The music world is constantly evolving, and a new wave of talent is breaking through with unique sounds and unstoppable energy. This top 10 list highlights the freshest voices and boldest creators who are reshaping the industry and setting the stage for the future. Prepare to dive into the soundtrack of tomorrow — these are the artists you won’t want to miss.
1. Lebra Jolie
Lebra Jolie is a Houston powerhouse blazing through 2025 with bars, bite, and a fierce sense of self. Her latest single “Off Yo Chest” is a mission statement, delivered with razor-sharp precision and swagger that demands attention. After a standout 2024 EP What Was Said?, stacked with features from Saweetie, Skilla Baby, and BIA, and production from heavy-hitters like Pi’erre Bourne, Lebra has made it clear she’s not waiting for permission to dominate. With a history of viral freestyles, co-signs from Pitchfork and Billboard, and a steady climb from indie grind to major label force, Lebra Jolie is breaking out with fire in her lungs and nothing to prove.
2. Smartzee
Smartzee is a breakout artist who commands attention from the very first beat and holds it with undeniable presence. Hailing from Benin and making waves on the international stage, he’s known for his genuine storytelling and versatile style, seamlessly blending sharp lyricism with a smooth West Coast vibe that feels both fresh and timeless. With his new album LEGACY, Smartzee offers an unfiltered and deeply personal journey through life’s highs and lows — love, loss, and growth — all delivered through powerful hip-hop that resonates long after the music stops.
3. Emma Harner
Emma Harner is rapidly emerging as one of the most captivating breakout artists making waves right now. Her signature blend of intricate fingerpicked guitar and ethereal vocals creates a sound both intimate and adventurous—perfectly showcased in her recent single “False Alarm,” a poetic exploration of homesickness and self-discovery. Hailing from Nebraska and now honing her craft at Berklee, Emma’s music fuses folk warmth with math rock complexity, drawing a growing audience who connect deeply with her vulnerability and musicianship. After viral success on TikTok and Instagram and high-profile tours with Orla Gartland and mxmtoon, Emma is poised to redefine the singer-songwriter space with her upcoming debut EP and a fresh, fearless voice that demands attention.
4. XTINE
XTINE is bursting onto the alt-pop scene with a fearless voice and a sound that demands your full attention. Her latest single, “Nobody Stays,” is a cinematic journey through the chaos of mental health struggles and the fear of losing those we love. With sweeping strings, glitchy synths, and lyrics that cut straight to the soul, XTINE channels the emotional intensity of Sia and Björk while carving out her own bold space. Beyond the music, she stands out through powerful collaborations with mental health organizations like DMAX and Under the Sisterhood, using her platform to spark vital conversations and foster real connection. From crafting beats on GarageBand at 11 to working with top producers and releasing multiple albums—all before 25—XTINE is changing the game.
5. Sammy Virji
Sammy Virji is redefining UK Garage for a new generation, and 2025 is proving to be his biggest year yet. With a sophomore album Same Day Cleaning on the way, high-profile collaborations with Skepta and Issey Cross, and a Coachella debut that drew massive crowds, Virji’s momentum is undeniable. From dropping the viral hit “Cops & Robbers” to headlining Forest Hills Stadium in New York, he’s not just riding the wave—he’s shaping it. With appearances lined up at Reading & Leeds, Outside Lands, and Boiler Room Ibiza, Sammy is making it clear: UKG’s global takeover has a new face.
6. Longboat
Igor Keller, the prolific mind behind Longboat, is redefining what it means to be an independent artist in 2025. With a staggering 32 albums under his belt—and 11 more slated for this year alone—Longboat’s genre-blurring project fuses satirical pop, jazz roots, and even self-coined “electronic blues” into a fiercely original body of work. Longboat’s latest release, Word Gets Around, is another sharp, character-driven installment that tackles modern absurdities with wit and bite. Keller’s relentless output and refusal to conform make him a true breakout artist, turning heads not with trends, but with bold ideas and boundless imagination.
7. Hunter Metts
Hunter Metts is carving out his own lane in the indie-folk landscape with emotionally rich storytelling, soaring melodies, and a quietly magnetic stage presence. After a viral breakout with “Weathervane” and the acclaimed Monochrome EP, the Nashville-born artist has amassed over 40 million streams and recently wrapped a support tour with James Bay. Now stepping into the spotlight, Metts is gearing up for his first U.S. headline run, a crater wide tour, hitting iconic venues across the country this fall. With his new single “Blue Ridge Run” on the horizon and European dates already lined up, Hunter Metts is proving he’s a movement.
8. Styngray
Styngray is rapidly emerging as one of the most compelling voices in independent Hip-Hop, earning a spot among in this list with his genre-pushing single “Be Mine.” Produced by Mr. Hanky and featuring Atlanta’s rising vocalist Chertrease, the track blends sharp lyricism with melodic appeal, climbing to #7 on the DRT Global Indie Chart and gaining airplay from Georgia to Amsterdam. A Chicago native now rooted in Atlanta, Styngray’s “poetic realism” fuses emotional storytelling with street-born authenticity—seen not only in “Be Mine” but also in his earlier chart-topper “Unbreakable.” From earning finalist status at Da Brat’s showcase to performing at NYC venues and Atlanta festivals, Styngray’s independent grind, lyrical depth, and growing catalog position him as a rising force reshaping the future of underground Hip-Hop.
9. Jenevieve
Jenevieve is rapidly reestablishing herself as one of R&B’s most compelling voices. Her latest single “Head Over Heels” picks up where “Haiku” left off, expanding her distinctive R&B sound with soulful vocals and a bold sample of Tom Browne’s “Charisma.” With over 5 million teaser views online and a visualizer that amplifies her emotional storytelling, Jenevieve proves she’s not just back—she’s stepping into a new era. Blending vintage soul with experimental flair, and praised by outlets like Billboard and Pitchfork, she’s redefining what a modern R&B star looks and sounds like.
10. Bo Staloch
Bo Staloch is quickly emerging as one of the most compelling voices in modern Americana, and his recent single “Angelina” showcases his ability to mix emotion with folk-infused production. With a sold-out North American tour supporting Ashe, an upcoming slot at London’s Hyde Park with Zach Bryan, and his Lollapalooza Chicago debut on the horizon, Staloch’s momentum is undeniable. His raw, introspective songwriting and warm, folk-rock sensibility—shaped alongside producer Elie Rizk—have earned praise from outlets like Atwood Magazine, EUPHORIA., and Ones To Watch, positioning him as a storyteller to watch in 2025.
