We are less than month until the official start of summer, but for most summer is in full force. The weather is beginning to heat up and the days are getting longer. As pool days, cookouts, vacations, internships, and road trips are planned you are probably looking for new music to add to your summer playlist. Of course there are the big projects that are dominating the airwaves currently, Chance the Rapper, Drake, Beyoncé, and whoever else. But in the generation of hipsters, people are always looking for that lesser known music artist. So I am here to recommend five music artist to add to your music collection for the summer.
Dornik
One of the most slept-on musical scenes is the British soul/R&B music scene. It is full of super talented music artists that are making music similar to the 90s neo-soul era. One of the artists that has a distinct sound out of that field is Dornik. He combines electronic, R&B and pop to create a light-hearted sound that always brightens your day. The best way I’ve heard someone describe Dornik’s sound was if Michael Jackson was to make music in 2016. His self-titled project in 2015 gave him some mainstream attention and brings validity to that statement.
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Xavier Omär (fka SPZRKT)
Xavier Omär (fka SPZRKT)
Fusing together R&B, Trap, gospel and hip-hop sound like an impossible task, but Xavier Omar does so in a perfect way. The independent artist has been working really hard to build a name for himself over the past year working with producer Sango and touring with rapper Andy Mineo. He even recently dropped his former name, SPZRKT (Spazzy Rocket) as he has made a vow to embrace who he truly is.
(6/6) SPZRKT is now Xavier Omär. My first & middle names. I'm embracing my voice, ideas, and look- and the challenge to be my full self.
— Xavier Omär (SPZRKT) (@XvrOmar) May">https://twitter.com/XvrOmar/status/735199687301431... 24, 2016
His 2015 project, Hours Spent Loving You, is a seven track EP that thanks to production by Brazilian-born Sango, sound like the emotions of summer. From the love anthem Hipster Girl, to the in the feels Winter Toes, and the gospel-infused trap beat JMK (Jesus My King). Xavier has one of the most unique voices in R&B and his music will speak for itself.
Jon Bellion
If you ever wondered what Disney would sound like if it crossed paths with Timbaland production, it sound like Jon Bellion. I stumbled across this guy about a year ago and constantly find myself going back to him. He found his way to fame by writing the chorus for the Eminem and Rihanna smash hit, “Monster.” With that catapult he has been building a name for himself with catchy pop songs such as “Human” and “All Time Low”. He has a new album coming out on June 10th, which is sure to send him into the mainstream. So if you want to be cool, you should hop on his music now.
Oddisee
This is one of the most talented rappers not in your top five. This guy has put out two projects already this year, and both could very well end up in my favorite albums of the year. The Sudanese-American rapper, now living in Baltimore, does not only have positive flows, but he has some of the best instrumentals in the game. His most recent project, the Odd Tape, is a 12 track album without one word being uttered. The mix of live drums, horns, and synth pads is more close to jazz then hip-hop at times, but still makes for a good hip-hop album. The Islamic rapper, is also not afraid to sing about his experience here in America. On his project, Alwasta, he raps about being a Muslim in America on the track, “Lifting Shadows.” This smooth indie style of hip-hop will be great with your morning coffee.
BJ the Chicago Kid
If you ever wondered if true R&B had died, I think BJ the Chicago Kid proves that a definitive answer to that question is a no. His latest project, In My Mind, stays true to his Church upbringing by infusing a gospel sound but also having an authentic R&B sound. He does so both sonically and lyrically, with live instrumentation and lyrics that would be described as “Grown Folks Music.” With features from Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar and PJ Morton the album is full of talent. The album is perfect for those summer nights when you are headed out to a slightly fancy event, yet you still want to keep the cool factor on.
