By StereoVision Staff

As in most other aspects of life, each January serves as a type of cleansing for the music industry where fans get to look back and appreciate how their favorite artists elevated the previous year and changed their lives for the better. Potentially the most fun aspect of a new year in music is the potential for new break-out stars to burst onto the scene and change how we think about music. With the majority of the industry’s big dogs dropping in summer and fall, the first half of the year always acts as an exciting battleground for budding artists where anything is possible and creative innovation is rewarding leading to some of the most important music of the year. Our team decide to celebrate this annual energy by compiling some of the rising artists we’re most excited to watch grow throughout 2022. Additionally, we put together a playlist with some of our favorite songs from each artist, check it out on Spotify and Apple Music here:

Without further ado, please enjoy StereoVision’s artists to watch in 2022:

Al-Doms

If you haven’t listened to Al Doms’ 2021 project “NEW DREAM”, then remove your head from the sand and listen to it right now. The Virginia rapper really had 2021 on his back for a minute - feeding fans with a healthy collection of bass-laden bangers with writing so good it will have you taking notes. Though he’s still a burgeoning artist, the momentum he’s picked up with that project + his “Mr. Perfect” freestyle has set him up to have an absolutely insane 2022. If the idea of Saba with a little southern flair perks your interest, then Al Doms needs to be on your radar this year. -Carter Fife

bigbabygucci

A prominent name in the underground rap scene for years, Charlotte rapper BIGBABYGUCCI is sure to make waves in 2022. From being sent to a group home in 8th grade, dropping out of college and multiple legal battles to now surpassing over 400,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Gucci is proof that a troubled past does not define you. There’s no doubting Gucci’s work ethic; he dropped 3 projects in 8 months in 2021, and already has kicked off 2022 with a bang with his newest release, Iridesense. Gucci’s versatility is unmatched, from being able to float over spacey beats to thriving over complex, hard-hitting, synth-heavy instrumentals frequently from Mike Dean co-signed producer, Fish. Now, BIGBABYGUCCI is currently on his first major US tour, the Yokohama Tour, supporting MadeinTYO and UnoTheActivist. Expect more quality from BIGBABYGUCCI and his newly founded record label, Better Temperatures, in 2022! -Matt Herin

David Sabastian

A person who is doing a lot of jobs is very common to come by in the fast-paced world we currently live in. A person who is truly talented in many aspects is a lot rarer and deserves to be celebrated. David Sabastian falls into the latter category. He had one of the most slept-on albums of 2021 with features from Buddy, 070 Shake, Guapdad 4000, and a couple more household names. I kid you not that whenever a song comes up in my library I find myself having to play the whole album on loop before being able to move on with my day. He also apparently just released an audiobook under his own publishing company. Additionally, he is also the founder of the fire fashion brand Skidrow, which spreads awareness about those on Skid Row while simultaneously providing assistance. So he already has a solid footing within the world yet for some reason he is not considered mainstream. With two more projects coming out in 2022 if this man is not on your list you are tweaking. -CJ Allen

454

I sincerely do not think an artist's debut has ever impressed me like 454’s 2021 debut project 4 REAL, so in 2022 I know who I'm going to be watching closely. Rolling Stone called his music "cosmic", FADER called it "bliss", and now 454 even has the equally rare and well-deserved Frank Ocean cosign. Blending the best elements of pluggnb, hip-hop, and psychedelic, 454 is easily one of the most exciting new artists of the past year. With more music on the way soon, I can't wait for what he has in store in 2022. -Carter Fife

Navy Blue

Underground hip-hop and it's innovative talents are the lifeblood of the overarching genre. One of the brightest revelations originating from underground hip-hop in recent memory has to be the Brooklyn-based Sage Elsesser, better known under his rap alias Navy Blue. Elsesser's rap origins can be traced back to his team-up with the underground collective sLUms. The groups clear willingness to collaborate has connected them to avant-garde minds such as Earl Sweatshirt, Pink Siifu, MAVI, Standing On The Corner and of course Elsesser. Elsesser has used these connections to his advantage, appearing on several Earl songs such as "The Mint" and "GHOST." Navy Blue's unique sound combines vivid strokes of Earl's intricate flow and wordplay, experimental production akin to The Alchemist or Black Noi$e, and a decidedly unique honesty and personability. Navy had a busy 2021, releasing his latest LP "Navy's Reprise," executively producing underground rapper Wiki's standout record "Half God," and appearing on the standout Alchemist track "Nobles" with Earl. With only 149,000 monthly Spotify listeners, Navy is definitely an artist to keep track of heading in 2022. -Luke Modugno

Nippa

When is an artist can effortlessly move with the smoothness of a seasoned veteran on their first shit you know that they’re doing what they were born to do. This is absolutely the case with the London-based singer Nippa. I’ll never forget seeing the situation video for the first time while waiting to board a plane in LAX and the obsession it instantly instilled in me. Nippa carries the same cool mystic as a Brent Faiyaz while differentiating himself by making more frequent call back to a mid-2000s aesthetic. Everything from his crystal clear runs to his subtle yet prevalent London accent results in an obvious superstar in the making. -Spencer Lobdell

onlybino!

