2016 was an outstanding year for music. Artists like Drake and Beyoncé released solid projects that can be considered all time classics for this generation. From Frank Ocean to Chance the Rapper artists across all genres were making waves and dropping albums that will be remembered for years. However, 2016 left some lesser known artists in the shadows. 2017 will be a big year for artists that are popular but are not too popular. These are five artists that I am hoping to hear major projects from in 2017.
1. 21 Savage
21 Savage is an Atlanta rapper with three mixtapes under his belt. He was featured on the 2016 XXL Freshman Class with other mumble rappers like Lil Yachty, Lil Uzi Vert, and Kodak Black. Personally, I think 21 Savage was the best of the 2016 Freshman Class and I am looking forward to his first official album. In 2016 21 Savage dropped one of the best mixtapes of the year, "Savage Mode," with producer Metro Boomin. 2017 will be a make it or break it year for 21 Savage. He has the potential to be as influential as Gucci Mane, but he could easily end up like so many other Atlanta rappers that haven’t made hits since 2012. That decision is his.
2. Metro Boomin
Metro Boomin is one of the best rap producers of this decade. If you haven’t heard a Metro Boomin produced track, you’ve heard his signature plug on one of your favorite songs; “If Young Metro don’t trust ya…” Metro Boomin has produced for many different artists from Future to Usher. While he has produced for many of my favorite artists, I am curious to hear a project with just his own beats and verses donated from some iconic artists. Production albums that are not boring after the first few tracks are hard to come by, even the best producers struggle to make a listenable album with just their beats. However, I believe Metro Boomin can craft a powerful project that will be hard to stop listening to.
3. Lorde
Lorde has been radio silent since her 2013 album "Pure Heroine." She is easily one of the most unique pop singers to come out in the last ten years. Her perspective is both mature but relatable to the millennial crowd. In 2016, Lorde wrote an interesting letter about turning 20 and how her music would change with her age. Furthermore, she is featured on the lineup for two major music festivals. Billboard writes that 2017 will be the “year of Lorde.”
4. Vince Staples
California rapper Vince Staples never disappoints with his music. His perspective on the gritty gang lifestyle on Long Beach, California is one that can be compared to great California legends like Snoop Dogg and Tupac. 2016 saw the release of "Prima Donna," a low-key project for Vince Staples. It was not my favorite Vince Staples release of all time, but he did tease his next project on the very last track. 2017 will hopefully see the release of Vince Staples sophomore LP.
5. Kali Uchis
When I first heard Kali Uchis’ "Por Vida" in 2015, I was in love with her voice and the beautiful production. Kali made herself a force to be reckoned with within the R&B genre. She has confirmed that she will be releasing a project in 2017 and I am excited to say the very least. I know that Kali Uchis has grown, and her new project will showcase her development of the past two years.
