In an increasingly crowded music landscape, it’s important to know where to look first for a glimpse of the future. First on SoundCloud is a cross-genre artist discovery program created specifically to promote on-the-verge talent as they make the next big leap in their careers. The program features exclusive projects. Artists like Kehlani, Baby Rose, and Little Simz have been part of the program in the past. Hand-picked by SoundCloud’s music team and celebrated by fans of the platform, First on SoundCloud is a chance for artists to reach new fans and grow their audiences through partnership and marketing opportunities over the course of a year, with the goal being long-term success.
The 2022 First on SoundCloud class features nine artists who were chosen to take their music—and the stories behind it—to new heights.
They include: Vancouver artist EKKSTACY; Honduran Latin pop artist Isabella Lovestory; Maryland rapper Kelow LaTesha; Los Angeles-based R&B artist ROSEMARIE; Houston rapper KenTheMan; Miami-born musician riela; Dallas rapper Nezi Momodu; New Jersey alt-rock artist TITUS; and Savannah rapper Pote Baby.
Kelow LaTesha
Kelow LaTesha lives inside of her own head and wouldn’t want it any other way. The Maryland rapper brings new textures to the DMV hip-hop scene by being a daydreaming overthinker who makes music completely unconcerned with the opinions of others.
TITUS
TITUS found himself by dabbling in different genres, landing in an alternative space that gives him the freedom to experiment with a variety and sounds styles. The New Jersey native knows exactly who he is—and it’s right there in his music.
ROSEMARIE
The daughter of a DJ and a singer, Los Angeles-based R&B artist ROSEMARIE was born with rhythm inside of her. She aims to push the genre forward, inspired to leave it in an even better place inspired by her influences.
Isabella Lovestory
Isabella Lovestory grew up feeling free in Honduras, so it’s only natural that she eventually channeled that freedom into her music. Now based in Montreal, she’s making music at the intersection of Latin pop and reggaeton with an edge that’s all her own.
riela
Miami’s cultural melting pot is a major influence in riela’s music. The singer and songwriter, who is Cuban and Panamanian, mixes R&B, pop, and reggaeton, effortlessly blending it all into a breezy sound.
Pote Baby
There is no Pote Baby without Savannah, Georgia. Coming from a smaller city influences who he is, and he carries the mentality he developed there everywhere he goes. Every verse radiates with a beaming pride that originated in Savannah.
EKKSTACY
EKKSTACY is less concerned with fitting into a particular genre than channeling the raw emotion he carries into his music. That’s how the Vancouver artist has established and grown his audience: connecting with kindred spirits with the same ear for music.
KenTheMan
Braggadocio is a hallmark of Houston rapper KenTheMan’s music, and she has the talent to back it up. The recognition is starting to roll in as well, but praise from Rolling Stone and scene-stealing performance in the 2022 BET Hip-Hop Awards cypher aren’t enough: she’s still hungry for more.
Nezi Momodu
Hailing from Dallas, Nigerian rapper Nezi Momdu has been rhyming to herself for years. She made waves in 2015 thanks to her performance at the Texas Tech Cypher and her brash style makes her impossible to ignore. The bars, the attitude, and the delivery all stand out just the same.
First on SoundCloud is a deep-dive into the artistry and personal lives of each artist, allowing them to show the world who they are, where they’re from, and what drives them. It’s a glimpse behind the veil allowing the selected artists to establish deeper personal connections with listeners, some of whom may be hearing of them for the first time. It’s also a chance to form even stronger bonds with the fans who have been supporting them on SoundCloud from the very beginning. This program is about catching artists who are on the rise, helping them blossom, and creating sustainable paths towards success. Music is often personal and this is a way for fans to learn a little more about the people behind the music.
All nine artists are eager to enter the next phase and want to share the journey with their day-ones, new fans, and anyone else who’s intrigued. Check out the video above and get familiar with the artists chosen to be part of the 2022 First on SoundCloud class.
LISTEN TO THE FIRST ON SOUNDCLOUD PLAYLIST
Credits: Directed by Babak Khoshnoud. Photography by Cian Moore.
