5 Gen-Z Artist You Should Know
Born between 1997 and 2009, Generation Z is spectacularly unique. Having experienced the birth of both social media and smartphones, Generation Z is filled with people who have been able to take charge of their own destiny. In a space filled with self-taught influencers, fashion designers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs and more, these six- to 24-year-olds have continued to raise the bar and break down barriers in every industry.
With each generation, there are defining musicians who pick up the mantle from the previous showstoppers and set the bar for the up-and-coming artists to follow. From their soulful love ballads to upbeat pop songs, Generation Z artists wield the power to influence society with their words.
There are a few that stand out among the crowd. Whether it’s their catchy songs, groundbreaking performances or viral TikTok dances, these five Generation Z artists have not only redefined the music industry, but also shocked the world with their undeniable talent, which made them artists that society can not get enough of.
Chloe x Halle
Starting out as young stars on YouTube, the talented duo have elevated, developed and emerged as Beyoncé-approved and Grammy-nominated practitioners of modern R&B. With their second album Ungodly Hour, Chloe x Halle’s pandemic-release reached number 16 on the Billboard 200 and garnered three Grammy nominations. Whether together or separate, Chloe x Halle continues to shine as multi-talented performers. Together, the dynamic duo currently stars in Kenya Barris’ “Grown-ish.” Separately, the 21-year-old Halle Bailey is starring as Ariel in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and the 23-year-old Chloe Bailey is unapologetically being herself, releasing music and performing.
Roddy Ricch
With the release of his mixtapes in 2017, Roddy Ricch quickly became one of the up-and-coming young voices in rap. Born and raised in Compton, California, Ricch rap style not only earned him the respect of rap veterans, like Meek Mill and Nipsey Hussle, but also popularity. While he is a proud west-coast artist, his music is not bound by regions. The 22-year-old rapper has the unique ability to blend different styles of music into one amazing package. In 2020, Ricch took home two BET Awards for Album of the Year and Best New Artist, an Apple Music Award for Top Album of the Year and won a Grammy for his Nipsey Hussle feature.
Lil Nas X
With his first single, “Old Town Road,” breaking Billboard chart history as the longest running number one hit, Lil Nas X was quickly blasted into the spotlight and labeled as a one-hit wonder. Immediately denying any assumptions that he would never top his first single, Lil Nas X released chart-topping music, such as “Panini” and “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” By living his truth, Lil Nas X has been able to reach an audience beyond his music and become an inspiration to many. The 22-year-old singer is set to release a “15-to-18” track album that he describes as “a coming-of-age story.”
H.E.R.
The 24-year-old singer and songwriter has been one of the most acclaimed R&B artists since 2016. Raised in the Bay Area city of Vallejo, California, H.E.R releases music that is both vulnerable and assured. With her first two full-length recording albums featuring platinum singles, such as “Focus” and “Could’ve Been,” she has built a strong audience and created the perfect blend between old and new R&B. In addition to her groundbreaking albums, H.E.R. won four Grammys and an Academy Award for “Fight For You,” which was a contribution to the “Judas and the Black Messiah” soundtrack.
Khalid
As a military kid, Khalid lived both within and outside of country borders before settling in El Paso, Texas. With the release of “Location,” Khalid’s musical career developed swiftly over the next year transforming him from a normal teenager to a chart-topping platinum-certified pop star. His music style led to him being compared to Frank Ocean and James Blake. Three studio album releases and countless features later, Khalid has been nominated for 14 awards, including two Grammy and four MTV Video Music Awards. The 23-year-old singer's features are equally as popular as his solo music. Collaborating with individuals, like H.E.R., 6lack, Billie Eilish, Normani and more, has allowed him to spread to different genres of music adding his soulful and laid-back voice in hooks or guest verses.