KCPR has compiled a list of new and up-and-coming Black artists on the rise in the music industry. Read on to learn about these rising stars and check out our playlist to hear their sound.
Jordan Ward
Jordan Ward originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, started as a backup dancer for artists like Justin Bieber and Becky G in Los Angeles and now creates music of his own. Ward’s music can be categorized as R&B/Soul with influences from hip-hop, alternative rock and old-school funk.
His newest deluxe album, “moreward(FORWARD),” encapsulates just that with his most popular songs, “FAMJAM4000,” and “WHITE CROCS (with Ryan Trey).” Ward was named as one of Spotify’s 10 “R&B Rising, Artists to Watch” in 2024, amongst Amaria, Chxrry22 and more.
Amindi
Jamaican-American artist Amindi Kiara Frost describes her music as “pastel rap,” having grown up with a household that loved gospel, hip-hop and reggae. Her silky and sensual voice captures this mix of genres from her youth. Similar to artists like Orion Sun and Summer Walker, Amindi creates flowy R&B beats amongst an indie sound.
One of her most notable appearances was on Isaiah Rashad’s 2021 album, “The House Is Burning.” Frost was most recently featured on chlothegod’s song “Good Guys pt. 2,” following her album “Take What You Need.” The artist is set to perform at Sol Blume Music Festival in Sacramento, California on May 3.
Destin Conrad
From blowing up on Vine during junior high to being accredited on Kehlani’s Billboard #2 album “It Was Good Until It Wasn’t,” Destin Conrad created his own sultry R&B sound.
The singer from Tampa, Florida, debuted his first album in 2021. The stand-out title track from “COLORWAY” illustrates how “two people can create amazing colors together,” according to his Spotify biography. Like blending colors, Conrad blends different R&B beats with his compelling tone and sensual lyricism. Many tracks on “COLORWAY” include spoken word, a similar style taken by artists such as Frank Ocean and SZA.
Conrad’s January 2024 release of “SUBMISSIVE2” follows his 2023 album, “SUBMISSIVE.” These two projects continue to follow his traditional R&B sound but also mix different instruments and diverse sounds, such as touches from Latin style and Reggae beats. Conrad is currently on tour throughout the U.S.
Samara Joy
23-year-old Samara Joy found her place in the world of jazz music at an early age. A Bronx native, Joy is best known for her velvety, smooth voice and her status as one of the few Gen Z jazz stars.
Her 2022 debut album “Linger Awhile” got her nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards, but she ultimately went home with the award for Best New Artist. Joy is currently on tour.
Nailah Hunter
Naliah Hunter, an LA-based multi-instrumentalist and composer, has been making mystical folk and ambient-inspired music since 2019. Her genre can be scoped as alternative/indie and jazz.
Hunter first stepped into music in the church where she played drums and guitar and sang in the choir. She adopted her ethereal, tranquil sound and smoky singing voice after receiving a baby harp as a gift while studying at CalArts. Hunter crafted this sound into her first proper full-length album, “Lovegaze,” which was released this January. Her 2024 tour dates can be found here.
