Emerging List [Ones To Watch In 2021]

Once again we’ve gone through 100+ emerging acts to compile a list of 20 acts we think you should watch in 2021.

This year we’re trying something different, instead of just sharing a list with names and music, we’ve added a rating system. We’ve rated each artists current ability, branding and potential rating, with A+ being the highest. It’s another eclectic list and one of the most diverse, featuring artists from different backgrounds. Below is a list of talented artists we think you should watch in 2021.

IV4

The artist formerly known as IV and the underrated Jordan Hollywood’s protégé has been on our radar for the past two years and in 2020 she started gaining the traction she fully deserves. Whilst many platforms continue to sleep on IV4, we’re predicting a strong 2021 for the Los Angeles-based artist.

Current Rating: A

Branding: A+

Potential Rating: A+

Dava

With captivating releases such as “Papercut” and “ASOS” in the past year, 2021 may just be the year the talented singer-songwriter Dava makes a breakthrough with her stunning alternative R&B music which seamlessly combines pop and indie music.

Current Rating: A-

Branding: A+

Potential Rating: A+

Bellah

Some say she’s the UK’s answer to Summer Walker, but Bellah is her own unique artist and one of many gifted UK R&B acts on the rise. We would’ve loved to feature them all, however Bellah stands out from the rest as we feel her music has more global appeal.

Current Rating: A-

Branding: B

Potential Rating: A

Eryn Martin

It was an honour to chat to Eryn Martin last year after watching her develop into the artist she is right now. She’s one of the best emerging acts coming out of Canada who’s on the verge of something special. We’re expecting an EP this year (hopefully), and more traction.

Current Rating: B+

Branding: A

Potential Rating: A

Downtown Kayoto

19 year-old Hull-based genre-bending artist Downtown Kayoto has got what it takes to be a household name thanks to his universally appealing music. We’re predicting a big 2021 for the young man from Victoria Falls. Just take a listen to “Do Better” below if you don’t believe us.

Current Rating: B

Branding: B

Potential Rating: A-

Svn. The. Singer

By infusing drill with alternative R&B, and doing it very well, Svn. The. Singer has found his lane— a sound that will appeal to fans in the US, here in the UK and most of mainland Europe and down under where drill is on the rise.

Current Rating: B

Branding: B-

Potential Rating: A-

Mothica

Mothica has been one of our favourite artists these past few years and to see her rise to where she is right now has been a pleasant watch. If she continues blessing us with awesome content and great music, then we predict an even bigger 2021.

Current Rating: B+

Branding: A+

Potential Rating: A

Zeina

Canadian singer-songwriter Zeina has been slowly gaining traction with stellar releases such as “Suburbs”, “Consequences” and her best release to date “Can’t Trust U”. We’ve been watching her develop into the artist she is today since she dropped the excellent “Trap Ballad”. 2021 is going to be a huge year for her. Watch this space.

Current Rating: A-

Branding: A-

Potential Rating: A+

Laurel Smith

London-based singer-songwriter Laurel Smith is one of the most refreshing new UK acts out there. Combining dark pop with hints of hip-hop and electronic music, her music is in the same lane as the likes of bülow, Banks and Billie Eilish. Expect big things in 2021.

Current Rating: B-

Branding: B+

Potential Rating: A

Serena Isioma

Serena Isioma is another refreshing new acts who gained a lot of traction in 2020 and will no doubt gain more in 2021— she has the potential to be a global star. No joke.

Current Rating: A

Branding: B+

Potential Rating: A+

7th Obi

Irish rapper 7th Obi’s hypnotic alt-rap music gives us spacey-out of this world vibes. He ended 2020 with two captivating singles “Tesla Navigation” and “Confusion”. Expect an even bigger 2021 for one of the best artists to come out of Ireland in the past decade.

Current Rating: B+

Branding: B

Potential Rating: A

Roman Rouge

Known for infusing R&B with pop, El Paso, Texas singer-songwriter Roman Rouge has the potential to be a commercially successful artist. 2021 should be a big year for the rising star.

Current Rating: B

Branding: B

Potential Rating: A

451

451 is London’s best kept secret. Known for his dark R&B sound infused with hip-hop, the emerging artist has already built a cult following around the world, and with “BEST INTEREST” being added to the NBA 2K21 Next Gen Soundtrack, expect 2021 to be the year where he finally gets the love he deserves.

Current Rating: B

Branding: C

Potential Rating: A

Sleazus Bhrist

One day they’re going to make a film about New York City’s Sleazus Bhrist. The 24 year-old rap artist has been through it all— incarceration, loss, depression, a near death experience and more. Luckily, he’s here to bless us with captivating songs which detail his life experiences. Having already gained some traction at the beginning of 2020, he seems hungry for more and 2021 may just be the year where his career really takes off.

Current Rating: B-

Branding: B+

Potential Rating: A-

HEN$HAW

London-based rapper HEN$HAW has been quietly gaining traction with his impressive releases which often feature important and socially conscious rhymes. But, he’s not a socially conscious rapper, the 19 year-old still feels he has more to offer and 2021 could be the year where the world witnesses the rise of Cozy.

Current Rating: B

Branding: B-

Potential Rating: A+

Colby Lafayette

Colby Lafayette is another artist who blends multiple genres, but does it so well. The Boston native gained a lot of traction towards the end of 2020, and we hope he really makes a breakthrough this year. Once gigs and festivals are back, expect to see Colby shutdown some shows.

Current Rating: B+

Branding: A

Potential Rating: A

RUBII

An artists streaming numbers does not equate talent, RUBII may be the least popular artist on this list but she’s probably the most talented artist on this list. If she continues working on her craft, releasing captivating music she will gain traction and eventually become of the best emerging acts on the planet. Don’t sleep on RUBII.

Current Rating: B+

Branding: C-

Potential Rating: A+

Juice Menace

It’s always amazing to see rappers outside London gain traction with their music, Cardiff’s Juice Menace is a rapper on the rise. Whether it’s drill, garage or rap she’s comfortable and capable of keeping up with the best emerging rappers out there. Expect a solid year for her.

Current Rating: B-

Branding: C

Potential Rating: A-

Dutch Melrose

Emerging singer, songwriter and producer Dutch Melrose is known for his infectiously catchy music which are all commercially appealing. If 2021 is as strong as 2020 was for him, then he’ll be on the verge of a breakthrough.

Current Rating: B+

Branding: C

Potential Rating: A

Cinzia & The Eclipse

If we’re being honest, Cinzia & The Eclipse would’ve been a multi-platinum selling artist in the early 2000’s. It’s still surprising how underrated and slept on she is. “Don’t Call Me Up” alone is one of the best songs you’ll hear this decade. She blessed us with an EP in 2020, and we’re expecting an even stronger year for one of our favourites.

Current Rating: A

Branding: C

Potential Rating: A+

Featured Image: IV4

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Artists to Watch 2024: UK & IE