The rude health of British hip-hop is reflected in the BBC’s Sound of 2017 line-up, with urban artists making up half of this year’s longlist.
Building on the success of grime acts Stormzy, Kano and Skepta – who won this year’s Mercury Prize – newcomers like Ray Blk and Nadia Rose are being tipped for success in the BBC’s annual list.
Soul singer Rag N Bone Man and rock provocateurs Cabbage also make the cut.
The list was compiled using tips from a panel of 170 DJs, critics and writers.
It aims to highlight 15 of the most promising rising musical acts for the coming year. Previous winners include Adele, 50 Cent, Ellie Goulding and Sam Smith.
| Sound of 2017 longlist | |
|---|---|
| AJ Tracey | West London wordsmith |
| Anderson .Paak | Dr Dre-endorsed rap prodigy |
| Cabbage | Post-punk provocateurs |
| Dave | Plaintive rapper with classical training |
| Declan McKenna | Polemic singer-songwriter |
| Jorja Smith | Heart-rending soul singer |
| Maggie Rogers | Graceful songwriter who stunned Pharrell |
| Nadia Rose | Witty wordplay and colourful beats |
| Rag N Bone Man | Gravel-voiced soul revelation |
| Ray BLK | Street smart R&B |
| Raye | Electro beats with soaring pop melodies |
| Stefflon Don | Wicked, dancehall-inspired wordplay |
| The Amazons | Raucous rock revivalists |
| The Japanese House | Enigmatic pop maven |
| Tom Grennan | Gruff, soulful singer-songwriter |
Previous BBC Sound Of… winners
2016 – Jack Garratt
2015 – Years and Years
2014 – Sam Smith
2013 – Haim
2012 – Michael Kiwanuka
2011 – Jessie J
2010 – Ellie Goulding (pictured)
2009 – Little Boots
2008 – Adele
2007 – Mika
2006 – Corinne Bailey Rae
2005 – The Bravery
2004 – Keane
2003 – 50 Cent
