20 artists to watch in 2020

When Netflix announced its new music reality TV series, "Rhythm + Flow," with hopes of finding the next hip-hop star, fans couldn't wait to tune in. With judges T.I., Chance The Rapper and Cardi B giving contestants feedback after weekly challenges, it was one MC who stood out consistently, D Smoke. The Los Angeles native took home the crown and soon thereafter released his EP titled "Inglewood High." In addition to his smooth tone, he's a trained pianist and fluent in Spanish, and D Smoke is set to resonate with different audiences. 

R&B singer Raveena has been releasing music since 2017, but it's her debut album, "Lucid," that is allowing her to catch the ears of many. She's been seen performing across the festival circuit, including at Camp Flog Gnaw and the Java Jazz Festival. Raveena's tone is smooth and mellow but can easily impress listeners with her sweet falsetto. 

Paloma Mami caught the attention of many ears when her 2018 single, "Not Steady," went viral. The success of "Not Steady" landed Mami a record deal with Sony Music Latin. The Spanglish track was just a peak into Mami blending genres of R&B, Latin trap and reggaeton. She released a couple of more singles throughout 2019, and fans are hoping a debut album is on the horizon. 

Gabby Barrett first came on the scene in 2018 as a top-three finalist on Season 16 of "American Idol." Being on the show helped Barrett gain a big fan base, proving her to be a rising star in country music. Although she wasn't immediately signed after her "Idol" days, Barrett decided to release music independently. Well, it worked in her favor, as her 2019 hit single, "I Hope," climbed up the charts and earned her a deal with Warner Music Nashville. As Barrett gears up for promoting more music in 2020, she can be seen hitting the road with artists like Chris Lane and Kane Brown.

Many people recognize CHIKA from social media as the MC performing fiery freestyles over their favorite rapper's beats. Racking in thousands of views, CHIKA's bars got her recognized by the likes of Erykah Badu, Cardi B and Missy Elliott. Her talent led her to studio time with artists like Akon and Nick Cannon and a collaboration with R&B singer JoJo. CHIKA's latest single, "Can't Explain It," features legendary vocalist Charlie Wilson. With co-signs from artists such as these, CHIKA is well on her way to being a dominant MC in the hip-hop game. 

Durand Jones & The Indications may be a band of members in their 20s hailing from Indiana, but if people didn't actually see them, fans could easily think the band was born in a different era. Its sophomore album, "American Love Call," fuses old school and funk sounds that could be inspired by Smokey Robinson, Sam Cooke, The Delfonics and Al Green. This is a young, soulful band that is sure to gain fans of all ages. 

Destiny Rogers is a triple threat: singer, songwriter and musician who is not afraid to show her true self on stage. She caught the attention of songwriting and production duo The Stereotypes, who are known for working with the likes of Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars and Cardi B. The Stereotypes signed Rogers to their label, Beach Wave Sound, and helped mentor the singer with her craft. Rogers' 2019 debut EP, "Tomboy," showcases her personality and style while fusing R&B and pop elements. Throughout 2019, Rogers was seen performing at events such SXSW and the Lights On Festival. 

A former contestant on the "X-Factor" in 2012, Arin Ray went on to write for artists including Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Jeremih and John Legend. In 2018 he released his debut album, "Platinum Fire," to rave reviews, a project that featured his hit song, "We Ain't Homies." Ray recently returned with his "Phases II" EP and is one of the newest R&B artists signed to Interscope Records. 

Kiana Ledé may be known to some as an actress on series such as MTV's "Scream" and Netflix's "All About The Washingtons," but to others, she's known as an artist singing about a past relationship. Ledé has released EPs over the last few years, but it was her 2018 project, "Selfless," that proved her to be an artist to keep an eye on thanks to her breakout single, "Ex." The singer released another EP "Myself" in 2019 and is currently working on her debut album.

