14 New Artists to Watch in 2014

This fresh wave of talent gives us much to look forward to.

14 New Artists to Watch in 2014 - After big years from A$AP Ferg, Troy Ave and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis the music talent pool is set to replenish itself in 2014. A host of burgeoning acts are gearing up to make their mark and present fresh new stories and creative visions in music. Check out 14 promising artists you'll probably hear a lot from in the next 12 months.(Photos from left: Matthew Eisman/Getty Images, Prince Williams/FilmMagic, Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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14 New Artists to Watch in 2014 - After big years from A$AP Ferg, Troy Ave and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis the music talent pool is set to replenish itself in 2014. A host of burgeoning acts are gearing up to make their mark and present fresh new stories and creative visions in music. Check out 14 promising artists you'll probably hear a lot from in the next 12 months.(Photos from left: Matthew Eisman/Getty Images, Prince Williams/FilmMagic, Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

Lil Bibby - Chicago continues to be a hotbed for new musical talent, and Lil Bibby is one of the latest examples. The East Side native caused ripples with his December mixtape Free Crack, which included features from King L and production from Young Chop, the Olympicks and more. He's following in the footsteps of Chief Keef, capturing the tone and attitude of the city with his hardened rhymes and thunderous production. If Free Crack was any indication, Lil Bibby is about to have listeners hooked. (Photo: Lil Bibby via Instagram)

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Lil Bibby - Chicago continues to be a hotbed for new musical talent, and Lil Bibby is one of the latest examples. The East Side native caused ripples with his December mixtape Free Crack, which included features from King L and production from Young Chop, the Olympicks and more. He's following in the footsteps of Chief Keef, capturing the tone and attitude of the city with his hardened rhymes and thunderous production. If Free Crack was any indication, Lil Bibby is about to have listeners hooked. (Photo: Lil Bibby via Instagram)

"Bad Girls" - With a bit of an effect on his voice, Sage creates a synth-heavy cut for all the bad girls for which he lusts, and again looks back on high school: "If we was back in high school, would you still wanna holler?"(Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)

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Sage the Gemini - After a bit of a dry spell, over the last few years, California artists have proven to able to take their local sound to a national level. Sage the Gemini is doing his part to continue the trend. With two hit singles in 2013 — “Gas Pedal,” featuring Iamsu! and “Red Nose” — the California native has certified himself as a club killer. With his debut album, Remember Me, slated for a 2014 release, he’s poised for even more memorable moments this year. (Photo: LIlya S. Savenok/Getty Images)

Adrian Marcel - If you’re an R&B singer and Raphael Saadiq thinks you’ve got what it takes, odds are, there’s something special about you. That’s what Adrian Marcel hopes to continue to prove in 2014, as he builds off of his April 2013 mixtape, 7 Days of Weak, which was hosted by Saadiq. The Oakland native has a growing fan base, and with his songwriting abilities and graceful vocals, he's lining himself up to carry on tradition. (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for BET)

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Adrian Marcel - If you’re an R&B singer and Raphael Saadiq thinks you’ve got what it takes, odds are, there’s something special about you. That’s what Adrian Marcel hopes to continue to prove in 2014, as he builds off of his April 2013 mixtape, 7 Days of Weak, which was hosted by Saadiq. The Oakland native has a growing fan base, and with his songwriting abilities and graceful vocals, he's lining himself up to carry on tradition. (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for BET)

August Alsina - August Alsina personifies struggle. His parents dealt with drug addiction, his brother was shot and killed, and as a New Orleans native, he was deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. He hasn’t allowed any of that to slow him down, though. The 21-year-old gained notoriety with his Trinidad James-assisted single “I Luv This ****,” which was off of his May 2013 DJ Drama-hosted mixtape, The Product 2. Then, late last year, the Def Jam signee dropped his upcoming album’s lead single, “Ghetto,” featuring Rich Homie Quan. (Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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August Alsina - August Alsina personifies struggle. His parents dealt with drug addiction, his brother was shot and killed, and as a New Orleans native, he was deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. He hasn’t allowed any of that to slow him down, though. The 21-year-old gained notoriety with his Trinidad James-assisted single “I Luv This ****,” which was off of his May 2013 DJ Drama-hosted mixtape, The Product 2. Then, late last year, the Def Jam signee dropped his upcoming album’s lead single, “Ghetto,” featuring Rich Homie Quan. (Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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Chance the Rapper - Chance the Rapper was an unknown in 2012, yet in 2013, he released what many praised as one of the best projects of the year. His April mixtape, Acid Rap, displayed the Chicago native’s unique sound and skill set as he combines soothing melodies and innovative cadences with creative and impassioned rhymes. Combine his talent with the many cosigns he’s already earned — he was tapped for features by both Lil Wayne and Justin Bieber — and it seems inevitable that this still-unsigned MC blows up in 2014.(Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

