The world of urban music—comprising Hip-Hop, R&B, soul, and alternative music—is constantly evolving, with new artists pushing the boundaries of sound, style, and culture. While mainstream stars continue to dominate the charts, indie artists are quietly making waves, carving out their own niches, and reshaping the future of urban music. In this post, we’re highlighting urban music stars you should keep an eye on, as they continue to break into the mainstream and change the landscape of the genre for years to come.
1. Jessie Reyez
Toronto’s Jessie Reyez is a powerful voice in modern music, known for her raw, emotional lyrics and soulful vocals. Her breakthrough hit, ‘Figures,’ earned her multi-platinum status, followed by acclaimed EPs and a Grammy nomination. Her true versatility shines through on albums like ‘Before Love Came to Kill Us’ and ‘Yessie,’ along with recent hits like ‘Goliath’ and collaborations with Eminem, Calvin Harris, and Big Sean. Jessie is also a sought-after songwriter, where she has co-written massive hits like ‘One Kiss. Her honest approach and genuine expression resonate globally, solidifying her as an artist that’s here to stay.
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2. Scar Nitti
Scar Nitti’s talent is undeniable. His impressive lyricism, insightful content, and powerful stage presence have propelled his career, leading to deals with Federal District, Boss Bred, VampLife, and now Sony. Tracks like ‘U Already’ and ‘Big Salute’ are top-tier records with the ability to resonate with listeners on multiple levels.
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3. Nyasia Chane’l
Nyasia Chane’l, a singer-songwriter and actress, blends soul, pop, and hip-hop. Hailing from the town of Fallsburg in Upstate New York, Nyasia’s music is known to explore human narratives through various styles, from sultry slow jams to Afro-Latin fusions. Hits like ‘Impatience’ and ‘Sticky Wicked,’ have been featured on national and international radio stations, more notably Power 105.1 and Hot 97 in New York City. She has also shared the stage with renowned artists, such as DMX, Richie Stephens and August Alsina. Recent releases include ‘L. Lane’, ‘Force’ and ‘Rain (Remix).’
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4. Jhonni Blaze
Jhonni Blaze’s musical drive predates her reality TV and social media fame. She’s a multi-talented artist who takes control of her craft, writing, producing, and directing her own work. She’s consistently released music since 2015, showcasing her versatility with singles like ‘Fumble’ and ‘Please Don’t Break My Heart.’ Her collaborations with artists like Method Man, Ne-Yo and Elephant Man highlight her dedication to the music industry. With her latest EP success with ‘Jhonni Chapter 1’ and more new music on the horizon, Jhonni is determined to make her mark.
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5. Miranda Writes
Miranda Writes, from New York, merges hip-hop, dance, and pop, earning industry respect with her energetic performances. She’s a groundbreaking figure, breaking barriers in the snowboard market and advocating for diversity. Her music and sports fusion has led to collaborations with Burton and the Harlem Globetrotters, where she tours internationally. Her album ‘Dope In Real Life’ is highly regarded, with her latest work demonstrating an artistic evolution through experimentation with dance pop and Latin rhythms.
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6. James Worthy
Three-time Grammy nominee James Worthy’s artistic style is influenced by his New York City upbringing. He evolved from songwriter to producer and self-taught singer, inspired by artists like Frank Ocean. His debut single, ‘Wine For Me,’ hit #10 on the US Billboard Hot Singles Chart. He’s released acclaimed music, including the ‘Blu Leisure’ EP, and collaborated with Whodini and Big Gipp of Goodie Mob, which all maintained his Billboard Chart success. In 2024, he founded Humble Sound Records and more recently released the well-received EP ‘Cups of Koffee,’ featuring the fan-favorite lead single, ‘Your Heart.’
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7. Maeta
Maeta released the Kaytranada-produced “Endless Night” EP last June, following her 11:11 Tour with Chris Brown and a Warner Chappell deal. From internet sensation to Roc Nation artist, she’s released acclaimed EPs like ‘Habits’ and ‘S(EX),’ and collaborated with Kaytranada, Ty Dolla $ign, Skrillex, Lucky Daye and others. Maeta has also penned songs for popular acts, such as, SZA, The Dream, Kehlani and Demi Lovato. With her signature vocals and genre-blending sound, there’s no doubt that Maeta will continue to carve a permanent niche in the music industry for years to come.
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8. Teefa
Despite her petite stature, Teefa’s talent is immense. She began her career with Infamous Syndicate, signing a major record deal at 19 and touring with hip-hop legends like Eminem and LL Cool J, earning their respect. A skilled writer and storyteller, she’s collaborated with artists like Kanye West, Common, No ID and others. She transitioned to radio, dominating Chicago airwaves on WGCI for seven years and later on Power 92. Teefa recently released her single pack ‘3,’ featuring the gritty lead record ‘Confess’ incorporating an epic Lauryn Hill sample.
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9. IamKyron x Jeanyus
IamKyron and Jeanyus comprise an Atlanta-based artist-producer duo. Rapper Kyron is a native of Atlanta, with roots in the southside/College Park area. While producer Jeanyus originates from Toronto and has dedicated over two decades to full-time music production. Their collaborative partnership, spanning approximately two years, has been focused on sound development and are now prepared for a significant push in 2025. Their concept centers on street raps set against high-quality music production, focusing on authenticity and genuine expression. They are known for their strong work ethic and have scheduled releases every month for the remainder of the year.
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10. Riiiver Jordan
Jordan, from Lansing, Michigan, channeled early life challenges into a driving passion for music. Raised in a studio environment, he transitioned from group performances to a solo career, driven by love and inspiration. His music, marked by a blend of soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, gained online traction with ‘Cruel Intentions.’ Recent releases, like single ‘Cut The Line’ and the 2025 album ‘Departing The Moon’, highlight his artistic growth and commitment. Jordan is determined to solidify his place in the music industry while aiming to inspire love through his art.
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Conclusion
These 10 artists on our list are shaping the future of urban music, as they constantly push the boundaries of sound, storytelling, and genre. From Maeta’s eclectic beats to Miranda Writes’ experimental approach to music, these stars are bringing fresh perspectives to the urban music scene. As they continue to evolve and grow their fanbases, we’ll undoubtedly see them define the next chapter in the world of Hip-Hop, R&B, and beyond.
