2023 Art Basel Diary

This marked my third consecutive year at Art Basel, an extravagant weekend that stands as Miami's all-star celebration. Bursting with exclusive parties, captivating performances, and brand launches, it's safe to say I've grown accustomed to this luxurious escape from the chilly winters of New York City to the warm embrace of Florida.

Among the myriad events, one standout was "The Art of Hip Hop," commemorating 50 years of Hip Hop with a special performance by Fat Joe. The venue resembled a museum, adorned with rare Hip-Hop artifacts like photos, magazines, and artist clothing.

Venturing further, I explored the new BBC Icecream Store and witnessed the debut of Issue Number 2 of LeBron James' Springhill magazine. Despite the crowded venue, we navigated our way in with finesse (shout out to Tyree). The closure featured a surprise performance by the Boss himself, Rick Ross, providing an authentic Miami experience for those visiting from out of town.

The pinnacle of my Art Basel weekend was, without a doubt, witnessing Kelela's performance—an experience akin to a dream come true. Having missed her free show at Prospect Park earlier in the summer, this performance took place at the ICAM museum, my first visit there. The occasion was the grand opening of designer Dion Lee's Miami flagship store. The proximity to the goddess Kelela left me awe-struck. Apologies for the lack of photos; I promise to invest in a quality point-and-shoot camera soon. For now, check out the footage below for a glimpse into my Art Basel weekend.

9 R&B ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

The notion that R&B is dead is an overly simplistic and inaccurate perspective. In reality, R&B is experiencing a vibrant resurgence. Every weekend, numerous R&B parties take place across America, with events like the sold-out R&B Only touring show filling arenas. The misconception of the genre's demise often stems from a nostalgic longing for the soulful and simplistic R&B style of the 90s.

However, today's R&B artists have evolved, offering a diverse range of styles to cater to every listener. Rather than clinging to outdated perceptions, it's essential to recognize the thriving and dynamic landscape of contemporary R&B. To showcase the genre's vitality, here are nine R&B artists that deserve your attention!

Karri

Karri stands out as one of the most promising talents emerging from The Bay area. In 2023, he gained widespread recognition for his viral lo-fi falsettos, notably with tracks like "3AM In Oakland" and "Lemonade," firmly establishing himself on the musical map. As the Northern California region gears up for a takeover in Hip-Hop and R&B, Karri is poised to become a prominent figure, putting The Bay at the forefront of the music scene.

Äyanna

Emerging on the scene, Äyanna, a UK native, possesses one of the most distinctive voices in R&B. Her powerful vocal delivery, coupled with an unmatched passion, sets her apart, reminiscent of a rare authenticity not often seen or heard in someone of her age. Since the drop of her debut single "Party Tricks," Äyanna has been steadily gaining recognition. This year, she rightfully earned her label spotlight with the release of her debut EP, 'In A Perfect World.'

Kelz2Busy

Brooklyn, stand up! Kelz2Busy is making waves, bringing R&B back with a unique flair. It's been a while since we've witnessed an artist like Kelz who seamlessly blends smooth vocals with heartfelt lyrics over upbeat instrumentals. Tracks like "Sinner" and "Good 2 Me" showcase his ability to create ballads that narrate the journey through the streets and his unapologetic love for life.

Naomi Sharon

After dedicating years to honing her craft, Namoi Sharon recently secured a signing with OVO Sound, and her latest album, "Obsidian," is turning heads and earning widespread attention. Beyond her affiliation with Drake's label, Namoi exudes a captivating artistic aesthetic that adds to the allure of her presence.

Nippa

UK R&B has been a delightful auditory experience in 2023, and Nippa has been consistently delivering hits since bursting onto the scene with his 2021 banger "Situation." This track garnered attention from renowned producer Hit Boy and Craig David. Nippa has successfully captured an audience by being authentic, enjoying himself with friends, and singing songs that resonate with a niche audience appreciative of his hip-hop-infused R&B style.

