Both nostalgic and futuristic, Mamii weaves elements of R&B, funk, gospel, and alt-rock into an eclectic soundscape that inspires introspection and celebration. The 21-year-old Indiana native is a virtuosic songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose self-produced album Black Phoeniix has caught the ears of artists such as Syd, Jacob Collier, Steve Lacy, Westside Boogie, and many others. She recently featured on Westside Boogie’s album More Black Superheroes (“Nonchalant” and “Somethin Strange”) and is a background vocalist on Syd’s album Broken Hearts Club (“Fast Car”, “Sweet”, and “Out Loud”). After performing alongside Doechii, Justine Skye, Patrick Paige, Maeta, Jenevieve, and Fana Hues, Mamii went on to open for Isaac Dunbar’s US tour.

Chicago-based artist & multi-instrumentalist HXRY has never felt confined to what others expect of him. He cites Aaliyah, Musiq Soulchild and Mary J. Blige as early influences, but his sound fuses everything from throwback RnB to neo-soul, house and jazz.

Born Harry Green, HXRY got his start as a producer nearly a decade ago, but it’s his lush, hypnotic voice that’s made him a force to be reckoned with in the RnB community, catching the attention of producers like Monte Booker, Sango and The Kount, as well as Soulection and the Apple Music editorial team.

His latest single “OOOO AHH” turns a new page in HXRY’s story, following up 2020 debut EP PIECE OF MIND and 2021 album Reflections. “Oooo Ahh” introduces a sound he describes as Thicc RnB. “Thicc with 2 Cs,” he shares, “from the mixes to the bass and sonic space. It’s food for the soul. It crosses time and can be anything but you’ll know it when you hear it.” 

20-year-old Smba, also known by their given name, Tyrone Jordan, is originally from Southfield, Michigan. As a self-taught artist, Smba has developed the unique gift of versatile storytelling through which they journal their life via their music. In 2018, at just 16 years old, Smba released their breakout single, “Honeydew,” which now sits at over 2 million streams on Spotify alone. At 17, they started a creative development company called 2DB Co. Since then, 2DB has released and contributed to 9 albums spread over 5 artists including themself. 2DB also published my magazine Corner mag. an independent magazine curated by my peers and me. In 2019, Smba continued their stride with their debut EP, “Blue,” which spread their name across the internet and created itching anticipation for their next effort. 

After an almost 2-year hiatus, Smba finally released their highly anticipated 2nd EP, “Claustrophobic,” in 2021. It was met with fan & critical acclaim. This effort would go on to be featured in The Chicago Reader, EARMILK, Trending Raps & Lyrical Lemonade’s top albums of 2021. Shortly after, they would go on a 4-track single run (“Marathon,” “SOS,” “How U Doing Shorty” & “Deep End”), which would get the attention of publications such as EARMILK, Early Rising, These Days, Trending Raps, A1234, The Ghetto Flower & Audiomack. On Christmas 2021, Smba finished off the year with their first beat tape; an effort created entirely by themself. In 2023, Smba already kicked off the year with an interview on Vocalo Radio that highlights this jack of all trades and plans on aiding in producing & distributing multiple short films alongside a new EP.

A harmonious hybrid: the perfect strain of smooth n’ sultry. With an eclectic and refreshing sound, Akira Ræ crafts an elusive experience with her rich vocals and airy euphonies. The Chicagoland singer songwriter evokes raw emotion lined with an authenticity that is unparalleled. Her music pulls from all aspects of her life, inviting others to connect with themselves. Building her audience at an exponential rate, Akira has created movement with her singles “Free Flow” and “Afrodite” across the likes of TikTok and Instagram, becoming an inspiration that reminds others to embrace their essence. Her latest single entitled “Carry-on” has deemed Akira a force to be reckoned with, as it quickly garnered attention landing her two editorial placements on its release day, as well as recognition from the head of R&B at Spotify, landing her in their top ten picks for the week. She recently released her debut EP “Departure” that gained co-signs from the founders of Audiomack, landing her on their Trending Albums list via their home page. Akira is ushering in a new age of music that defies the dichotomy between neo-soul and RnB, building her legacy “one step at a time.”