2020 was a hard year for a lot of us. Imagine being a new artist during that time? Even through the hardships and roadblocks, these music creatives found a way to push through and have become artists that you should keep your eyes and ears on in 2021.
Erica Banks
You may not know her face yet, but you definitely know her music. The 1501 Certified rapper’s hit single “Buss It” from her self-titled debut album was followed with a challenge that has taken over the world. Erica Banks, a Dallas native, samples Nelly’s 2002 No. 1 hit “Hot in Herre” at the beginning of the song, adding a sense of familiarity for the casual fan. Banks has an aggressive, quick-witted, versatile flow that is usually accompanied by bass-knocking beats that will take over the club scene. With her talent and a solid team behind her, Erica will definitely turn this viral moment into a thriving music career.
Olivia Rodrigo
Starring in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, one can say that Olivia Rodrigo‘s fame has been reduced to a teen audience that watches tv in their bedrooms. However, after the release of her latest single “Drivers License, Rodrigo seems to be an overnight sensation.
Within days of the release, the song garnered the most Spotify streams in one day for a non-holiday song, landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, gained praise/shout outs from celebs, including Cardi B and Taylor Swift. With feats like this, the sky is definitely the limit for Olivia Rodrigo and solidifies herself as one of the artists to watch in 2021.
42 Dugg
Finding his passion for music behind bars, 42 Dugg began writing rhymes to keep his sanity while in solitary confinement. Upon his release, he began on his journey as a full-time artist. Subsequently, Dugg was signed to Lil Baby and Yo Gotti in a joint deal.
Being featured on one of the biggest releases in 2020, Lil Baby’s My Turn, helped Dugg achieve mainstream notoriety. His mixtape Young & Turnt 2 displayed what he can do as a lead artist. With a new project on the horizon, 42 Dugg is looking to keep his momentum going.
Toosii
First gaining traction in 2017, Toosii has been putting in work for the last few years. Compared to artists like Rod Wave and Roddy Rich, Toosii pours his heart onto tracks for listeners to either relate or feel his pain. Toosii showed that he, not only has an impeccable work ethic, but that he also produces quality work, dropping several dope projects last year. With one of his latest accomplishments, inking a deal with Capitol Records, Toosii’s trajectory just got even bigger!
Yung Bleu
Yung Bleu made his way onto the music scene back in 2010. He gained notoriety collaborating with rappers like Boosie and Kevin Gates. Signing to Boosie’s Badazz Music Syndicate in 2018, Bleu has continued to release impressive projects, scoring him three RIAA-certified singles; “Underappreciated,” “Ice on My Baby” and “Miss It”.
Bleu recently gained a top 40 hit, collaborating with Drake on You’re Mines Still. There’s no doubt he has even bigger things in store for 2021.
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