Just like every other year, 2017 gave us a plethora of great new music by artists who keep on pushing the boundaries of creativity. Whether they be breakthrough performers or veterans of the music industry, a few of them stood out and made last year theirs. Here they are:
1.kYaeji
Ever since the release of “New York 93” in 2016, it has been evident that Yaeji would go far. With 2 EPs released last year, countless featured articles and praise from critics, Yaeji’s fulgurant rise made her a queen of the electronic music scene, ruling dance floors around the world.
2. King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard
Some artists can go years without releasing any new material and come back with a disappointing record. This is not the case of King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard. When it comes to productivity, this band is the reference. Having released 5 great albums records in 2017, including one on December 30th, these rockers kept us grooving all throughout the year.
3. Mura Masa
If you’re into music, you couldn’t have gone through 2017 without hearing Mura Masa’s name or music. The young British producer released his first full-length, which included a star-studded lineup yielding impressive collabs.
4. Tokimonsta
Tokimonsta isn’t your average producer. Not only is she a brilliant musician and creative, she’s also a fighter. After being diagnosed with moyamoya, rare brain disease which resulted in her losing all musical ability, Tokimonsta went through surgery and came back roaring in 2017 with an amazing record, Lune Rouge.
5. Migos
You must have seen this one coming. Ever since “Bad and Boujee” came out, Migos have ruled the hip hop scene. From being enlisted for countless features and acclaimed by critics and fans alike with the release of Culture, Migos have had a huge impact on their genre in 2017.
6. King Krule
Sometimes it’s hard to grasp the fact that Archy Marshall is only 23 years old. This British genius gave us masterpiece after masterpiece in 2017. Whether it be on “Blue Train Lines” with Mount Kimbie, or on literally every single track off The OOZ, King Krule simply reigned over 2017.
7. Cardi B
She don’t dance now, she makes money moves. With “Bodak Yellow” on a lot of people’s lips in 2017, Cardi B broke through in 2017 in spectacular fashion. Assuming materialism like no one else, she might just be the perfect symbol for a whole new generation of lyricists.
8. BROCKHAMPTON
Much like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, BROCKHAMPTON gave us more than just one record in 2017. With three stunning full-lengths, the group truly pushed boundaries of Rap, RnB and Pop and redefined what it means to be a boy band.
9. Hans Zimmer
It’s amazing how you sometimes think an artist’s work is the greatest ever, and they just come along and top it time and time again. It seems there is no limit to Hans Zimmer’s greatness. With scores like the ones he wrote for Dunkirk and Blade Runner 2049, Zimmer proved he might just be the greatest movie score genius ever. At this point, it’s just ridiculous.
10. SZA
RnB will never be the same again. While CTRL wasn’t SZA’s first release, it felt like it was something totally new. Having everyone vibing on tracks like “Love Galore” and “The Weekend”, SZA was perhaps the biggest thing to happen to music in 2017.