Urban artists make up half of this year’s BBC Music Sound of 2017 longlist, which offers an annual glimpse ahead at promising musical talents. The list, compiled by a panel of 170 international critics, DJs and writers, includes rappers Anderson .Paak, AJ Tracey and Dave, as well as R&B and soul singers Ray BLK, Jorja Smith and Rag'n'Bone Man. Rock groups include The Amazons and Cabbage.
"The BBC Music Sound of 2017 longlist shows that next year is already shaping up to be a big one filled with amazing music from homegrown talent that are already being supported across Radio 1 and 1Xtra," said MistaJam, BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ . "From the driving rock of The Amazons to Dave’s 18-year-old inner city street tales via Maggie Rogers’ folk meets electronic soundscapes, the list shows the breadth and quality of what we can expect next year."
The 15-act list will be reduced to five in early January, with a winner announced on Jan. 6. Previous winners include Sam Smith (2014), Haim (2013), Jessie J (2011), Ellie Goulding (2010), Adele (2008) and 50 Cent (2003).
The full list:
AJ Tracey
Anderson Paak
Cabbage
Dave
Declan McKenna
Jorja Smith
Maggie Rogers
Nadia Rose
Rag ‘n’ Bone Man
Ray BLK
Raye
Stefflon Don
The Amazons
The Japanese House
Tom Grennan
