1. KirkoJake
Kirkojake is a Fayetteville, North Carolina–based artist whose music is rooted in survival, faith, and truth. Having written music his entire life, he didn’t fully step into his artistry until a turning point that changed everything—his final stint in rehab after nearly losing his life to withdrawal. In that moment, Kirkojake credits God with saving him and giving him a second chance.
2. WishGxd
Juqan Brown, known as WishGxd, was born July 7, 2003, in Toronto. Growing up in a diverse environment, he turned to music to cope with depression and isolation. Influenced by Travis Scott, XXXTentacion, Tupac, Azizi Gibson, and The Weeknd, he began writing in high school and uploading to SoundCloud in 2018, building a dedicated cult-like fanbase.
3.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.
4.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
5. Gee Johnson
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.
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://youtube.com/@zayepark?si=U38jDEI66D17qkke
7. Jewelle Bryce
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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. YR OHO
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.
CYNX MAGAZINE 