Hotlist19 Top 10 List Revealed
The votes have been counted, the iluvlive team have debated and the ILUVLIVE HOTLIST TOP 10 can now be revealed.
Launched in 2015, the iluvlive Hotlist Top 10 features ten acts we think the tippers will be tipping in the coming years. Candidates can be signed but cannot have released an album via a major record label. Early successes include Nadia Rose, Ray Blk, Stefflon Don, Ms Banks, Abra Cadabra, IAMDDB, Dave, Kodjey Radical and Raye.
The long list of twenty acts was announced on Tuesday 6th November, with two weeks of public voting. Five acts from the top 10 will now go on to perform at our Hotlist show on January 28th at The Camden Assembly. The aim is that the list and the show generate media and industry interest and help acts further along the road to success.
Alicai Harley
Jamaican-born Alicai is undoubtedly being recognized and picked up by the right people. This year she toured the UK with BBC Introducing, opened up The Red Bull Stage at Nottinghill Carnival and sold out her headline show at Nottinghill Arts Club. On top of this, Alicai had the opportunity to be a part of Brighton's The Great Escape festival, an amazing inauguration for emerging artists.
Flohio
Flohio's rhymes are not easily categorised – she's not a grime artist, for instance, even though she's been described as such – but like many grime artists, her punchy, poetic lyrics are often confessional. The rapper released her debut EP Nowhere Near in 2016 and although at the moment she still has her nine-to-five as a graphic designer for a record label, her career in music looks bright. "I always wanted to write stories and stories,” she says. "I do that through music.”
JGrrey
South London's JGrrey has the type of voice to stop you right in your tracks and pay attention. It's understated, yet captivating and mesmerizing with its various tones and textures. Last year's debut EP, I Can't Die, Lie, Or End Time, nods towards 1960s jazz and soul. Latest singles are "Ready To Die" and "Don't Fade", which she debuted online with Colors and has since received nearly 2 million views
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Joy Crookes
Joy Crookes is 19 year old south London born songstress straddling soul, trip-hop and R&B. Half-Bengali/Half-Irish in heritage; Joy's is a dexterous sound, which effortlessly showcases her melting pot of sonic influences. Joy balances the retro stylings of Sade with the millennial wit of Lily Allen - songs that aren't afraid to be honest and raw, while also packing a political punch. She may be looking to the past, but smart, talented and strong, Joy Crookes is shaping the sound of the future. Having built up a loyal following since her hotly tipped 2017 'Influence' EP, late 2018 will see her return with new music, live shows and an uniquely 'Joy' shaped world of creativity to showcase, 2019 is set to be a defining year for Crookes.
Jvck James
East London-born & bred, 19 year-old Jvck James is already creating a buzz with his blend of Jamaican roots and tasteful soul taking in influences from the 90's. Having just performed a 1Xtra Spotlight Session for DJ Target, not to mention selling out his debut London Headline show, his new singles 'On My Way' and 'Fears' are already getting supported across BBC 1Xtra's airwaves. This Autumn will also see Jvck support Mahalia on her debut UK Tour.
Lylo Gold
Lylo Gold is a vibrant, controversial artist who speaks her mind and composes with her heart. Having gained experience performing all over London and gained a real insight to the industry, she now feels ready to bring the world a pinch of her persona. With a soothing soulful voice, Lylo is not only a colourful character, but also an unconventional lyricist, with a distinctive style. After releasing her solo project this year "Heartache and Wray” Lylo sold out her first headline show at London's Sebright Arms.
Nafe Smallz
Nafe is known for creating a distinct sound and continues to defy genres with his unique vocal style proving him to not only be a credible rap artist but a melodic vocalist too. In early 2016 at just 19, he supported US superstar Future on his UK tour. He then opened up for both Rich Homie and Migos at their London shows. Nafe then closed 2016 by being one of the only support acts to open up for Skepta at Alexandra Palace. In 2017 Nafe's promising movements continued during his joint show with Toronto rapper Smoke Dawg - where in an iconic moment for the UK rap scene Drake made a surprise appearance at their gig in XOYO, Shoreditch.
Society of Alumni
Society Of Alumni is a 10 piece creative collective from South London. SOA speak for a generation of young people that seek to become the change that they want to see. In a time where moments are fleeting, SOA live the stories they speak about in their music. Formed in 2012, the collective use charged flows and thumping beats to express their individuality and personality. A group of young people motivated by life, using their struggles to fuel their dreams. Their dedication, love for music and creativity formed Society Of Alumni: Mula, iSEE, Jaspo Beats, Flewid, Mak, Vels, Bad Jay, Devante and DJ Amari.
Tara Lily
Growing up in Peckham around rappers and beat makers whilst learning to play traditional jazz and hard bop, Tara had an early intro into the world of music. Tara found herself at The Brit School aged 15 but not able to fit the mould, she left early and went on to win a place at the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music to study jazz vocals and piano. So it's no surprise, that Tara has already collaborated with an unlikely range of artists from Jammer BBK, Cosmo Pyke & Chip to Yussef Days and Ezra Collective. Virgil Alboh play listed her debut single on his apple playlist and it has been played several times on 1XTRA (DJ Target, Jamz supernova)
Zilo
An artist from London whose love of painting, poetry, and writing has evolved into music.