Hotlist 2021 Top 20 - Voting is now closed!
Launched in 2015, The iluvlive Hotlist 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, IAMDDB, Dave, Kojey Radical, Avelino, Joy Crookes, Mira May and Raye.
The long list of twenty acts is announced on 26th Nov 2020 when public voting also opens. Ten acts will then be selected via a combination of public votes and the iluvlive team, with the final top ten announced on 8th Jan 2021. Selected acts from the top 20 will go on to perform at our Hotlist show that is currently tbc due to the lockdown measures and could be moved to an online format.
The aim is that the list and the show generate media and industry interest and help acts further along the road to success.
More info about each artist and link for voting is available below.
Nominees
Demae
IG: @Demae
Twitter: @Demae_mae
Demae Chioma Wodu is a London-born, singer/songwriter and producer. Introduced to many as one-third of experimental hip-hop adventurists, Hawk House whose introspective, eclectic style was reshuffling the rule book for UK-based rap, quickly making them one of the UK’s most exciting emerging sounds and earning fans from Mac Miller and Ghostpoet to Wretch 32 and Jill Scott.
Now focusing on her own solo efforts and teaming up with longtime production partner, Eun, she has crafted her debut project, 'Life Works Out...Usually' out via burgeoning London-based label/movement, Touching Bass in September.
Eerf Evil
IG: @eerf_evil
Twiter: @eerf_evil
Eerf paints pictures through his raps of his evolution growing up kicking ball in South London detailing the complexities of his local environment. Highlighting some of the inequities that people face, bringing forward a very relevant Hiphop sound for today’s culture.
Part of the Root73 family, Eerf has built strong ties within the scene and has a lot in store ...
Enny
IG: @ennyintegrity
Twitter: @ennyintegrity
Rapper & singer ENNY is a soulful lyricist with a story to tell. For the past year, the South East Londoner has been focussing on music, developing and refining her craft at Hackney-based collective Root 73. Already gaining industry wide support, ENNY has been making lasting impressions. 2020 has seen the release of her first single 'He's Not Into You' .
Following on from the success of her most recent freestyle a remix to Jay Z’s ‘A Million & One Questions’ Enny’s set to become one of the leading voices of the UK’s flourishing rap scene.
Jamilah Barry
IG: @jamilahbarry
Twitter: @jamilahbarry
The 25 year old’s impressive debut project, Salix Babylonica, was released independently in 2018 and continues to gather critical acclaim with each new discovery; with Complex lauding "Jamilah's best asset—her delicate yet captivating voice, which is stunning to listen to without it being over the top or try-hard”.
Beyond the critics, Jamilah’s talents earn her the respect of a host of renowned musicians - including recent performances with Nile Rodgers, Roy Ayres and serpentwithfeet - with shows at iconic London venues such as Ronnie Scott's, Royal Festival Hall and The Jazz Café, alongside discerning collaborations with the likes of esteemed producer Jack Nichols Marcy and her recent feature onformer Young People’s Laureate for London, Caleb Femi’s SLOG EP.
Kish!
IG: @kishfantastic
Twitter: @kishfantastic
The Mysterious Underground King and 237 Cult leader
With his heavy influence from Raider Klan, Goth Money and Oddfuture, Kish! always had had a vision of being the first to create something similar in the UK.
He is focused on bringing the artists from ground up, which is why he created a collective called 237. Their aim is making the world know it's okay to be yourself, no matter who you are.
Lex Amor
IG: @lexysaluteme
Twitter: @lexamor_
Lex Amor is a young talented singer, rapper, producer, radio presenter and DJ from North London.
From Color Studios “With just a handful of singles scattered over the past few years, North London based rapper, producer, DJ and radio presenter Lex Amor cemented herself a voice to be reckoned with. Her poetic pen and sharp delivery stand tall against melodic hip-hop beats on early cuts like ‘Pink’ ,’Transits’, ‘Mood’ and ‘Legend’. This past year, the rising emcee has continued to impress with ‘Mazza’ a standout cut taken from her incredible debut mixtape ‘Government Tropicana’ which dropped last month.”