In 2017, singer Layton Greene first made waves when she uploaded a video singing a cover to Kodak Black's "Roll In Peace." It went viral across social media, and Greene soon found herself wanting to focus on music full time. She ended up opening for acts like Kash Doll, signed a record deal with Quality Control and released her first EP,, "Tell Ya Story," this year. After getting co-signs from artists like Kehlani and working with Ne-Yo on her EP, Greene is buzzing in the R&B scene. 

Back in 2017, alternative pop singer Clairo went viral after uploading her "Pretty Girl" video to YouTube, and she caught the attention of a few music labels. Clairo released her debut album, "Immunity," during the summer of 2019 to solid reviews. Clairo's smooth vocals float effortlessly across the album's soft production, proving how she can take a listener's mind to another realm. 

One of the U.K.'s newest sensations, Mahalia has released a couple of projects since 2016, collaborated with artists like Buddy and Little Simz and saw success with her 2018 post break-up single, "I Wished I Missed My Ex." The song became the lead single of her 2019 debut album, "Love and Compromise," which featured guest appearances from Burna Boy, Terrace Martin, Lucky Daye and Ella Mai. The album showcases how much Mahalia can create a cohesive project while experimenting with different genres. 

Hip-Hop fans are well aware how Top Dawg Entertainment is the home to artists such as Kendrick Lamar, SZA, ScHoolboy Q, and Jay Rock. One of the label's newest signees is rapper Reason. In 2018, the rapper released his TDE debut, "There You Have It," a project that showcases his skills over lush productions while storytelling about his life struggles and triumphs. 

To some music fans, R&B artists are starting to sound the same, but Baby Rose has a voice that can pierce one's soul. She may be in her mid-20s, but her voice breeds the maturity of a blues or jazz singer twice her age. In addition to releasing her debut EP, "To Myself," she's also collaborated with J. Cole and The Internet's Matt Martians while opening up for Ari Lennox on tour.

One of the first artists signed to L.A. Reid's Hitco label, The Bonfyre released her debut EP, "Ready To Love," in 2018. Her songs are reminiscent of '90s R&B mixed with the contemporary sound of today. With co-signs from artists like Raphael Saadiq, a collaboration with 6LACK and touring with the likes of Fantasia and Robin Thicke, it's safe to say The Bonfyre is well on her way. 

R&B singer Kyle Dion is known for a piercing falsetto that keeps fans yearning for more. Dion is an artist who's navigating the industry through the independent lane and is constantly growing his fan base. His soulful 2019 sophomore album, "SUGA," showcases Dion's breezy vocals across velvety productions, proving him to be an R&B standout. 

Leven Kali has been moving across the scene for a few years, releasing his own music and writing for artists like Drake and Playboi Carti. In 2019 Kali released his debut album, "Leven Kali: Low Tide," which featured his Syd-assisted hit song, "Do U Wrong." Kali can give fans a smooth slow jam, a funk-inspired dance track and anything between. 

King Princess started to catch the attention of fans in 2018 when she released her debut single, "1950." The pop singer signed to Mark Ronson's Zelig Records label and dropped her 2019 album, "Cheap Queen." Her soft vocals have been heard at festivals such as Lollapalooza, Coachella and Glastonbury. 

Koffee is a singer and rapper who's bringing a new sound to the reggae world. In 2018, Koffee signed to Columbia Records and released her debut EP, "Rapture," the following year. 2019 was a big year for Koffee, as the EP earned her a 2020 Grammy Award nomination for Best Reggae Album, plus she'll be the opening act for Harry Styles on his tour. 

Although Hailey Whitters released her debut album back in 2015, it's her 2019 EP, "The Days," that has her on watch as one of the next big stars in the country world. In addition to her own music, she's also written songs for other artists, including Little Big Town, Alan Jackson and Martina McBride. Her buzzing single "Ten Year Town" helped Whitters hit the road with Maren Morris and her new album, "The Dream," is due out in 2020.