Carolina Music Is On The Rise & We Have A Few Artist On our List you Should Know About.
Most notably for North Carolina , Fayetteville native J. Cole claimed a Grammy for Best Rap Song for his role as co-writer and artist on 21 Savage’s “A lot.” Another artist who made waves while pioneering the rise of a Carolina sound is Charlotte NC’s Dababy, who continues to dominate the Hot 100 Billboard. Who’s next? Here are the Top 6 Carolina artists we have on repeat right now.
Lute
The west Charlotte rapper has been a major player in the city’s hip-hip scene for the better part of a decade. In 2015, he was signed to North Carolina-based Dreamville Records, which was founded by J. Cole. Lute was prominently featured on the Grammy-nominated Revenge of the Dreamers III in tracks like “Under the Sun” and “Sleep Deprived.” Be sure to check out his 2017 studio album, West 1996, Pt. 2., which received praise from Pitchfork.
Song to listen to: “Morning Shift,” West 1996, Pt. 2.
Elevator Jay
Elevator Jay’s raps stand out from other Charlotte rappers because of his prominent Southern twang. When he’s not producing slick tracks, he’s organizing dance parties at Snug Harbor or Player Made, an event that celebrates Southern hip-hop. That, or he’s fishing.
Song to listen to: “Drop,” For Y’all. Also don’t miss “Gon’ Be,” which he recorded with Charlotte rappers Deniro Farrer and Lute. I love a good collaboration.
Greg Cox and Emily Sage
These two artists are both great to listen to solo, but when they release a track together, it’s magical. Emily Sage is the ethereal singer behind CLT Loft Sessions, and Greg Cox has a deep library of polished albums that cover a wide range of genres and vibes. I could listen to these two on repeat for hours.
Song to listen to: “Find a Way (feat. Emily Sage).” This uplifting single is the pair’s newest. You should also revisit their first single, “The Other Side.”
Gigi Dover & The Big Love
Gigi is a legendary musician in Charlotte. She’s been playing locally since the early 1990s. Her recent folk albums that she records with her partner, Eric Lovell, are quirky and theatrical. The group is planning to record a new album this year.
Song to listen to: “Flower On,” Travelin Thru.
Hectorina
This “DIY” rock band. The group has released five full-length albums since forming in 2012, and all are worth a listen. Also notable: One of the group’s founders, Dylan Gilbert is releasing his 10th (!) solo album. His single, “Good News,” is out now.
Song to listen to: “Ellipsis,” Muck.
Junior Astronomers
This alternative rock group is consistently excellent from its debut album, Dead Nostalgia, in 2013 to Body Language in 2017. In 2019, they released the single “6 Weeks in India.” Here’s hoping for another new album soon.
Song to listen to: “That’s Why,” Body Language. (It’s a Charlotte rock classic.)
Source: Charlotte Agenda
