Rap: 

Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper is an up and coming star hailing from Chicago whose vast success is sweeping the nation due to his rigorous tour schedule, all at the ripe young age of 20.

Chancellor Bennet’s rap career started after some off time from school during a 10 day suspension, which in turn, inspired his first major mixtape 10Day. Since then Chance has put out one other mixtape, Acid Rap, which was released for free and has put the rapper at the front of the underground scene.

Although he remains unsigned and has no intentions of joining any major labels, Chance still has had major success both on the airwaves and on tour with catchy songs such as “Favorite Song” featuring Childish Gambino and “Acid Rain,” a heartfelt slow jam speaking on the travesties of growing up in the Chicagoland area.

His music touches on difficult subjects such as rampant gun violence, drug abuse, the lack of direction of a young adult and neglect based around racism. In terms of rap music, Chance the Rapper is on point to be a defining rapper of the decade.

Folk:

Ben Howard

An English singer-songwriter, Howard’s soft spoken voice and indie folk music won him the British Breakthrough Act and British Solo Male Artist awards in 2013. His only album Every Kingdom, which features past singles he’s created, was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2012.

Not only has he won standing awards for his clear, canorous music, but his song “Oats in the Water” was featured on season four of “The Walking Dead” in episode five. Hopefully more of his symphonic sound will be heard as the months pass.

Jake Bugg

Indie rock reached Britain’s top charts in 2012 with Jake Edwin Kennedy’s hit self-titled album, Jake Bugg.

His fame across the seas landed him some spots on American shows such as “Ellen” and more recently “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” where he sang “What Doesn’t Kill You” from his November album Shangri La.

With his rusty voice and simple background music, he stands out from the new digital era and brings back heavy 60’s influences.

Alternative: 

The 1975

With a unique name inspired from the scribblings in a poetry book, it’s no wonder The 1975 has developed a unique electro yet guitar-clad sound that is still considered punk alternative.

The 1975 released four EP’s, all leading up to the release of their self-titled debut album in 2013. Not only did this album launch their songs to foreign countries, but it also debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart.