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Black Los Angeles Musicians You Should Know

we wanted to take a moment to showcase the emerging Black musicians/artists that are making our city proud. 


If LA is known for anything, it's our music. There's something special about the LA music scene that wouldn't be possible without an incredible range of talent from our local artists. We recognize and give a special shout out to those that are continuing their grind and are on their way to having their big break. Take a look at our list of rising Black musical talent in LA and show support by giving them a follow. Plus, listen to our curated DoLA playlist below to hear the best tracks from each artist. 






UMI

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/whoisumi

Bandcamp: https://umimn.bandcamp.com


UMI stays delivering neo-soul magic with every new track. Everyone should set their sights on this Japanese-African-American artist because her sweet vocals and lofi R&B beats are taking her to the top. Her latest track 'Remember Me' (Acoustic) is a harmonic ballad that showcases her vocal range and storytelling skills. Remember the name UMI because shes about to be LA's next breakthrough artist. 



Blxst

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/blxst1


Although not a stranger to the scene, Blxst is an artist that has been on our radar since the very beginning. After dropping his memorable debut 2020 album No Love No Lost, Blsxt has gone from hometown hero to hip-hop icon. Featured on his album are Dom Kennedy, Ty Dolla $ign and Bino Rideaux but it is through his unique sound that ties everything together in one sweet package.




Linafornia

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/linafornia

Bandcamp: https://linafornia.bandcamp.com


LA beatmaker Linafornia has been making a name for herself since the early days of the LA underground beat scene. After gaining experience and exposure performing at LA underground venue (now closed but never forgotten) Low End Theory and Bananas, Lina is bringing her own vibe to the forefront of beat making culture. Anticipate a forthcoming LP Lavender coming out later this year where Lina will dig into a softer side making her prettiest beats yet. 



Chris O’Bannon

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/chrisobannon

Bandcamp: https://chrisobannon.bandcamp.com


Multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer Chris O’Bannon has been making hits from LA to the Bay since his early days. Born and raised in Compton, O’Bannon has 5 mixtapes under his belt with his most recent release being It’s A Sick World in 2021. His sound consists of West Coast party vibes and afro-beat styled tracks that are influenced by his hometown of LA.




Alex Isley

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/alex-isley

Bandcamp: https://lovealexisley.bandcamp.com


Alex Isley is a singer/songwriter who is no stranger to the music industry. Her father, Ernie Isley who is a member of the band The Isley Brothers is a legend, which makes total sense why Alex is on track to becoming a star as well. The Alternative R&B artist who has heavy classical and jazz influences has created her own lane, with her soothing voice and peaceful instrumentals.



Bino Rideaux

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/binorideaux


Born and raised in South Central, LA, Bino Rideaux is here to make sure The Marathon continues. After working alongside Nipsey Hussle and creating an entire collaborative album, the 27-year-old rapper now is taking matters into his own hands. Bino Rideaux has curated his own rendition of hip-hop and R&B inspired from the streets in which he grew up. Listen to his tracks ‘BRAND NEW’ and ‘Wake It Up’ to get a full taste of his musical range.




Day Sulan

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/day-sulan


YG certified, Compton raised rapper Day Sulan is the first signed female on YG's 4HUNNID imprint which speaks volumes. This West Coast rapper has only been in the game for two years and already has hits under her belt with 'BIG (feat. Rubi Rose)', 'Mascara' and a feature on YG's album 4REAL4REAL. It's her raw, unfiltered and gritty realness that sets her apart from the rest but her drive for success that will keep her at the top. 



Photo credit: Sofar Sounds LA


Sugi Dakks

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/sugidakks

Bandcamp: https://sugidakks.bandcamp.com


With a vocal range as big as his stage presence, Sugi Dakks is definitely one to watch when it comes to rising talent in LA. His blend of jazz and hip-hop and storytelling within his music always leaves the audience wanting more. Pre-pandemic, you can catch Sugi performing all around LA including The Avalon, The Echo, The Mint, multiple SoFar Sounds shows, The Viper Room, Whiskey-A-Go-Go, The Hi-Hat, The Study, and multiple protest-oriented events.