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Chance the Rapper - Chance the Rapper was an unknown in 2012, yet in 2013, he released what many praised as one of the best projects of the year. His April mixtape, Acid Rap, displayed the Chicago native’s unique sound and skill set as he combines soothing melodies and innovative cadences with creative and impassioned rhymes. Combine his talent with the many cosigns he’s already earned — he was tapped for features by both Lil Wayne and Justin Bieber — and it seems inevitable that this still-unsigned MC blows up in 2014.(Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Photo By Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Mack Wilds - You surely know Mack Wilds by now, but it may not be from his music. That’s about to change. Known in Hollywood by his birth name, Tristan Wilds, the Staten Island, NY, native initially gained popularity and recognition for his roles on HBO’s The Wire and the CW’s 90210. The kid’s outstanding on the mic, too. Just check 2013’s New York: A Love Story, which displayed his potential as an R&B powerhouse and has been nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at this year’s Grammys. (Photo: Jeaneen Lund / BET) 

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Mack Wilds - You surely know Mack Wilds by now, but it may not be from his music. That’s about to change. Known in Hollywood by his birth name, Tristan Wilds, the Staten Island, NY, native initially gained popularity and recognition for his roles on HBO’s The Wire and the CW’s 90210. The kid’s outstanding on the mic, too. Just check 2013’s New York: A Love Story, which displayed his potential as an R&B powerhouse and has been nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at this year’s Grammys. (Photo: Jeaneen Lund / BET) 

Vic Mensa - Vic Mensa has been making distinguished music for some time, but folks are finally catching on. The Chicago MC first came up as a vocalist for the band Kids These Days, but it disbanded in early 2013. Since then, the 20-year-old has only picked up steam, thanks in large part to an impressive feature on Chance the Rapper’s “Cocoa Butter Kisses,” as well as his own mixtape, INNANETAPE. With exciting flows and a non-conformist lyrical approach, Mensa is setting up to make his name heard in 2014.  (Photo: Vic Mensa via Instagram)

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Vic Mensa - Vic Mensa has been making distinguished music for some time, but folks are finally catching on. The Chicago MC first came up as a vocalist for the band Kids These Days, but it disbanded in early 2013. Since then, the 20-year-old has only picked up steam, thanks in large part to an impressive feature on Chance the Rapper’s “Cocoa Butter Kisses,” as well as his own mixtape, INNANETAPE. With exciting flows and a non-conformist lyrical approach, Mensa is setting up to make his name heard in 2014.  (Photo: Vic Mensa via Instagram)

Isaiah Rashad - Rappers signed to Top Dawg Ent. have enjoyed more than a little success over the last couple of years. Isaiah Rashad has no plans to be the one to change that trend. In September of last year, after a couple months of speculation, Rashad officially joined the powerhouse indie label. The Chattanooga, Tenn., native is ready to put on for his city, bringing a distinct but fitting flavor to TDE with his sharp rhymes. Expect the 22-year-old to drop a project this year that affirms why he’s in such esteemed company.  (Photo: Maury Phillips/WireImage)

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Isaiah Rashad - Rappers signed to Top Dawg Ent. have enjoyed more than a little success over the last couple of years. Isaiah Rashad has no plans to be the one to change that trend. In September of last year, after a couple months of speculation, Rashad officially joined the powerhouse indie label. The Chattanooga, Tenn., native is ready to put on for his city, bringing a distinct but fitting flavor to TDE with his sharp rhymes. Expect the 22-year-old to drop a project this year that affirms why he’s in such esteemed company.  (Photo: Maury Phillips/WireImage)

SZA - Top Dawg Ent. added something new when they signed SZA in 2013. Actually, most things about SZA differentiate her from the rest of TDE: she's female, she sings, she’s from the East Coast. One thing that’s not so different: her undeniable talent. Coming off two EP releases last year, See.SZA.Run and S, as well as a few loose tracks like “Julia” and “Teen Spirit,” SZA is steadily earning her keep. (Photo: Roger Kisby/Getty Images)

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SZA - Top Dawg Ent. added something new when they signed SZA in 2013. Actually, most things about SZA differentiate her from the rest of TDE: she's female, she sings, she’s from the East Coast. One thing that’s not so different: her undeniable talent. Coming off two EP releases last year, See.SZA.Run and S, as well as a few loose tracks like “Julia” and “Teen Spirit,” SZA is steadily earning her keep. (Photo: Roger Kisby/Getty Images)