Lottie Jade
IG: @isthatlottie
Twitter: @ Isthatlottiee
Lottie Jade the twenty one year old's soulful voice and raw, honest lyrics has made her one of the most exciting upcoming acts in London's vibrant scene. Already with over 1 million streams via all musical platforms combined and being highlighted as "one to watch" Lottie quickly built up a wide support base across social media.
Her eye catching style and outspoken advocacy of self- loving winning scores of Instagram followers. The South London artist has already at such a young age collaborated with some of London's biggest acts. Creating and writing music with some of London's hottest artists... 67, Skengo, S1 , IQ , Zion Foster & the legend Donae'O. Lottie's music will continue to grow and she can not wait to see where this beautiful journey will take her next...
Morgan Munroe
Twitter: @MorganMunroe
Hailing from Leicester, Morgan first emerged onto the scene last year when she lent her vocals to ‘Last Night’, the Kamakaze single that featured on the FIFA 20 s oundtrack and has since racked up 4 million views.
This year she has taken full advantage of the lockdown period, participating and winning Instagram Live competitions by #HardestBars (twice) and Stefflon Don / Pretty Little Things, as well as being a highlight on DJ Target’s ‘BBC 1Xtra Instagram Live’. She then won £7500-worth of home studio equipment in an SBTV competition, which she later used to record her most recent EP ‘Stay Home Studio Vol. 1’. A stunning single, ‘Mama Taught Me’ is evidence of an artist who’s riding the fast lane to stardom.
Nina Cobham
IG: @ninacobham
Twitter: @ninacobham
From Clash Magazine “A fully bilingual artist, she can switch between different modes, moving between different vantage points in the process.
A bedroom pop artist who leans on her jazz and R&B roots, Nina Cobham transforms her Manchester home into a creative hub.
New single 'do you come here often?' has its roots in a series of 2019 sketches, before taking shape this year.
It's a nuanced, soulful piece of music, it use of layers creating an opaque effect in the rippling arrangement.”
Ninioh
IG: @ninioh
Twitter: @ninioh9
The Brum Town pen-man is sculpting quite the name for himself. From his early teens he’s started to build a core following with the help of countless soundcloud bops & jumpy freestyles throughout the years. He summoned amongst a crop of talented artists to form @BlueRoomMafia’ - a Birmingham rap collective who made waves throughout the UK scene and europe with their smash hit song “Culture Club”.
His clarity, witty punchlines and ability to appeal to multiple ears is what will further Ninioh into stardom. From the eeriness of “Fodie” and electricity packed in a record like “Diablo” its clear he’s not shy of versatility.
R.A.E.
IG: @itsr_a_e
Twitter: @itsr_a_e
R.A.E (pronounced arr-ay-ee) is a singer, rapper and songwriter pioneering a new sound rooted in 90’s Nostalgia. Her artistry manifests itself in a unique blend of Hip-Hop and R&B, bringing a fresh but nostalgic sound with her easy melodies and uplifting raps.
Growing up influenced by the likes of Left Eye, Da Brat and Mc Lyte, her distinctive style matched with her ability to create feel good music captivates and inspires listeners worldwide. Through her music R.A.E illustrates relatable experiences, speaking to young, excited and label-less people of her generation.
Rachel Chinouriri
Twitter: @rachelchinouriri
Rachel Chinouriri is a 21 year old singer/songwriter from Croydon. Rachel is the youngest in a large family, and the only child born in England rather than her native Zimbabwe. Her family's traditional Zimbabwean values meant she sometimes felt isolated from her cultural surroundings.
At the age of 17 she wrote an EP and recorded it on her laptop using a 20.00 pound microphone, mixed it on her mums laptop and dropped it on Soundcloud. The EP is aptly named 'Bedroom Tales', and saw support from BBC Introducingpretty much instantly, establishing Rachel as an act to watch. 2018 see's her continue to develop her style, with more releases due out later this year. The artwork was also composed by Rachel herself, comprised of old family photos.
