Urban acts dominate BBC Sound Of 2017 longlist

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

Via