5 Up-and-Coming Black Artists To Get On Your Playlists ASAP!

It’s Black History Month, a time where Americans learn about and uplift African-American voices and stories throughout history. However, Black History Month is also a time to highlight up-and-coming Black pioneers of the industry—including future musical icons. Here’s a definitive list (unranked) of some of 2022’s most creative and influential black artists on the rise, as well as what you can expect from them this year! 

1. Paris Texas 

Producer Louis Pastel and rapper Felix met each other at community college in South Central L.A. and have been making beats ever since. The name Paris Texas comes from the pair’s tendency to fuse two culturally different genres together, creating a new sound altogether. This unique sound was evident from "HEAVY METAL", their debut single in 2021, an electrifying track that fused rap with rock. When the alt-hip-hop duo’s debut project Boy Anonymous dropped in May of 2021, critics lauded their unique style, with many reviewers calling them one of “2021’s most impactful debuts”. With a shoutout from SchoolboyQ and tour dates planned for later this year, 2022 is shaping up to be a defining year for Paris Texas. 

Songs we recommend: "FORCE OF HABIT", "AREA CODE", "girls like drugs"

2. PinkPantheress

You’ve probably heard of PinkPantheress on your FYP. Her songs "pain", "break it off", and "just for me" have been trending as the perfect bedroom pop songs to go with an OOTD video. While PinkPantheress started on SoundCloud, it was through putting her music on TikTok that she was able to sign onto her current record label. Although PinkPantheress’s real name and life is still shrouded in mystery, she’s already achieved two U.K. Top 40 hits while hinting at possible collaborations with artists such as Willow Smith in the future. 

Songs we recommend: "Attracted To You", "I must apologize", "Nineteen"

3. SSGKobe

Originally from Louisiana, SSGKobe broke onto the scene through Soundcloud with his Cole Bennet-directed hit "MIA". Other tracks like "thrax" have achieved extreme internet popularity, with the song being remixed into almost every meme format imaginable. With a talent for songwriting as well as the ability to explore different genres, SSGKobe has been picking up steam. In 2022, SSGKobe plans on finishing his album and has also released a few music videos for some of his singles, including "Don’t Miss" (where SSGKobe’s Potterhead status comes to play as he transforms into a teenage wizard!). 

Songs we recommend: "Don’t Miss", "Calabasas", "Caddy"

4. Amaarae

New York-born Ghanaian Ama Serwah Genfi is another TikTok breakout artist. In November 2016, she became the second Ghanaian to debut on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart with her song “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY”, which features Kali Uchis. The song has continued to stay trending, with the track recently experiencing a renaissance this past year on TikTok. Known to her social media fans as “Fountain Baby", Amaarae has continued to bring the new African sub-genre Alté to a global audience, as she starts 2022 with partnerships from Spotify as well as dropping the "SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY" music video. 

Songs we recommend: "FANCY", "FANTASY", "TRUST FUND BABY"

5. Kam-Bu

Kam-Bu is a London-based rapper that isn’t afraid to tell it how it is. The rapper’s lyrics are both socially conscious and masterful, shining a light on some of Britain’s systemic failures while also serving up serious hits. His powerful debut EP Black On Black turned some serious heads, with other works such as "Different" also gaining traction. Other than changing the rap game, Kam-Bu has also entered the fashion world, having featured for a Bianca Saunders campaign and walking for Martine Rose in a recent show. 

Songs we recommend: "Different", "Black on Black", "Are you on?"