We had many breakout artist this year some through co-sign and breakout hits and some through amazing debut projects. These are my 5 nominees for Best New Artist Gunna, Lil Baby, Ella Mai, 6ix9ine, and HER. Now they are some honorable mentions such as Juicewrld, JID, and Jorja Smith. They didn’t make the list because of various reasons but I also had to limit the list too 5.
Now starting this list at number 5 is 6ix9ine. He had an unbelievable year nobody can deny him that. From the internet trolling to going 11 for 12( or something close too that) on the billboard this kid had a year like no other. He went from being a unknown to the rainbow hair kid that everybody loves to hate. With hits like “KEKE“, “Gummo“, “TAKA“, and “WAKA” you can see why he’s been making waves through the culture all year. The problem with 69 is for one his legal troubles from past and present. 69 was charged with rape in the past with having sexual relations with a minor. He ended up taking a plea deal to avoid jail time. Recently he and his whole crew ” TreyWay” were indicted on Rico and Racketeering charges with everybody possibly facing life in prison. Also he shouts a lot in his songs so you really have to be in the mood to hear him. When it comes to rapping he’s top 5 worst and he even knows it admitting it during a interview with Angie Martinez. With his court date not until September of 2019 it’s safe to assume we won’t be getting any new music from him for awhile.
Next on this list coming in at number 4 is Ella Mai. Ella Mai had one of the biggest hits of 2017 with “Boo’d Up“, Then followed that up with her debut album “Ella Mai” in 2018. This beautiful R&B singer has a amazing natural voice with hits like “Naked“, ” Gut Feeling( FT. HER)”, “Trip” and “Good Bad“, her vibe is contagious and will having you wanting to give that special person your whole heart and nothing less. She’s coming in at 4 because honestly there really isn’t a reason expect for the fact that HER has Her beat( no pun intended) HER voice is like no other. Ella Mai is the one of the Young new queen’s and star’s of R&B music and there’s no debate about that. She’s very private which is good and bad, but the star shines very bright and strong with her.
Coming in at number 3 is HER. She had a breakout album that was self tilted in 2017 lead by the single ” Best Part (ft. Daniel Caesar) and also released a two-part album called “ I Used to Know Her” this year. HER is multi talented with not only her voice but she can also play the guitar and even rap alittle which she displayed on ” Lost Souls” the California native talent is unbelievable. HER music is a whole mood but she can sound very depressing in her songs. The second part of “I Used to Know Her” is a whole heartbreak, depressing mood for seven tracks. She also like Ella Mai holds a very private life style even hiding her face a lot in picture and doing very rare radio interviews. HER is strictly for the women not many guys can listen to her and relate too things. HER has the talent to takeover the game and shes already on her way so you better watch out.
First to last place may be a surprise too you guys, but Lil Baby is coming in second place. Lil Baby run this year was incerbile. It was like everything he touched oozed drip and the whole culture acted like a sponge for it. Three albums one year is unheard of plus all three did good on the charts. He had not one but two Drake features that charted on the top 5 BillBoards. The whole music industry was on a wave because of Baby and Gunna. The only reason why Baby is coming in second is because, I feel like he has a strong chance to flame out the game quick. He definitely gave us a lot of music this year but maybe it was too much. His sound is becoming so familiar on every track that it can get annoying to listen too. QC needs to give him a break next year because if Baby announce another project too soon, it can be the beginning of the end for him.
Now the winner of this award is none other than Gunna. Gunna had a breakout year with his album “Drip Season 3” and numerous feature especially his verse on Travis Scott ” Yosemite” track. Gunna flow is very contagious as you can see by how many people billed him for a verse on their projects and songs. Gunna ability to immerse you into his world of drip is amazing and a whole vibe. But the best thing about him is the potential he has, unlike Baby: Gunna has many different flows he just needs to expand on his topics. He also has to let his fans see him more so they can get a better idea of who he is outside of just watching his page for the drip. Gunna already on his way to being a top 5 artist he just needs to grow with his craft.