Let’s just say music has gotten pretty generic nowadays, so there are plenty of amazing, genuine artists that don't get the recognition they deserve. Here’s a list of our Top 15 artists, in no particular order, in no particular genre; that we think are slept on. The term slept on is defined as: to ignore, overlook, or to forget something/someone important.
Vince Staples- Vincent Staples, indigenous to Long Island, California, has dropped hits such as “Norf Norf” and released his album, “Summertime ‘06” in 2015. His lyrics are weighted with heavy truths and echo tough messages without sounding too didactic, and his rare voice resonates the interesting marks of storytelling. He’s collabed with Earl Sweatshirt, and has influences from other members of Odd Future, such as Tyler, The Creator, and Mac Miller.
Tink- This female rapper can honestly be as big as Nicki Minaj. Her style is very aggressive and can be compared to old school female rappers such as Lauryn Hill and Da Brat. She mostly raps about relationships and the struggles of women. She uses her voice to empower women and emphasize the importance of women in today’s world.
James Bay- No one is a stranger to “Let it Go” by James Bay, however too many are strangers to songs like “Hold Back the River”, “Need the Sun to Break”, and “Get Out While You Can”. Chaos and the Calm is full of emotional ballads as well as upbeat songs that are meant to be played at full volume driving around. A sad crime is when one of your favorite bands is unnoticed by anyone but you and your friends, but a sadder crime is when a good artist is labeled “pop” because one of their songs is upbeat.
Big Sean- People don’t realize that Big Sean has been a pioneer in rap music for a few years now. He has quietly had multiple #1 hits in the last couple years, but has only been nominated for two grammys since he entered the rap scene in 2010. With his rapping/ singing style on his newest album, I Decided, his career is extremely slept on because he seems to be very private and likes to let his voice come through his music.
Walk off the Earth- If you’re tired of your everyday wanna be alternative bands or “hidden gems” that just about everyone else listens to and want a new little something to spice up your playlist, introduce Walk off the Earth to your life. The song “Red Hands” shows off their unique style of music and singing that isn’t comparable to anything you’ve ever heard. While they are upbeat, they’re also whimsical and airy that is guaranteed to lift you up and make you want to go on a road trip.
Zayn - No one is a stranger to the pre-teen band sensation One Direction, a group of 5 boys from the UK that made it big after their elimination from X-Factor. However, Zayn swerved away from that direction, leaving the band and recreating his image as a solo artist. After leaving the band, producer Naughty Boy dropped Zayn’s rough draft demo “I Won’t Mind” and shortly after, UK rapper Mic Righteous leaked Zayn’s version of “No Type”, releasing Zayn’s new RnB styled vocals to the world that had been hidden for so many years. Zayn’s lead single “Pillowtalk” debuted #1 on the Billboards as well as many other countries, however his album Mind Of Mine hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves. The album ranges from ballads such as “It’s You” and “Fool For You”, to hypnotic edged tracks such as “She”, “Borders” and “Wrong”, where he collabs with Kehlani.Most people still associate him with his ex pop-style band and have slept on his new and unique sound.
Xavier Rudd - Australian singer/songwriter Xavier Rudd has a mellow sound, shaped by socially conscious themes, such as spirituality, humanity, environmentalism and the rights of Aboriginal people. His music is perfect for relaxing summer evenings and his appeasing voice and soft instrumentals make for a great tool to unwind after a stress-filled day. He runs under the radar and deserves more recognition than he gets.
Vance Joy- While Vance Joy has had some exposure with his single “Riptide”, no one really listens to him outside of his 1 song. His debut album “Dream Your Life Away” features an abundance of soft, fun, and upbeat songs that are an obvious go-to for any occasion. Although he is not entirely unknown, his talents are completely underrated and overshadowed by the everyday pop music.
Snakehips - Oliver Lee and James Carter from the electronic music duo that has remixed for artists such as Banks, The Weeknd, Bondax and Wild Belle, but haven’t gotten the recognition the deserve. Their single “All My Friends” sparked interest with its steady beat with catchy vocals, as well as Chance the Rapper’s feature.
Blackbear - R&B/Soul artist Matthew Musto collabs his rich voice with the smoothest beats making his EPs and albums perfect for parked car conversations and nighttime drives. Native to Los Angeles, he has reinvented himself as a Rap and R&B artist, collabing with Mike Posner, James Blake and Maejor Ali. Another stride he took was releasing Deadroses in 2015, with hits “IDFC” and “90210”, following up with EPs such as “Dead” and “Drink Bleach”. Blackbear is definitely slept on, his lyricism and flow never fails to sooth the soul.
Oh Wonder- Never heard on the radio, Oh Wonder has less than any exposure have you never heard of them before. With songs like “Lose It”, “Drive”, and “Without You”, when you’re feeling emotional, or want to feel emotional, Oh Wonder is who you should turn to. Their unique style of soft sang songs and almost technical undertones make it easy for everyone to like them despite not enough people knowing they exist.
Emile Sande- This R&B songstress has a beautiful voice and she usually sings about finding your inner strength and beauty. Her ballads feature her smooth voice along with her playing her favorite instrument, the piano. She has jazz and blues in her background along with multiple songwriting credits. Everyone should know about her talent.