With our Under The Radar feature having been in rotation a few years now, we felt no better way to up the ante than present SOME of our 2024 picks. The segment regularly looks to champion underrated tunes and talent alike.
Below we’re shining a light on some of the UK’s latest and greatest talent on the brink of something special – who else would you have had as next up?
dialE
2023 saw the East London artist make waves with his EP Dear dialE, his amalgamation of Alt RnB, Jazz & more seeing him present a refreshing sound to the rap space. The authenticity in his output does not go amiss.
Notable singles: “AOT”, “nine thirty (the glow)”.
Jianbo
His artistry layered, Jianbo pairs his singles with cinematic visuals and creative content. Often using nostalgically eerie instrumentals to foundation his slick lyricism, his uniqueness has swiftly seen him turn heads.
Notable singles: “Chinatown Trouble”, “Mongkok Madness”.
Slew
Boasting a distinct cadence, Slew has already begun to showcase his ability to confidently jump on various tempos. Working closely with names like Parked Up and Karma Kid for his underrated debut EP, Face Value – he’s making exciting strides.
Notable singles: “SOPRANOS”, “No More (Family Shit)”.
Steve Drive
Undoubtedly one of the trap scenes most promising new prospects, South London’s Steve Drive had been consistent in dishing out melodic anthems. His appearance on M Huncho’s Top 10 Charting album only further solidifying his prominence.
Notable singles: “Hardaway”, “One More Time”.
BXKS
Early releases like “Menace” made it apparent that BXKS was going to cut through with a dissimilar flair. Straddling both speedy grime-like flows and cool bouncy track riddims, collaborations with Bawo, P-rallel & Kish! have gone down a treat.
Notable singles: “Cheque”, “Collateral Damage”.
dexter in the newsagent
Her emotive relatable tracks have been in hot rotation in the past couple years. dexter in the newsagent’s music feels like the soundtrack to youth-hood. Boasting a delicate but soulful voice that has slotted in seamlessly on releases with KwolleM & P-Rallel.
Notable singles: “Blue Skies”, “Paper Cups”.
Chy Cartier
Coming in clutch in Q4 of 2023, Chy Cartier’s “BOSSED UP” was hotly anticipated following a viral moment with the teaser. The braggadocious single marked a change of pace for her, it gaining acclaim from Central Cee, K-Trap, Youngs Teflon & more. A fiery young rapper that’s staking their claim.
Notable singles: “Versatile”, “Suit That”.
Proph
A multi-faceted artist, Proph’s care for his craft is clear. Producing, singing and rapping, his debut EP Lost In Translation, showcased it all expertly. Despite this, he is a new age example of traditional rap greatness. Getting the call up from OG’s like Ghetts’, he’s onto something great.
Notable singles: “Regardless”, “High Horse”.
Paul Stephen
Paul Stephen’s prolific bars ring off. Following his breakout with left grime beats, his beat selection has proven special since. Shelling effortlessly on any bpm, the encompassment of it all turns out a top tier product.
Notable singles: “Streets Don’t Love Me”, “Trust No One”.
Wax Bentayga
Pairing expert creativity with smooth calculated bars, Wax Bentayga prowess is seeing him carve out his own lane. Sonically agile, his dynamic style sees him effortlessly slide on tracks. His performance on 2023’s Red Bull Raise The Bar cited by many as a winning one.
Notable singles: “WDYM”, “Neo”
namesbliss
A sharp pen game seeing namesbliss churn out shellers. Having first broke out with high energy grime bops, hes since gone onto hone in on his style and diversify. Charismatic with it, we can count on namesbliss to give us bars.
Notable singles: “Iniesta Flow”, “Heavenly War”
Zino Vinci
The level of musicality within his drops undeniable, Zino Vinci boasts an admirable versatility. From clever bars to robust vocals, the Newham talent’s sonics have a global appeal. He’s quickly set the tone as a boundless artist.
Notable singles: “CEO of the friendship group”, “Tamagotchi Crocs”.
Dré Six
Dré Six’s first became known to many via his combination of acoustic guitar and honest lyricism, he’s since gone onto hone in on that – and more. Delivering bouncy bars alongside One Acen and melodies on 48 Hours with Ryder & Skepta.
Notable singles: “Guns & Roses”, “Light & Dark”.
Stay locked this year via our Under The Radar Spotify Playlist below!