2022 will be a big year for Onlybino. This past year he gained our attention with “Butterfly Doors” and a feature on midwxst’s deluxe tape. Surrounded by a youthful circle including sgpwes, xhuloo0, and surge, he showcases his talents alongside the next wave of artists ready to break into the public eye. Now a part of the star-studded roster of Field Trip Records led by Zack Bia, he has the tools to become one of the biggest artists to come out of the underground scene. Bino covers such a diverse range of genres, it's difficult to categorize him into just one; his recent Youtube uploads feature hyperpop rap, drum, and bass, rnb, etc. This multi-genre ability gives him an advantage that will keep his sound fresh and unique. With a successful music video to “Butterfly Doors” produced by No Soap, led by Elan Bia, we hope to see more collaborations between the two in the future of Bino’s career. It looks like he’s on the right path coming into this year, and we can’t wait to see what Onlybino has in store for us in 2022! -Q Hollomand

2oopaid Tk

The bubbling hip-hop scene in Seattle is something all fans need to take note of and at the forefront of it all is 2oopaid Tk, a gifted artist with a knack for addicting melodies and a style like no other. Vocally, the Seattle spitter is gifted with a mesmerizing rasp that is reminiscent of Shordie Shordie but is paired with a high-energy delivery to truly make his music sound like no one else in the game. Tk has dropped solid projects in both of the past two years while also collaborating with lots of young artists in the new hip-hop hotbed that is Seattle Washington. 2oopaid has already built a faithful fandom in the 206 and with no signs of slowing down, 2022 looks to be the year that 2oopaid could see massive success. -Spencer Lobdell

Jany Green

Alright so I’m going to be honest, apparently Jany Green has been that guy for a minute now with his single “Little” from 2020 having an astounding 11 million streams on Spotify. He also has a song produced by Kenny Beats on his EP Lost In Love. However, I still believe he is underrated enough to be put on the lists of artists to watch. His aforementioned EP is an automatic vibe. It has the capability to put you in a fire mood to dance all your problems away no matter what went wrong with your day. I believe with my whole heart that he is one Tik Tok away from being sent into the superstar stratosphere. He is also from Alaska, which is normal yet obscure enough to add to his star-studded story. Everyone should be impatiently waiting to see what he has coming out this year. -CJ Allen

TaliHendrix

TaliHendrix is a very new rapper with only 13 tracks on his current SoundCloud. I found him off pure coincidence as I was listening to a Summrs station on SoundCloud. His biggest song, “league” came on and I was drawn in by the familiar beat tag and 808’s. the song happened to be produced by 30NICKK, one of the biggest underground producers right now, and frequent SlayWorld collaborator (artists who used to be in or associated with Slay include: KanKan, Summrs, Yeat, Autumn). After hearing “League” I was very impressed by his rapping ability and delivery on Nickk’s beat, as they can be tricky to find a flow and one’s own voice on. I am extremely interested to see what Tali can do in the future and I bet if he keeps going, he will be linking with big names in the underground rap game soon. -Drew Jenkins

Tony Shhnow

Tony Shhnow is set up to have a huge 2022. Coming out of last year releasing 7 mixtapes/albums and countless music videos, Tony shows us what kind of work ethic it takes to grow as an artist. Tony Shhnow is truly an artist who can get on any beat. He combines OG ATL rap with RnB, plugg, and soul music, making for a unique underground artist with none like him. He leads his peers when it comes to exploring new sounds and “going back in time” to older subgenres and reviving them with a new updated style. Tony Shhnow can REALLY RAP, and with a keen ear, you will be able to pick up bars that are relatable and thoughtful. The heavy use of samples gives a vintage vibe to his music that is refreshing when paired with his modern-day subject matter. With two music videos already released just 2 weeks into 2022, we can expect a lot of content and progression coming from Tony. We can’t wait to see and hear what he has in store for us! -Q Hollomand

Chris Patrick

Chris Patrick is a must-watch going into 2022. The artist, born and raised in New Jersey, shook up the music industry in 2020 with the release of his first studio album, From The Heart, Vol. 2. His versatility, heartfelt lyricism, and well-articulated emotions are reminiscent of a new-age J. Cole, which is not a commendation I would give to just anybody. He can out-rap your favorite rapper, then turn around and float on a slow, melodic track, leaving you questioning if Spotify just started playing some random radio. Since his bag is so deep, he keeps himself outside any box while simultaneously proving his unlimited potential. -Colson O’Connor

o2worldwide

Who do you really know making bops out of Oklahoma? You probably are unaware of anyone major. Hopefully in the coming year that is going to change as O2worldwide serves as your chance to see what the panhandle state has to offer. Due to a lack of words, the best way I can describe them is just INSANE. Since they are so fresh it can be a struggle to identify the members, but every time you find one, you are blessed with fresh and inspiring music. So far the singular artists I have been able to identify outside of the 3 albums dropped under O2worldwide are Casper Sage and the founder Ombachi. Both have an automatic and smooth flow. They have the same energy as OFWGKTA as an amazing group of people producing just as amazing music. I put my whole life on this when I say, THEY ARE GOING TO BE HUGE! -CJ Allen

yelizaveta (fka baphy)

This may be the deepest cut on the list, but sitting at 10 monthly listeners is one of my favorite artists of 2021, Yelizaveta. With only a handful of tracks released (and only one on DSPs), this is probably a little bit of an early pick - but when you find good music, you share it right? “Ricarda” is a perfect synthesis of ethereal electronic experimentation and pop perfection, and Yelizaveta’s vocals are so hypnotic you’ll probably add this to every playlist in your roster. With more music lined up for 2022, this may be your last chance to claim your “early fan” award. -Carter Fife

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