Primed For Their
6 Artists
Breakout Moment
in 2024
Published January 2024
These six artists created buzz in 2023– after years of working their way to that moment. Although they didn’t break major crossover success in terms of their performance careers, the existence of steady fan bases, critical acclaim, and music releases might take them to the highest honors of the mainstream– whether that’s their end goal as artists or not. This list sets out to predict who will have their breakout moment in 2024 and make their way into the mainstream consciousness. This list sets out to avoid acts such as Tyla– who received a Top 10 global hit from “Water” and is already in the mainstream talks and pathway. Mentioned acts may already be familiar names within their genre/music scenes, but still could rise further even on that respective tip in comparison to their peers.
Connie Diiamond
Representing the Bronx, the Def Jam signed artist has been making waves with impressive freestyles, and going viral in the underground while promoting challenges. “Ghetto & Ratchet” experiences the rapper with a harsh delivery that punches straight to the point. It’s fun and street savyy, honing in on the recent craze of ratchet rapstresses proving they can be overnight sensations. The song is currently being aided by a buzzworthy remix from Remy Ma, as well as an assist from Dave East.
Destroy Lonely
Representing ATL, Destroy Lonely seems to be on the come up amongst the plugg and tread scenes that have seen the likes of Yeat get commercial success, and his fellow rapping partner, Ken Carson, get critical attention. In 2022, his ‘NOSTYLIST’ mixtape cracked at No. 91 on the Billboard 200. The title track carried into virality in 2023– even appearing on our Summer list of Alt 7 Choices. This year, he released his debut mixtape, ‘If Looks Could Kill,’ which reached No. 18 on the Billboard 200. Although the album sold 29,000 in its opening week– hype quickly subsided. At this point Destroy Lonely is overdue for that major feature that will elevate him to the next level– as he’s slated to release ‘Love Lasts Forever’– in 2024.
nostylist (2022)
destroy lonely
Jean Deaux
Hailing Chicago, Jean Deaux has already been a crucial factor in the bubbling rap and R&B scene– gracing deep cuts from the likes of Smino and Ravyn Lenae. Her 2023 release ‘Heavy’ featured quite a few bangers that quickly placed her in the lane of trapsoul princess such as “Yeah Yeah.” She’s appeared on critical lists to be watched before, but something about ‘Heavy’ exemplifies how when an artist polishes their sound the margin for them grasping a mainstream boost becomes greater.
Jordan Ward
Hailing St. Louis, the former backup dancer for the likes of Justin Bieber, has pushed himself ‘FORWARD’ as his 2023 debut album claims. On the year-end ranking of 2023’s best 33 songs, Harpsichord listed “WHITE CROCS” at No. 30 for how it carried the energy of R&B acts such as Bryson Tiller. But make no mistake, that’s not who Jordan Ward is imitating, as he has his own sleek style that could push him in the forefront of male-driven R&B. It also didn’t hurt that he had a NPR Tiny Desk concert, giving him more critical attention than ever before.
NJOMZA
Hailing Chicago, the daughter of Kosovo Albanian immigrants will be able to bring spunk to the game of pop come 2024. The proof is already in her songwriting help for Ariana Grande’s smash singles, “Thank U, Next” and “7 rings,” which dominated 2019. In 2023, the singer-songwriter offered the ‘STAGES’ EP which features “Love Again,” a bass-driven track suitable for cosmopolitan lounges, in a time where that sophisti pop-skewing sound is making a resurgence.
Love Again (2023)
Njomza
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Hailing New Zealand, it might be unfair to place the rock trio on this list. In their rock scene, they’ve been releasing studio albums since 2011. In 2013, “So Good At Being In Trouble” reached gold RIAA status. And in 2018, songs such as “American Guilt” and “Hunnybee” have placed them with cult followings. Their 2023 album, aptly titled ‘V,” for their fifth did not get the critical acclaim it should have. Harpsichord even gave the album an A- for that reason and its innovation. In 2024, the band should be crossing over like how Måneskin has done in recent years– meaning attending award shows and performing at the VMA’s etc. They have a brand of humor and lyrical ability that's bound to fare well in the explosion of rejuvenated pop rock, shall they play their cards right. Their upcoming festival and touring circuit won’t hurt that either.