FRANK TREMAIN
Mar 20, 2023
Presenting six emerging global acts that you need to be across!
Presenting six emerging global acts that you need to be across! From all corners of the planet, these emerging stars should be on your playlists right now! Keep it locked to FOREIGN EXCHANGE; your home to find new talent on the reg.
DRO KENJI – THEY DON’T KNOW
Dro Kenji is quickly becoming the next melodic trap superstar. The South Carolina-based artist offers his first track since releasing his 15-track album, WITH OR WITHOUT YOU, via Internet Money earlier this year. When his infectious flows and captivating melodies first caught the attention of the label, he was recording at their HQ in LA within the month. Already dusting off his fifth project with them, Dro is back with a passionate new trap single. ‘They Don’t Know’ sees the 20-year-old showcase an impressive display of his vocal ability in a regrettably short runtime of under two minutes. There’s a lot of untapped potential in Dro Kenji and with a consistently heavy output, it won’t be long before he’s headlining festivals.
MYLES BRANDO – YOU GOT IT
Myles Brando shares his 2022 debut, the soulful new R&B and rap single ‘You Got It’. Looking at his past, New York native Myles Brando always seemed destined for the music industry. Starting in the Young People’s Chorus of NYC, where he performed on stages in Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Centre, he’s currently learning his trade at the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment. With plans to release a debut project this year while still at school, ‘You Got It’ sees Brando’s vocals shine over the summery keys and lively bass and drums. For fans of acts like Samm Henshaw and Saba, Myles Brando is one for your radar and it comes equipped with a music video directed by Kay Dotti.
LEE FITZJAMES – MUSTA BEEN BAD
Previously writing for multiple other artists and dropping music under another alias, Lee Fitzjames makes her slow-burning debut with ‘Musta Been Bad’. The new release is the title track to her upcoming debut, set for release early next year with singles expected throughout 2022. While she worked on the project during the pandemic, Fitzjames lived in New Zealand, Sweden and the USA where she’s now based. ‘Musta Been Bad’ is accompanied by a self-directed music video where her strong soul and R&B vocals soundtrack her dancing along the beach. One to listen out for with her next release ‘Hold In’ slated to drop in August.
STRAMA – I KNOW YOU KNOW
London-based singer, songwriter and producer Strama drops R&B single ‘I Know You Know’ from her upcoming Silver Lining EP. Created in her home studio, the track and its multi-coloured music video are heavily inspired by the Euphoria TV show. Her calming melodies contrast the dark synth instrumentation as her lyrics explore the perspective of “the unpopular side, where you’re the one causing the damage, you’re the ‘bad guy’. Debuting back in 2019 with ‘Runnin’’ and ‘Lonely Romance’, the 23-year-old artist has taken the new year by storm with ‘IKYK’ being her third release, all of which will soon culminate on her debut project set for June 2.
BADDA TD – MOONWALKING FT. DJ DRAMA & RON SUNO
Dropping his debut EP last year entitled The Prince of Flatbush, Badda TD embodies the name further on his latest track ‘Moonwalking’. The Brooklyn up-and-comer first went viral in 2019 when FaZe Sway used his first release ‘Picture I Paint’ in a video. Collaborating with Xammy earlier this year on ‘Sins’, Badda is back with another melodic single – this time featuring DJ Drama and Ron Suno. ‘Moonwalking’ offers Badda’s melodic bars over New York drill production while Ron Suno delivers his raspy and hard-hitting verse as the track’s horns blast. Evoking similar energy to NY contemporaries Pop Smoke and Lil Tjay, Badda TD’s softer trap melodies pair perfectly on ‘Moonwalking’ and previous releases ‘Feel Like A Boss’ featuring 42 Dugg.
JTHURSTON – SEVEN DAYS
Jthurston proves he’s Bay Area through and through on ‘Seven Days’. Coming from East Oakland, it’s been his mission to put on for his city since his debut back in 2013. He’s gained a reputation for being a versatile rapper and dedicating himself to the positive message he shares through his music. On ‘Seven Days’, you can hear Jthurston’s authenticity and drive in his motivational lyrics over the West Coast production. The track is intended “to be an inspiration to those that are dreamers trying to balance their goals with their 9-5 jobs.” While it’s only his first single of the year, you can expect more based on the work rate from past years.