Top Artists to Look Out For in 2014

The music industry is over-saturated with artists and just like the universe itself, it’s still expanding. The rise to superstardom can be as random as Disney Channel’s teen sensation Miley Cyrus’ transition into a viral twerk-pop-icon in 2013. Even the revival of Robin Thicke with his popular single “Blurred Lines” took America by storm last year.

This list is not only dedicated to the acknowledgement of only brand new artists but instead, up and comers who were watched in 2013 and proved themselves to be looked out for.

10: Vic Mensa: Often compared to Chance the Rapper, Mensah fans would take offense to the statement and for good reason. The 20-year-old Chicago born rapper is anything but his counterpart. Highly energetic and yet relaxing simplicity exude a unique experience on his 2013 mix tape “Innanetape.” Now the young Chicago rapper is on his way back to fame.

9: Schoolboy Q: Top Dawg Entertainment’s rapper from Black Hippy, Schoolboy Q was a mere speck in Kendrick Lamar’s shadow. With drug references, gang-banging lyrics and contagious rhythms, the South Central LA rapper is on his way to the top in TDE. Through hard work and the release of his new album “Oxymoron,” he is on his way to hip-hop spotlight.

8: Chance the Rapper: Recently Chance the Rapper has made quite a stir in hip-hop. With the release of “Acid Rap” last year, the energetic entertainer has basically overdosed unto the scene. From his collaboration on the song, “The Worst Guys” with Childish Gambino, to a feature on Justin Bieber’s song “Confident” and a No. 4 spot on Most Anticipated Albums of 2014 in “Complex” magazine. Great things are expected.

7: Frank Ocean: Although he is new to mainstream radio, Ocean is a veteran in music. Ocean is a well-known name in the world of R&B. A previous ghostwriter for popular artists such as Beyonce and Justin Bieber, Frank Ocean has earned a title in fantastic lyricism.

The release of his melodic and sonically beautiful album “Channel Orange” cemented his relevancy. Since coming out as bisexual last year, Frank Ocean’s next album will be well received.

6: Steve Aoki: A living legend in the world of Electro House music, Aoki is a magic musician when it comes to rhythmic production. His new album “Neon Future” will have features from popular artists such as Snoop Dogg, Mac Miller and Linkin Park. With other features on the way, Steve Aoki always proves his talent.

5: Banks: Identical to artists such as The Weeknd and PARTYNEXTDOOR, Banks proves to be the female equivalent. The electronic pop instrumentation are bone chilling and Banks’s voice will deliver goosebumps as dark and gritty lyrics are shouted in every verse. Her single, “Waiting game” music video is alluring to the eye. On tour with The Weekend, it’s obvious that Banks will have collaborations with other popular artists and possibly an album in 2014.

4: A Great Big World: An incredibly euphoric mix of the musical sensations Owl City and FUN, the indie pop New York natives have recently caused a stir with the release of “Say Something” featuring Christina Aguilera.

The single can revive the memory of leaving a special someone. With Say Something reaching No. 1 on the billboard charts and the release of their album “Is There Anybody Out There?” A Great Big World seems to have a great big future in 2014.

3. RAC: RAC slipped under the radar last year with the “Don’t Talk to EP.” The lead track “Let go” featuring Keke Okereke from Bloc Party barely picked up radio support. The bass lead song “Hollywood” owns a catchy chorus and is very likely to catch on in 2014. It’s melodic, it’s refreshing and it has the potential of a Hollywood hit.

2: Pharrell: Not only does Pharrell seem ageles, the producing-singing-songwriter also seems to get more successful each year. 2013 was the year of Pharrell. He featured in a No.1 hit with Robin Thicke in “Blurred Lines” and then in another No.1 hit with Daft Punk in “Get Lucky.”

To add icing to the cake, he recently just released his album “Girl” with his No.1 single “Happy.” From a solo artist, to a band called N.E.R.D. to the creation of his clothing line and music production, Pharrell is currently unstoppable.

1: Kendrick Lamar: Nominated for multiple Grammy’s on his first album “good kid m.A.A.d City,” Lamar has made quite a stir in hip hop. After his lost to Macklemore, it’s safe to say that he is out for blood. An affiliate of the rap label TDE, Kendrick Lamar has rapidly rose to high ranking as a lyricist in a short amount of time.

Since performing the song “Radioactive” with Imagine Dragons, it’s not unlikely to say his fan base has grown. With the Rank of No.1 on Most Anticipated Albums of 2014 in “Complex” magazine, Kendrick is a good kid no more.