Soundcloud Era! Artists I found in the early days of Soundcloud.
Formerly known as haroinfather, ilyTOMMY is a rapper who is difficult to place in a single subgenre, but his artistic signature is found in his emotional lyrics and “sadboy rap” style. He has built a dedicated following with songs that have gone viral, such as “Princess Bubblegum” and my personal favorite, “Forever.” Despite being known for his more melancholic style, he also demonstrates the versatility to bring a raw, high-energy vibe to his tracks, ensuring that every song he drops is an unexpected and compelling new experience. For fans of artists like Joji, $not, or Tokyo’s Revenge, ilyTOMMY will be a welcome addition to your music library.
Foggieraw is a standout artist who has emerged from the DMV and built an impressive buzz over the last couple of years. His talent has even earned him a co-sign from Alicia Keys, a legendary artist whose work he has sampled. Foggieraw first gained a loyal following on SoundCloud, releasing tracks that delved into themes of relationships, love, and his personal experiences. His distinct, laid-back flow and captivating style make every song a compelling listen. For fans of artists who blend charismatic delivery with a unique sound, such as Smino, Aminé, or A$AP Ferg, Foggieraw is your next great discovery.
I’ve been a fan of ELHAE since the beginning, discovering him through his debut EP, Aura, which remains a cult classic and is not available on streaming services. While many artists are blending R&B and hip-hop, ELHAE sets himself apart with his unmatched ability to seamlessly transition from melodic crooning to sharp, rhythmic rapping. His songs are defined by their intimate exploration of personal relationships, heartbreak, and honest perspectives, resulting in a sound that feels both contemporary and classic. For fans of Childish Gambino, Kehlani, and 6lack, ELHAE is the next artist you need to listen to.
You can often identify a Lido production by his iconic four-note signature, a creative stamp that rivals the likes of Pharrell. I first found him through his masterful remixes of tracks like “Latch” by Disclosure, “Often” by The Weeknd, and “TKO” by Justin Timberlake. This led me to explore his own releases where he not only produced but also sang, eventually culminating in his deeply personal album, Everything, which chronicled his relationship with singer Halsey. This lead to collaborations with a diverse group of artists, including Aminé, Jaden Smith, Jordan Ward, and Chance the Rapper. It’s worth diving into his catalog, there’s a good chance he’s been a part of a song you love.
ON KEY WITH RYAN 