I've never been one to brag about knowing all about the great, yet relatively unknown artists. Honestly, it's rare that I know anything more about music than the lowest common denominator. But I do like talking about it and recommending some when I can:
1. Sampa the Great
Genre: Rap
Biography: Sampa Tembo is a Zambian-born, Botswana-raised rapper who now resides in Australia. She debuted a 12-track mixtape in 2016 titled "The Great Mixtape" that weaves dense lyrical construction with dreamlike beats by Godriguez.
Favorite Track: Dutch Spring from "The Great Mixtape."
2. The Get Down Soundtrack (Collaborative)
Genre: Disco/Early-Era Hip-Hop
Biography: This is the true companion album to Netflix's series "The Get Down" created by Baz Luhrmann. The series is about the pulsing soul of music of the Bronx in the mid-70s and how it inspires and encapsulates the minds of the next generation. The album itself features music from the series but with a few surprises.
Favorite Track: Shaolin's Theme / Pray by Malay / 6LACK
3. Cigarettes After Sex
Genre: Ambient Pop
Biography: Cigarettes After Sex is a Brooklyn-based band that premiered their first LP in 2012 and have since spent time touring all throughout Europe and the U.S. Their music is dark and dreamlike, with a feeling of intimacy that's hard to shake.
Favorite Track: Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby from "Cigarettes After Sex."
4. Delta Rae
Genre: Folk Rock
Biography: Delta Rae debuted at Duke University and was founded by the Hölljes siblings. Their music alternates between triumphant and reflective; angry and regretful. But all throughout there is a unifying sense of earthiness and energy that makes it hard to stop listening.
Favorite Track: If I Loved You from "Chasing Twisters."
5. NF
Genre: Rap
Biography: Otherwise known as Nate Feuerstein, NF is a Christian rapper from Gladwin, Michigan. NF is known for using dark beats and raw lyricism that approaches subjects other artists don't talk about so explicitly. In a genre much maligned for artificiality, NF is a breath of fresh air.
Favorite Track: Got You On My Mind from "Therapy."
