Carl Lamarre, Kyle Denis, Gail Mitchell, Angel Diaz, Michael Saponara, and Christopher Claxton collaborated on this Billboard article, listing the 15 artists to watch in 2026. They write, “This year’s list is dominated by artists who encompass versatility from the worlds of hip-hop, R&B, and Caribbean music.”
The authors review Ayetian (Jamaican dancehall artist of Haitian descent), Babyfxce E, Alicia Creti, EsDeeKid (anonymous rapper), Fakemink, Girlfriend, Gabriel Jacoby, JayDon, EJ Jones, Lelo, Jastin Martin, Natanya (whose mother is Trinidadian), Salimata, Skippa (dancehall artist born and raised in Jamaica), and Trim. Check out the full 2026 list with a review for each artist at Billboard.
Last year’s Class of 2025 beamed bright when it was time to deliver. Spanning multiple genres, a plethora of artists climbed — including Billboard Rookie of the Year winners G3LO and Odeal — with the former nailing a top 30 hit during the early stages of the calendar year. [. . .]
This year’s class brings a similar dose of firepower, potential, and moxie across hip-hop, R&B, and Caribbean sounds. Vulnerability is a common thread, embedded through the DNA of Girlfriend and Alicia Creti. Riddims and vibes aren’t just seasonal — Ayetian makes that clear. With artists like EsDeeKid, JayDon and Skippa already smoldering in their respective lanes, 2026 is shaping up to be a true year of breakouts. When rage rap, R&B truths and island vibes collide, if feels like this class’s emotional language. [. . .]
Ayetian
Last year, Ayetian took the Jamaican dancehall scene by storm with a trio of hits: “Tip,” “Truth & Balance” and “Wah Yo Deh Pan.” That kind of momentum practically guarantees an even bigger 2026 for the 21-year-old phenom. Born Malik Legend Tercien in Montego Bay, Ayetian’s earliest hits (2022’s “Easy” and 2023’s “Lawge”) arrived while he was finishing high school. After graduating, he kicked his musical career into high gear, bridging his slick wordplay with riddims from leading new-gen producers like DJ Mac and Nvtzz. Injecting his Haitian heritage into Jamaican dancehall melodies with each song, Ayetian is one of the most promising names across Caribbean music in 2026. — K.D
Skippa
After picking up a string of hits last year from “Toxic” to “Currency,” Skippa is already the primary vocalist on the hottest dancehall riddim of 2026: DJ Mac and CrashDummy’s “WYFL.” Armed with a natural knack for melodic earworms and the playbook of the dancehall greats before him, Skippa is one of the genre’s brightest ascendant stars. He effortlessly bridges the chant-forward vocal approach of ‘90s dancehall with sleek trap-inflected riddims, which allows him to access a radio-ready rap-sung cadence. Already boasting a co-sign from dancehall icon Bounty Killer, Skippa is all but destined to help lead the genre’s rising generation. — K.D. [. . .]
Natanya
There’s something in the water in the U.K. right now. As Olivia Dean served as 2025’s breakout star, Natanya could be next in line. Straddling the line of R&B and alt-pop with traces of dance-pop and neo-soul, the North Londoner appears to be the complete package. The 23-year-old singer-producer showcased hitmaking potential and a versatile repertoire with Feline’s Return, and the Act II follow-up EP in October. Natanya boasts the sassiness of early 2000s pop hits while also entangling herself in the web of intoxicating romance, but her vision remains clear throughout. — M.S. [. . .]
Check out the 2026 artists and their reviews at https://www.billboard.com/lists/hip-hop-rb-artists-to-watch-2026/fakemink/
[Photos above— JayDon by Ben Allen. Trim by atookthat. EsDeeKid by Archie Erskine.
Carl Lamarre, Kyle Denis, Gail Mitchell, Angel Diaz, Michael Saponara, and Christopher Claxton collaborated on this Billboard article, listing the 15 artists to watch in 2026. They write, “This year’s list is dominated by artists who encompass versatility from the worlds of hip-hop, R&B, and Caribbean music.” The authors review Ayetian (Jamaican dancehall artist of Haitian descent), Babyfxce E, Alicia Creti,
