#NEWTALENTFIRST: 5 Rappers To Keep Your Eye On
JRILEY
The Luton native who is making waves behind the charting Nafe Smallz has been pretty consistent over the last 2 years with 2 projects and a string of singles. His debut ‘Life Of Riley’ brought a lot of attention to his melodic rap style with tracks like ‘Alie’, ‘Whip Game’ and ‘Lifestyle’ showcasing Riley’s song making abilities.
A close friend of the aforementioned Smallz, his more laid back flow with similarities to an artist such as Drake compliment a more Future like Nafe. JRiley’s new project ‘My Reason Why’ continues where Life of left off and will hopefully elevate his talents to new heights. He’s heading in the right direct after a recent sell out headline show in London.
You will like JRiley if you listen to: Drake, D Block Europe, Mo Stack & WSTRN.
HARRY CRANE
The North West London MC impressed with his first EP ‘Lifestyle’. His track ‘DNA’ paid homage to the rappers which clearly influence his style and ‘Behave’ is a bouncing future soul hip hop track that you can fully expect to hear on Soulection radio. With an effortless flow and great ear for beats Harry raps about his aspirations and displays clever wordplay to endorse his good times, fashion choices and pursuit of women.
After a brief pause to let the debut project breathe, Harry has returned with a new single recently called ‘Run It’ and will be performing at iluvlive on 15th July in London at GiGi’s Bar.
You will like Harry Crane if you listen to: GoldLink, Jesse James, Loyle Carner & Vibbar.
GUAPO BUTCH
One Third of hip hop group Age Of Luna, Butch hails from West London and is stepping out the shadows of the trio (once a foursome) and dropping some solo material. I am a fan of Age Of Luna but I must say hearing some of the rappers new solo material has me excited to see how the scene and it’s fans take to this charismatic artist with Phillipino heritage.
Where as his group demonstrated very much a vision of the golden era of rap meets jazz, Butch’s style is more playful and modern with melodies and clever wordplay. I really feel this new material he is dropping will really announce his presence to the industry as a strong song writer and show case his ability with melodies which in a group with a female singer he rare got put to the test in prior releases.
You will like Guapo Butch if you listen to: Young Thug, Octavian, Piff Gang & Suspect OTB.
R.A.E.
Rising Above Everything (R.A.E.) is a breath of fresh air in a drip filled drill dominated period of time. The South East Londoner cites Da Brat, Left Eye and MC Lyte as influences and her playful pop tinged rap songs are clearly drawn from the golden era of rap when there was a bunch of female artists who put having fun in hip hop before putting sex in to it.
You will like R.A.E. if you listen to: Lil’ Mama, Lady LeShurr, JME & C4.
PABLOMARI
Hailing from Reading with a mixture of rap and afro swing, Pablomari at such a young age is showing great versatility and raising a few eyebrows in his quest to put Reading on the UK Rap and Afro-Swing map.
Catching him live recently it was captivating to see him have such a presence on stage and show no fear whether it’s flowing effortlessly on Drill (Zoning) or melodically pacing through a party vibe (CRB). With already BBC Introducing in his area supporting him we look forward to more from this guy.
You will like Pablomari if you listen to: A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Tion Wayne, Geko & Young T & Bugsey.