. He has overcome countless obstacles on the way up, and continue to work hard each and every day to keep his musical journey moving forward.

19. Chief Godsun

With a dose of hard hitting double entendre rhymes, hooks, and unforgettable ad-libs. Chief GodSun conclusively got his style from being an avid writer of different genres of Haikus, sonnets, and free verse poetry making his style versatile. The Winston Salem, NC artist breaks down word play and delivery to a science that builds the audience up and takes them on a roller coaster of emotions from heart felt lyrics and stories from real life experiences growing up in the streets of NC and using God to overcome.
Chief GodSun dropped his first mixtape “GOD Made Vol. 1” in the summer of 2020 with features from ATL legend Pastor Troy DSGB. Followed by the newly released Tape “GOD Made vol. 2”.
Chief GodSun is still an independent artist and has teamed up with super producer Zaytoven and his team.

20. Alycia C

Alyecia C is a rising artist whose music masterfully fuses the vibrant culture of New Orleans with the contemporary sounds of Hip-Hop and R&B. Born and raised in the heart of New Orleans, her upbringing is steeped in the rich musical traditions of her city, which shaped the dynamic sound she brings to her artistry today. Now based in Atlanta, GA, Alyecia continues to evolve her craft, channeling the energy of her roots while adding a fresh, modern twist.

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