2016 proved to be an incredible year in music. Almost every major artist released their long awaited album and we saw new artists emerge as hitmakers. With that being said, we are one week away from 2017 and another year of great music. You may be a bit skeptical and doubtful over 2017 but no worries that’s why I’m here. There are so many artists either going through a major change or finally dropping their debuts but I can’t name them all so I’m gonna give you the top 10 to be on the lookout for.
10. Dua Lipa
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This English darling has been heating up the airwaves and gaining some steam with not only the UK market but the US market as well.Thanks in part, to her amazing music and opening up for Troye Sivan on his tour, Dua Lipa is finally on her way with plans to release a debut album sometime next year. With songs like “Hotter than Hell” and “Blow Your Mind(Mwah)” it’s safe to say we should all be on the lookout for her debut album.
9.Amine
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This Portland rapper took the industry by storm with the release of his hit single “Caroline” and his controversial performance on Fallon gained him even more attention. Following up Caroline he kept the momentum going with the release of the sing “BaBa” which is just as amazing as “Caroline.” If I were you I’d be on the lookout for his latest project next year, something tells me there is an album or even a mixtape in the works.
8.Pia Mia
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Pia Mia has blessed us with bop after bop, first with “Do It Again,” which was followed up by “Touch” and now her latest effort “We SHould Be Together.” If you aren’t familiar with her, you should be. She has vocals that could rival Ariana Grande and songs that could her at the top of the game. Her debut album is expected to be out sometime in 2017 so I would definitely give her a listen.
7.Russ
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The 24 year-old Atlanta rapper has built himself quite the following. Having released 11 critically acclaimed albums on the indie circuit, he has finally signed to a major deal with Columbia Records. With over 293k followers on his SoundCloud, over 62 million views on his official Vevo channel and the backing of a major label like Columbia, it’s safe to say that he’ll have a major breakthrough in 2017.
6. Zara Larsson
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This Swedish pop girl has had one hell of a year. Not only has she finally cracked the U.S. but hits just keep rolling in. Her debut album was scheduled for a 2016 release but has been pushed back to the first quarter of 2017. If the album is anything like “Ain’t My Fault,” do yourself a favor and give it a listen.
5.Fifth Harmony/Fourth Harmony/H4RMONY
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Okay, my girls are going through it. Following the exit of Camila Cabello from the freshly established girl group, the remaining members Normani Kordei, Dinah Jane, Ally Brooke and Lauren Jauregui, released a statement that they would continue on as a foursome and release their third album. As exciting as that is, many of us want to know, will be a new sound(R&B please!!)? Will they be able to create the same magic? Is this the last album? Whatever the case is you should definitely be on the lookout for them in 2017.
4.BeBe Rexha
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You may remember BeBe Rexha from her feature on the smash hit “Me, Myself, and I” by G-Eazy. Since finally gaining some attention, Ms. Rexha has been busy putting the finishing touches on her debut album. If you’re a fan of her songs “In The Name Of Love” and “No Broken Hearts” then you should definitely check her out in 2017.
3.Tinashe
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This girl has done it all. Her debut album received critical acclaim, she’s gone platinum and even worked with Britney Spears herself. Yet it seems like none of that has helped her fully breakout like she deserves. Her sophomore album has been delayed numerous of times but it’s finally happening in 2017 and if you’re wondering if it’s anything worth waiting for, just listen to her recently released mixtape “Nightride”, you’ll definitely want more.
2. Maurice Moore
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This Canadian R&B star has been making a name for himself at the young age of 19! Since officially establishing his solo career in the summer of 2016, he has worked with multiple well known artists, and has garnered himself a pretty strong fan base. If I were you, I would definitely be on the lookout for his mixtape in 2017. If it’s anything like “C’est La vie,” “The Feels”and “Ready” then you will be in for a treat.
1.Kehlani
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The Leader of the Tsunami Mob has had one hell of year. After receiving a Grammy nom for her mixtape and dealing with personal issues, Kehlani is back and she’s stronger than ever. This year she garnered her first and highest Hot 100 entry with “Gangster,” a single from the suicide squad soundtrack which peaked at #41 and garnered her another Grammy nomination all before her debut album. With people like Diddy thanking her for saving R&B music, it’s safe to say that she has one of the most anticipated albums right now. Do yourself a favor and listen to the album’s latest single “Distraction” you’ll see what the fuss is about.
*Check out this playlist that features songs from each of these artist*