Photo credit: Kimberly Ross


Joyce Wrice

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/joycewrice


Joyce once described her style of music as ‘Sweet, sexy, cool’ and that’s honestly an accurate description. This Los Angeles singer/songwriter, who has credited artists like Aaliyah, Brandy and Tamia as her influences, is doing an excellent job mixing R&B and Jazz while incorporating extremely relatable lyrics. She’s worked with artists like SiR and D. Smoke on her past EPs and recently released a single called Falling In Love with R&B powerhouse Lucky Daye. Joyce is definitely someone we’ll be hearing about often over the years to come.




Brandon

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/bbrrandonn


California-based singer-songwriter, Brandon, is like the musical love-child of Frank Ocean and Daniel Ceasar. His falsetto is insurmountable and the soulful vibe of his music ties us back to his roots of Trinidad and Tobago. Listen to his latest 7-track project Coming Clean where he sings about love, loss, and raw emotion. It's an exciting time to watch his musical career unfold. 




Jean Dawson

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jeandawson

Bandcamp: https://jeandawson.bandcamp.com


LA-based, multicultural and genre-bending artist Jean Dawson should be on your radar. 

With an aesthetic built for stadium-sized audiences but reserved for a more intimate crowd, Jean Dawson uses his blend of pop / hip-hop / latin music and multicultural background to connect with fans throughout the world. Spending his early years crossing the border between California and Mexico for educational purposes, Dawson holds a special connection to both cultures. Within his debut EP Bad Sports and latest singles ‘BRUISEBOY’ and ‘POWER FREAKS’, Dawson touches on conversations of masculinity, intimacy and mental health - all which he has been an advocate for through his artistry.




Leven Kali

Spotify


When conversations about upcoming R&B artists begin, Leven Kali’s name must be mentioned. This 24-year-old R&B singer/songwriter/producer who was originally born in the Netherlands but moved to Santa Monica as a child, has found a way to perfectly blend the cultures and backgrounds that make him who he is. His music feels nostalgic yet futuristic all in one. His latest album HIGHTIDE includes features from artists like Ty Dolla $ign and The internet’s, Syd. This singer has a bright future and we’re really excited to watch it take off. 






Kalan.frfr 

Spotify


A major figure in Los Angeles' stacked rap scene, recently crashing the Top 10 of Billboard's Emerging L.A. Artists chart, Kalan.FrFr earned accolades and co-signs for his breezy melodies and hard-hitting bars. He made his name in 2018 with hits like "Fine Ass" and "Naked" two R&B/rap hybrid joints that found a home on his breakout mixtape TwoFr. A vocalist with many dimensions, the artist earned praise from Pitchfork in 2019 for his pure rapping ability on his fan-favorite "Hot N Ready (Freestyle)". In recent months, the artist's singular alchemy caught the attention of L.A. rap superstar YG, who hopped on the remix for Kalan's hard-hitting "Right Wit It" (3.3 million Spotify streams) in 2020. Now preparing for his upcoming debut album TwoFr 2, the time is right for Kalan.FrFr to bust out of Compton and become a national concern. 






Rucci 

Spotify.

Telling his life story over energetic L.A. instrumentals, Rucci won’t stop ’til he reaches the top. The Inglewood native turned heads in 2019 with the release of Tako’s Son, a hard-hitting album that told the story of Rucci’s relationship with his father, who had been deported to El Salvador. Rucci recently released the deluxe version to his new album Midget, the follow-up to Tako’s Son, which takes the lessons Rucci learned from his pops and applies them to his rapid rise through the L.A. rap game. With appearances from Mozzy, ALLBLACK, Haiti Babii, and other L.A. street heroes, the upcoming project finds Rucci maturing as an artist while keeping the outrageous punchlines and boasts that endear him to his fans.





Written by: Allyson Borunda & Samantha Simmons