20 Musicians Under 20 You Need to Know About
For decades the word "teen" conjured up images of bubblegum pop, boy bands and lowest common denominator music. While there are still certainly some teen superstars out there working that angle, in 2014, music is experiencing a legitimate youth revolution. Now, almost more than ever, teenagers are crafting some of the industry's biggest songs and most acclaimed albums. To give the next generation their proper shine, we thought we'd take a look at 20 artists making some serious noise, all under 20-years-old. From teens who are already internationally known to some kids who are pushing musical boundaries in the underground, here's a look at some of the leaders of the new youth movement.
Joey Badass – 19-years-old
Green Label favorite Joey Badass reclaimed the raw and rugged hip-hop energy some were beginning to think had left NYC forever. It turns out it wasn’t dead, it was just waiting for Joey and the Pro Era crew to resurrect it. He may be a young face, but Badass has an old soul, and that soul is evident in every song.
Bishop Nehru – 17-years-old
What were you doing when you were 15? Bishop Nehru was releasing a mixtape, Nehruvia, featuring production from DJ Premier, MF Doom, Dilla and more. Since then, Nehru's only continued to impress, launching him into serious contender status as the next generation scrabbles to claim the next King of New York crown.
Lorde – 17-years-old
The New Zealand native has taken over music by such force that it's easy to forget she's only 17, and was only 16 when her mega single "Royals" came out. How do you have such an extraordinary impact before you've even turned 20? It’s simple. Just be so undeniably good it doesn't matter where you're from or how old you are.
Arianna Grande – 19-years-old
Ariana Grande may come from that Disney pedigree, but her music has been of surprisingly high quality. Her debut album, Yours Truly, was not just a commercial success, but even the critics were forced to admit the pride of Baton Rouge could really sing, and craft a catchy single at that. Don't look now, but this is one Disney princess that just might last.
Moosh & Twist – 18-years-old
Philly might be known more for its hardcore sports fans than its friendly party atmosphere, but maybe Moosh & Twist will change all that. The PA duo is embarking on a nationwide tour spreading their "live good, party now" message to the masses, and who could possibly say no to that?
Raury – 17-years-old
It can be hard to have so many people label you as the next big thing, especially when you're still not old enough to have graduated high school, but Raury seems to be handling things just fine. The self-proclaimed Indigo Child has been perfecting his thoroughly eccentric sound for years, most notably on the recent single "God's Whisper," and if he can deliver on the promise of his potential, we'll be hearing his name for years to come.
WondaGurl – 17-years-old
Most producers work for a lifetime just hoping and praying to land a beat on a Jay Z album while it only took WondaGurl 16 years. At the same age most are hoping to pass their driver's license test, the Toronto producer had already done "Crown" for Hova's Magna Carta… Holy Grail, which is the first of many major placements sure to come her way.
Buddy – 18-years-old
You probably didn't notice, but Pharrell has got a pretty good track record, and Buddy is a Compton native who's signed to Pharrell's Star Trak label. The skills that first caught Mr. Williams's attention are on full display on his latest mixtape, Idle Time. Hey, are you going to bet that Pharrell won't nurture Buddy into full-fledged fame? Nope, we’re not either.
Astro – 17-years-old
When your first introduction to the world is via a reality show like X Factor, people will doubt your musical credibility, but it looks like Astro will prove them all wrong. In the past year, the young Brownsville emcee has rapped powerfully about his "Deadbeat" father and crushed a freestyle on Sway in the Morning. Not too bad for a mere reality show contestant.
Denzel Curry – 18-years-old
Miami may be known for its beautiful beaches and luxury rap, but Florida newcomer Denzel Curry is looking to paint a much grittier picture of his hometown. After breakthrough project Nostalgia 64, Curry is ready to take his Florida sound worldwide. The only question is if the world is ready for an emcee this unflinchingly real.
Little Simz – 19-years-old
Simz may call herself "Deranged," but that's only true if delivering deeply impassioned and lyrical rap is deranged. The Londoner is making some serious headway worldwide thanks to a fearlessly original and stripped-down style, and when, not if, she blows up, now you'll always be able to say you knew her since way back when.
Michael Christmas – 19-years-old
While the future pop stars of the world work on bleaching their teeth, Boston emcee Michael Christmas has an entirely different approach. The young Boston emcee can most likely be found rapping about Hot Pockets and the money he doesn't have, but that's exactly what makes him so remarkable. If you're looking for a rapper you can truly relate to, look no further.
Diggy Simmons – 19-years-old
When you're descended from hip-hop royalty like Diggy, entering the rap game isn't exactly a surprise, but the son of Rev Run has surprised doubters by maturing from a popish teen into an emcee who’s not afraid to take shots even at the likes of J. Cole. He may have big shoes to fill, but Diggy appears determined to walk his own path.
Austin Mahone – 17-years-old
Birdman recently signed a teenage rapper to Cash Money and his name is Austin Mahone. After he built a sizable following online, he was taken under the large wing — pun intended — of the Cash Money family, who are determined to turn the rapper/singer into the world's next big pop star.
Miguelito – 15-years-old
How are you a seasoned vet at only 15-years-old? You win your first Grammy at 8-years-old. Miguelito holds the record for the youngest artist to ever win a Latin Grammy, and as the reggaeton artist has continued to turn out successful album after successful album, his star is only shining brighter. Could a takeover of America, a la his hero, Daddy Yankee, be far behind?
Madeon – 19-years-old
EDM is the new wave taking over music, so maybe it's only right that the youth are taking over EDM. French prodigy Madeon first made a name for himself on YouTube with the hypnotizing "Pop Culture" mash up, but since then, he's been able to parlay his talents into some seriously heavyweight appearances alongside Deadmaus5 and in the production on Lady Gaga's latest album, ARTPOP. To say he's got a bright future would be an understatement.
Dillon Cooper – 19-years-old
Brooklyn's produced, you know, a couple legendary emcees over the years, and if he has his way, Dillon Cooper will be adding his name to the BK Rap Hall of Fame someday. With a wild flow, complex wordplay , and a willingness to rap over any and all worthy instrumentals, Cooper is a must-listen for fans of that fresh NYC sound.
Martin Garrix – 17-years-old
Staying in the EDM game, Garrix had a breakthrough year in 2013 with the massive success of his "Animals" single, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that he was truly independent. Now aligned with Justin Bieber's manager Scooter Braun, Garrix is poised to be one of the biggest things out of the Netherlands since van Gogh.
Birdy – 17-years-old
If you haven't heard of Birdy, you must not be from Europe. The Longer singer took over the continent by storm with her haunting version of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love," which was closely followed by two number one albums in multiple countries. Will 2014 be the year she fully lands her growing empire in the U.S.? If Lorde can do it, Birdy absolutely can make it happen, too.
Ella Eyre – 19-years-old
Out of everyone mentioned here, Ella might just be the hardest to believe is under 20, but despite her smoky and powerhouse voice — shades of Amy Winehouse, anyone? — she is indeed only 19-years-old. After providing the vocal engine to Rudimental's excellent number one hit, "Waiting All Night," Eyre is now swinging the spotlight her way.
For decades the word “teen” conjured up images of bubblegum pop, boy bands and lowest common denominator music. While there are still certainly some teen superstars out there working that angle, in 2014, music is experiencing a legitimate youth revolution. Now, almost more than ever, teenagers are crafting some of the industry’s biggest songs and most acclaimed albums. To give the next generation their proper shine, we thought we’d take a look at 20 artists making some serious noise, all under 20-years-old. From teens who are already internationally known to some kids who are pushing musical boundaries in the underground, here’s a look at some of the leaders of the new youth movement.