South by Southwest has becomes its own worst enemy, as the lines when to take a paycheck and a backseat to artistic growth have become more blurred than Robin Thicke can ever imagine.
Fortunately, new artists with dreams of making it big (and the talent to accomplish such a lofty goal) have kept the bloated festival’s lifeblood pumping with intensity.
Hip-Hop Wired was in the mix and madness for SXSW 2015 and while we obviously were ears deep into our rap shows, we still found time to stumble a handful of artists who have the drive, passion and skills to keep the artistry exciting and vibrant.
Check out five artists we witnessed at SXSW 2015 who got next and now in the gallery below.
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Photo: Instagram
https://instagram.com/p/0gMV2LDOj_/
Raury
It’s natural for great artists to exhibit a sense of fearlessness that gives their music a cutting edge and limited boundaries. It’s not natural for them to be only 18-years-old old and have the musicianship and range of an artist whose racked up numerous accolades and is now only making music to better the soundscape. The Atlanta native managed to splice funk, rock and soul into both his YouTube and Pandora showcases that I witnessed and he did it so effortless, it’s damn near scary.
[Raury Soundcloud]
https://instagram.com/p/0iz0tgPDwB/
Kehlani
The outside exterior layered in tattoos says the streets of Oakland hardened a pretty young thang before she was able to mold the world into her own image. The vocal interior however, sings quite the opposite as Kehlani packs a penchant for not only a strong songwriting pen, but an extensive vocal range that is God-given on top of perfected talent. Add in the fact that her live stage show is big stage ready, especially for teenaged girl-next-doors who are always looking to fill up their Spotify playlists with something entertaining, the next great star is already here.
[Kehlani Soundcloud]
https://instagram.com/p/0lECKUgq6R
Lili K
Chance The Rapper’s smash 2013 album, Acid Rap not only created a seat at the winner’s table for the enigmatic MC but also created a soulful deviation from bottomless pit of gun rap coming from out of Chicago. Lili K. harmonious chords earned partial credit for that but having a presence outside of the studio is a whole ‘nother beast all together. Luckily for the self-proclaimed “Soulstress of Soultrap,” she has the ability to mesh with a live band and even create a round of backup vocalists within the crowd on the spot at mydiveo.com’s Scrambled Acoustics show.
[Lili K Soundcloud]
https://instagram.com/p/0dKPIPx3JK/
Skooly
The following statement is obviously rooted in opinion the rap world could slow down on the incoming onslaught of Atlanta rappers. That is, unless they want to make like Skooly, a.k.a. The Blacc Jon Gotti, and be a team star opposed to being a being a benchwarmer on a hit squad. Under the tutelage of 2 Chainz, Skooly had a very lively stage presence which was made that more impressive considering the fact it didn’t cause his live vocals to falter. Some dudes just got it, regardless of region.
[Rich Kidz Soundcloud]
https://instagram.com/p/0Y2tNiLo1W/?taken-by=tbloom
Timothy Bloom
Also during mydiveo.com’s Scrambled Acoustics show, Los Angeles Q104.7 personality Crisco Kidd expressed how Bloom was already one of his favorite performers to watch live. The introduction easily avoided hyperbole when Bloom showcased his talents on the both the keyboard but guitar is well. Comparisons are hard to avoid with the number of new artists who flood the market on the daily, so if you’re looking for an offset of Gary Clark, Jr. with a touch of Aloe Blacc, you’ve found your man.
[Timothy Bloom Soundcloud]
