Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are a few recording artists that you need to keep your eyes on as they could potentially dominate the music industry.
In defense of my own happiness by Joy Oladokun
One rising artist that I discovered this year was singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun. Amigo Records, Verve Forecast, and Republic Records signed the Arizona native turned Nashville transplant. In defense of my own happiness, her major record label debut might remind music lovers of the first time they heard Alicia Keys’ 2001 debut record: Songs in A Minor. Just like the former Voice coach did during her debut album, Joy beautifully weaved impeccable tracks together through her superb songwriting. Also, keep an ear out for Jensen McRae, Maren Morris, and Penny & Sparrow, who make cameo appearances throughout the album. In defense of my own happiness is a powerful debut album, and I hope that the music industry honors Joy’s work during the 2021-22 awards season. A
Tracks to Download: “Someone that I used to be,” “Sunday,” “sorry isn’t good enough,” “Bigger Man,” & “Heaven from here.”
Hopeless Romantic by Tomi Thomas
I have been waiting for Tomi Thomas to release their extended play. When I first heard “Again,” I fell in love with Tomi’s style of mixing various musical genres such as afrobeat, reggae, and hip-hop.Also, fans should keep an ear out for Buju Banton, who offers assistance on the track: “Hurricane.” Hopeless Romantic is a fabulous extended play that showcases Tomi Thomas’s emergence onto the global music stage. B+
Tracks to Download: “Love Me Now,” “Again,” “GoGo Dancer,” & “Hurricane.”
“Meaningless” by Philmon Lee
Epic Records breakout artist Philmon Lee delivered another vocal home run: “Meaningless.” Every time I listen to Philmon’s music, I am impressed by his voice and songwriting ability. I believe that by the end of the 2020s, Philmon will be an artist everyone will be talking about. A
“Something Else” by Snotty Nose Rez Kids
Canadian Hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids are letting their voices be heard. During the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, the duo was outraged when CNN put Indigenous in the “Something Else” category. Rappers Yung Trybez and Young D decided to put their feelings into a track that showcases their impeccable emcee skills. “Something Else” definitely puts Indigenous rap on the music market’s map. I look forward to hearing new music from them in the future. B+/A-
“Astronaut” by Stalking Gia
New York-based artist Stalking Gia rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. The Epic Records recording artist is currently setting the media industry ablaze thanks to appearances in 1883 Magazine, Billboard, FLAUNT Magazine, and Refinery29. Epic Records, Stalking Gia’s record label, stated that her latest single, “Astronaut,” was inspired by David Bowie’s “Starman,” “Space Oddity,” and “Life on Mars” plus Elton John’s legendary “Rocket Man.” I love Stalking Gia’s beautiful, airy vocals. “Astronaut” has the potential to be the next “Driver’s License,” and I am looking forward to hearing more from Stalking Gia in the future. A
Pages: 1 2