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Migos - In 2013, Migos found themselves at the forefront of what’s become a trend in recent years of previously unknown Atlanta-based artists having one of the year’s biggest songs nationally. Their insanely catchy “Versace” tore up the airwaves and clubs, and launched into a new stratosphere thanks to an unforgettable remix with Drake.The trio, comprised of Quavo, Takeoff and Offset, have already dropped a number of mixtapes over the last couple years, but with the spotlight on them now, the upcoming YRN 2 is poised to be a game-changer. (Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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Migos - In 2013, Migos found themselves at the forefront of what’s become a trend in recent years of previously unknown Atlanta-based artists having one of the year’s biggest songs nationally. Their insanely catchy “Versace” tore up the airwaves and clubs, and launched into a new stratosphere thanks to an unforgettable remix with Drake.The trio, comprised of Quavo, Takeoff and Offset, have already dropped a number of mixtapes over the last couple years, but with the spotlight on them now, the upcoming YRN 2 is poised to be a game-changer. (Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

PARTYNEXTDOOR  - Like The Weeknd, PARTYNEXTDOOR is a moniker that sounds like a group but is really one person. And like The Weeknd, PARTYNEXTDOOR is a silky-voiced Canadian singer cosigned by Drake. And like The Weeknd, PARTYNEXTDOOR is in line to make waves. But he’s no mirror image of The Weeknd. He released his self-titled EP in July, which included the Drizzy-assisted “Over Here,” then headed out on tour with Mr. OVO, Future and Miguel in October. The party’s just starting. (Photo: Partynextdoor via Instagram)

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PARTYNEXTDOOR  - Like The Weeknd, PARTYNEXTDOOR is a moniker that sounds like a group but is really one person. And like The Weeknd, PARTYNEXTDOOR is a silky-voiced Canadian singer cosigned by Drake. And like The Weeknd, PARTYNEXTDOOR is in line to make waves. But he’s no mirror image of The Weeknd. He released his self-titled EP in July, which included the Drizzy-assisted “Over Here,” then headed out on tour with Mr. OVO, Future and Miguel in October. The party’s just starting. (Photo: Partynextdoor via Instagram)

Problem - Problem has been on a steady musical grind for the last half-decade, but things really began to come together in 2013, thanks in large part to his project The Separation and hit single “Like Whaaat.” The remix to the banger included Wiz Khalifa, Chris Brown and Tyga, and the California native has also worked with Game, E-40, Snoop Dogg and more. Look out for Problem to cause more than a few this year. (Photo: Maury Phillips/WireImage)

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Problem - Problem has been on a steady musical grind for the last half-decade, but things really began to come together in 2013, thanks in large part to his project The Separation and hit single “Like Whaaat.” The remix to the banger included Wiz Khalifa, Chris Brown and Tyga, and the California native has also worked with Game, E-40, Snoop Dogg and more. Look out for Problem to cause more than a few this year. (Photo: Maury Phillips/WireImage)

Tiara Thomas - Female MCs have been earning more opportunity and recognition of late, but few seem to possess the well-rounded talents of Tiara Thomas. Best known for her singing feature on Wale’s hit single “Bad,” Thomas also raps and plays the guitar. In June, she signed to Rico Love’s Division 1, a subsidiary of Interscope, and dropped her Dear Sallie Mae EP in October. It’s high praise, sure, but this girl’s gearing up to be in a Lauryn Hill-type lane. (Photo: Alberto Rodriguez/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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Tiara Thomas - Female MCs have been earning more opportunity and recognition of late, but few seem to possess the well-rounded talents of Tiara Thomas. Best known for her singing feature on Wale’s hit single “Bad,” Thomas also raps and plays the guitar. In June, she signed to Rico Love’s Division 1, a subsidiary of Interscope, and dropped her Dear Sallie Mae EP in October. It’s high praise, sure, but this girl’s gearing up to be in a Lauryn Hill-type lane. (Photo: Alberto Rodriguez/BET/Getty Images for BET)

BET Hip Hop Awards 2013 – Atlanta - The best part about Rich Homie Quan's performance of "Type of Way" at the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards was that Snoop Dogg was in the background moving and grooving and enjoying the smash single. Props to RHQ on a big year.(Photo: Rick Diamond/BET/Getty Images for BET)

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Rich Homie Quan  - Rich Homie Quan struck gold with his “Type of Way” single in 2013. The Atlanta upstart caught the ears of rap listeners with his melodic flow, catchy hook and generally triumphant sound. Then, his November mixtape release, I Promise I Will Never Stop Going In, showed that his song-making abilities will likely bring more hits than just his first single. He also appeared on 2 Chainz’s “Extra” and YG’s single “My N----,” which also features Jeezy, among other guest spots. That momentum is only continuing to snowball, and you can bet in 2014 he’ll have everyone feelin’ whatever type of way he wants. (Photo: Rick Diamond/BET/Getty Images for BET)