RADA
IG: @radababyy
Twitter: @radababyy
From Wonderland magazine “Sonically inspired by the likes of Brent Faiyaz, her sound dwells in the intersection between RnB and trap, a “weird soft trap song”, as RADA puts it. “
From Rada “I try to be vulnerable in my music because I want people to relate to me as a fellow human,” she says. “I think this song is one of the most vulnerable yet so hopefully people can vibe to it.”
Rasharn Powell
IG: @rasharnpowell
Twitter: @rasharnpowell
From Clash Magazine “London alt-R&B vocalist Rasharn Powell is songwriter who finesses his art to a fine degree, Rasharn’s approach matches a clear fondness for the aesthetic with a desire to express himself.
His single 'Smithereens' is a kind of coming-of-age tale, with the lyrics truly laying Rasharn's feelings bare.”
Rasstokyo
IG: @rasstokyo
Twitter: @rasstokyo
Rasstokyo, formally known as Tokyo the producer, started in the music industry as a producer then shifted into singing and rapping. Hailing from South East London, RassTokyo has a distinct sound, blending melodies and bars together inspired by child hood RNB classics with hints of new school rap. Some would say it’s a steady bridge between the American and English sound.
RassTokyo is unpredictable, he might make you want to turn up, then next song you could be thinking about deep situations you’ve pushed to the back of your mind. RassTokyo emits real life in his music - Brutally honest stories. Something he calls “Water music”
S.A.M
IG: @samnxire
Twitter: @samnxire
As a young artist from North West London, S.A.M carries an ambiguous persona to his current status. Alongside his Asian background, the Island Kid uses the influences of Afro Caribbean and Western Sounds to highlight matters within his society and personal life making him one of a kind.
S.A.M caters for all with his honest lyrics and tasteful melodies - alongside taking pride in his song writing ability for himself and others. A project that speaks for itself would be his debut EP, Island Kid and his most recent work, Sin Summer. Despite working solo he has a reputation for collaborating with artists internationally such as Yanchan & Eyon .
Sam Wise
IG: @samwiseldn
Twitter: @samwiseldn
Hailing from South London, Sam Wise has quickly become one of the most differentiated and exciting artists to come out of the capital in some time. As a pivotal member of cult UK hip-hop collective House of Pharaohs (whose fans include the likes of Frank Ocean and Virgil Abloh to name just a few) Sam has sold out shows across the country and gone on to collaborate with the likes of Octavian, 808ink, Kadiata and more.
Sipprell
IG: @sipprellmusic
Twitter: @sipprellmusic
Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Sipprell is fast becoming a staple amongst the diverse and ever popular R&B scene. As the youngest of five, the South Londoner was surrounded by an eclectic range of music. She honed her craft from a young age, becoming well versed in piano, guitar and violin -the tools she would later use to craft and shape her sound.
Tora
IG: @toradifrance
Twitter: @toradifrance
singer/ songwriter/ all round bad bitch
From Colorsxstudios “London based singer/songwriter Tora releases her powerful debut EP ‘Cavalier’ which features previously released singles ‘Vein’ and ‘Call Your Name’. The five-track EP captures Tora’s brilliant songwriting and unquestionably soothing tones on new tracks ‘Below’ and ‘Escape Room’.
With ‘Cavalier’, Tora has cemented herself as one of the most exciting voices around, see for yourself by streaming the gorgeous EP here.”
Xadi
IG: @xadiboi
Twitter: @XadiBoii
Xadi is a West London musician, rapper, and producer, who has begun to garner a reputation for his unique songwriting ability and honest, soulful lyrical expression. His music is versatile and not easily categorised, deftly blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, grime and many other genres.
Xadi taught himself how to play the guitar at the age of thirteen using Youtube and has since taken the ‘do it yourself’ attitude forward into his current musical creations. All of Xadi’s work to date has been self-produced, mixed and mastered, allowing him to be totally independent and in control of his creative visions.
At the beginning of 2019, Xadi released his debut EP, ‘On Est’. In the project, Xadi delivered a balanced reflection on his own situation at the time, whilst also commenting on wider societal issues in London.