Idman

Canadian/Somali singer Idman (pronounced ehd-mun) has made significant strides this year with notable songs like "Hate" and "Beach." Throughout her career, she has courageously taken stances, notably being the first openly gay female Somali singer and actively advocating for Palestine. Her latest EP, "Risk," serves as an excellent introduction to her musical prowess. Keep an eye out for her in 2024.

Choszn

Hailing from Brooklyn by way of Broward County, FL, Choszn is poised to revive the essence of love and emotion through his music. Widely recognized for his viral Christmas carols on TikTok, he has seamlessly transitioned into a performing artist, gracing stages from the southern regions to the northeast.

Jastin Martin

If you haven't stumbled upon a Jastin Martin ad on TikTok or YouTube, you might be living under a rock. Singing and skillfully strumming the guitar simultaneously, Jastin delivers a sultry sound that is both soothing and pure. As a recent signee to Def Jam Records with indie roots, she brings a fresh and unique vibe to the music scene.

Donelle Valentine

New York is ready for an R&B renaissance, and Donelle Valentine embodies that nostalgic swag and flow reminiscent of Bad Boy in the 90s, fittingly hailing from Uptown. Demonstrating his talent, he has been consistently dropping a variety of remixes on social media. It's refreshing to witness both his consistency and skill. Here's hoping for more original work from him in the future, and perhaps even an EP.

9 Dancehall Artists You Should Know

After playing second fiddle to Afrobeat for a number of years, it's safe to say that in 2023, Dancehall is experiencing a resurgence of fresh talent championing the genre. There has been extensive discussion surrounding the supremacy of 90s Dancehall and the perceived challenges in making Dancehall music marketable on a global scale. However, the genre is undergoing some notable changes, and Dancehall rhythms are beginning to resonate, finding their way into popular radio and clubs. Here are 9 Dancehall artists who are making a significant impact and that you should get to know.

Teejay

Teejay made big waves with his Summer banger Drift, if you have not heard it here's your chance!

Byron Messia

Byron Messia uncontestedly has one of the biggest Dancehall hit right now., ironically he's feuding with Teejay and that's pretty counterproductive to the rise of their genre although some would say clashing is apart of the culture.

Skillibeng

Low-key, Skillibeng might be credited with igniting the Dancehall resurgence with his release of "Whap Whap" featuring French Montana and Fivio Foreign. Skilli has become an iconic figure for the new generation of dancehall artists, frequently making guest appearances on rap tracks by American artists from NYC and the UK.

Skeng

Skeng, the winner of the Collaboration of the Year award for the song "Likkle Miss" featuring Nicki Minaj at the Inaugural 2023 Caribbean Music Awards, is a young and emerging dancehall artist with undeniable star power.

Jada Kingdom

Jada Kingdom, a talent often overlooked, truly deserves widespread recognition. Her versatility shines through as she effortlessly navigates between singing and rapping within the Dancehall genre. Notably, her style seamlessly crosses over into the realms of American R&B at times.

Valiant

Valiant, originally from St. Andrews, Jamaica, has made a significant mark with one of his standout tracks, "North Carolina." If you haven't had the chance to listen, give it a spin and acquaint yourself with one of Dancehall's most promising stars.

Stalk Ashley

Discovered Stalk Ashley in 2020 through her Warner Records debut "Young," an introduction that firmly placed her on our musical radar. Since then, she has consistently released captivating music, solidifying her status as a standout artist in the Dancehall genre.

Monroe X

Monroe X has undeniably caught our attention, thanks to his breakout hit "Skin Out," a track that, in our opinion, could have easily claimed the title of the song of Summer 2023. Anticipating with excitement, we look forward to witnessing the creative endeavors he unveils throughout 2024.

Tuggawar

Originating from Hackney, London, Tuggawar isn't a newcomer, but he has experienced a revival in popularity with the emergence of TikTok. Whether it's his vibrant wardrobe or his well-known catchphrases like "OUTSIDE MI DEH," he has become a recognizable figure. Beyond his distinct style, Tuggawar stands out as one of the most skilled lyricists, showcasing top-tier beat selection and consistently delivering impressive performances.