Throughout previous years, the BBC 1Xtra team have come together to pick their “Hot For” list. The list predicts the biggest names that will take the forefront in music in the year commencing as well as further down the line.
Hot for 2014 saw the likes of Ally Pally sell outs Krept and Konan make the list. 2015 included the next Glastonbury headliner, Stormzy. 2016 included MOBO winner J Hus. 2017 had Mercury Prize nominee Jorja Smith and 2018 was filled with chart-topping artists such as Fredo, Not3s and Yxng Bane. Amongst the list grows huge stars, now is your chance to get clued up on their “Hot for 2019” so you know who to keep an eye on.
Aitch
At just 18 years old the Manchester MC certainly is beyond his age with his experience behind a mic. Making a name for himself up north as well as around the country, he is no stranger to shelling down a freestyle. Kicking off the return of GRM’s Daily Duppy series return back in November his witty bars and sleek flow packed a punch making him the second highest viewed Duppy video ever!
Must-hear track: Trust Me
Alicai Harley
With a blend of heavy beats mixed in amongst dancehall infused pop, Alicai Harley’s tracks have been played on radio stations nationwide. The Kingston-born, London-based artist twists traditional UK styled hooks alongside her Jamaican flows to create her chart worthy hits. With her Yard Gyal Inna Britian EP due out sometime in the next few weeks, she’s kicking 2019 off with a bang.
Must-hear track: Proper Paper
Amber Mark
If Rhythm and Blues are more your thing then Amber Mark is the one you need to be adding to your playlists. Her soulful vocals topped off with electric beats and piano based chorus match up to create perfectly rich R&B sing-a-long tracks. The New York-based artist spent her childhood travelling the world, helping to give her a unique edge on her tracks with a worldwide infusion of sounds.
Must-hear track: Put On You
Ambush
Northwest London artist Ambush has been making his way into the limelight for some time. Kicking off the early stages of his career back in 2012 with his feature on General Gheezy’s “I Need That”. To now rubbing shoulders with the likes of Skepta and Chip on their massive 2018 anthem, “Jumpy”. Performing at last years GRM Daily’s Rated Awards we can safely say he goes as hard live on the mic as he does on the track. With the groundwork behind him, you’ll be seeing a lot more of Ambush.
Must-hear track: Jumpy
Daniel Caesar
If Jorja Smith, Ella Mai and Bryson Tiller vibes are your kind of thing then Daniel Caesar is about to be your new favourite. The Canadian star brings a whole new level to smooth R&B. With gospel undertones originating from his childhood tied up with soft guitar chords, Daniel Caesar’s music is a dreamy mixture of tracks about love and loss. With his debut album Freudian quickly becoming one of 2017 most loved R&B albums, he’s only got bigger and better since.
Must-hear track: Get You
D Block Europe
Straight out of South London, the duo consisting of Young Adz and Dirtbike LB are bringing something a little different to the scene. They focus more on the meaning and moods behind their tracks rather than the genre or sound. Inspired by New York rap, the pair creates hits that scream UK whilst giving subtle nods to the American scenes. With their tracks the ideal club hype tunes, they’re a pair to watch in 2019.
Must-hear track: nASSty
DigDat
Lewisham rapper DigDat might be a name you know already, and if it’s not then you need to get to know it. With his track “Airforce” making it into the Official Charts Top40 and remaining in the charts for a total of 8 weeks, the nation loves his witty wordplay. Catching the eyes of Krept and Konan who quickly jumped on a remix of the drill hit. If this is how he handled 2018, think of what level he is going to raise the bar to in 2019.
Must-hear track: Airforce
Hamzaa
Full of soul and stories, the 20-year-old Londoner has been making music since the age of four. Her stripped back style lets her natural vocals shine through over her basic yet capturing backings. With her idols including Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse, you get the idea what picture she is trying to create with her own soulful twist. There’s no doubt that you’ll witness even more signs of Hamzaa’s greatness in 2019.
Must-hear track: You
Koffee
From a Spanish town in Jamaica, the 18-year-old singer says her musical inspirations come from artists like Protoje. On a mission to empower her generation whilst preserving Jamaicans culture, her talent shines through every track she’s released so far. With big bassy backings amongst her powerful vocals, it’s no surprise that she’s already toured with Chronixx and been signed to a major label ready to bring great things in 2019.
Must-hear track: Toast
Octavian
Breaking through in late 2017, the French-born, South London raised star known as Octavian is already defying public expectations. His tracks have been described as R&B, dancehall, grime, house, and UK hip-hop, giving him a sound that everyone wants to hear. Releasing unapologetically experimental tracks he’s out there carving his own path within the industry resulting in a neoteric and imperative London sound. His breathy and raspy delivery sounds effortless reeling in himself a huge fanbase throughout 2018 ready to make it big time in 2019.
Must-hear track: Party Here
Roddy Ricch
The latest member of the rap scene to come from Compton is Roddy Ricch. He flew straight into the public eye with a Marshmallo collab, a spot on Meek Mill Championships album and his huge “Die Young” summer single last year. His thin line between rapping and singing allows him to swerve seamlessly between hard bars and softer melodies. Team that up with his relatable lyrics and simple but catchy production and you’ve got yourself a 2019 star in the making.
Must-hear track: Die Young
Rygin King
Ready to take the dancehall throne is Rygin King. At 23 years old from Jamaica’s Montego Bay, Rygin King is making waves within the industry. Getting airplay across the globe including New York’s Hot 97 Fm and Jamz 101.5 over in Atlanta, his dancehall is ready to take the world by storm this year with his feel-good vibes and reggaeton style.
Must-hear track: Tuff
Slowthai
Putting Northampton on the map is Slowthai. His blend of grime and punk makes for a true explosion behind the mic. His furious pace on tracks see’s him cover topics such as race, women, class and unemployment with hard-hitting lyrics over rough-edged beats. Teaming up with massive names such as Mura Masa and Slaves last year, 2019 is only going to see slowthai push the boundaries even further than he already has.
Must-hear track: Drugdealer
Tiana Major9
With a perfect mix of Soul, R&B, Hip Hop and Jazz. Tiana Major9 is bringing those easy listening tracks to your life. Her sound is powerful but full of passion. With heartfelt piano-led ballads and soaring orchestral strings, Tiana Major9’s vocals never feel drowned out by her rich backings. As a nation’s rising talent, her growth in multiple genres will be an exciting journey to watch unfold within 2019.
Must-hear track: Mr Mysterious
Unknown T
Pushing the drill scene throughout 2018 Unknown T aim’s to represent the pain in his community through his music. He had the whole country buzzing with his massive “Homerton” B anthem which quickly becoming GRM Daily’s 10th most watched video last year. Undeniably bringing the UK its biggest drill track of 2018, there’s going to be big things to come from Unknown T over the next year.
Must-hear track: Homerton B