Throughout history, we’ve seen a number of music trends that have continued to develop. From the ’70s with the emergence of rock ‘n’ roll and funk to the ’90s with hip-hop and pop, it’s hard to ignore the impact music has had on culture. Whether it’s a new fad or something that’s long been popular, here are five trends to watch in music right now.
Aloe Blacc’s 2014 single “The Man”
Despite being a relatively new name in the music scene, Aloe Blacc has gotten his name in the game with his 2014 single “The Man” as well as his latest album, Lift Your Spirit. He’s been a fan of hip-hop from a young age, so it’s not surprising that he’s made his mark with the genre. However, the singer has taken his interest in hip-hop and filtered it through a more hip-hop lens.
Aloe Blacc is a singer whose music blends hip-hop with soul and jazz. He’s made his mark with songs like “The Man” and “Wake Me Up”, both of which were featured in commercials for the company’s Beats by Dre brand of headphones.
The music video for “The Man” features an uplifting song accompanied by social protest. The song pays homage to the classic Elton John song “Your Song”, and it’s one of Blacc’s most popular tracks to date.
Aside from “The Man”, Blacc’s 2014 single also has a lesser-known track, “Can You Do This”, which appears in the upcoming movie The Wedding Ringer. This song is also one of Blacc’s earliest hits, as it was featured in the HBO series “How to Make It in America”.
Ariana Grande’s Daydreamin’
Almost a year and a half in the making, Ariana Grande’s ‘Yours Truly’ is finally here. The album is a melding of modern pop-R&B and hip-hop, a tad dated if you ask us, and includes a slew of notable performers, including Graham Phillips, Harmony Samuels and Al Sherrod Lambert. Ariana Grande isn’t a complete rookie, having spent her fair share of time in the studio and on the road with her mother, pop superstar Nicki Minaj.
The album’s biggest claim to fame is the tracklist, a veritable triumvirate of sultry tunes that have all hit the top of the Billboard charts. For those who didn’t know, the album was paid for by Vevo and iTunes. The album also spawned the most viewed music video of the year, “Honeymoon Avenue”, and has seen the most pre-sale tickets of any single in the last decade. The album’s second biggest draw is its star power, a whopping 17 different artists performing on it.
J. Cole’s 2015 single “No Role Modelz”
Despite being born to an African American US Army veteran and European-American mother, J. Cole has become one of the most famous and successful rappers of the 21st century. He has a platinum-certified single, and is the highest-earning rapper of the year. In addition, his third album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, was nominated for a Grammy Award in the best rap album category.
“No Role Modelz” is a rap song by J. Cole that is off his 2014 album Forest Hills Drive. It is also the highest charting song off of the album. It has been certified six times platinum by the RIAA.
It also made its way into the top 100 of the Billboard Hot 100, and reached a peak of 36. Despite its success, Cole has not promoted the album, and has not appeared on any radio shows or talk shows. However, the song was included in an HBO documentary about Cole’s life called “The Sideline Story.”
Cole’s song “No Role Modelz” is influenced by the film “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” In the third verse, Cole makes three references to the show, including Will Smith’s marriage to Jada Pinkett-Smith. The song features James Avery, who played Uncle Phil on the show.
Drake’s quiet behind-the-scenes
Whether he’s performing at the hottest clubs in the world or touring through Toronto’s smallest venues, Drake is one of the most important pop stars of the last decade. He’s a trend setter and a savvy rapper who knows what’s hot for the general population. In fact, Drake’s quiet behind-the-scenes music has made him one of the most sought-after collaborators in the industry.
When it comes to Drake’s quiet behind-the-scenes work, it’s often a combination of braggadocio and emotion, incorporating minimalist R&B and existential subject matter. The most notable singles on this album include “Best I Ever Had” and “Diplomatic Immunity,” both of which reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. They’re nominated for two Grammy Awards.
Drake also has a history of hopping between hip-hop subcultures, including working with Migos and 21 Savage. The rapper has also been known to bro-down in Toronto. He has collaborated with artists such as Trey Songz and Nickelaus F.
