Out of nowhere, on Kendrick Lamar's birthday, Drake released a dance-influenced album titled “Honestly, Nevermind." Many people claim Drake to be a genius for this house style, as it may be the new wave. The only issue is Drake is not the first. Here are a few artists who have been mastering the sound of electronic, dance and house.
IDK
Only less than two months before this Drake album, Baltimore artist IDK and the fan-favorite producer Kaytranada linked up to create “Simple.” The project is eight tracks full of electronic rap that also features artists like Denzel Curry and Mike Dimes. Named after the local housing complex Benning Terrace, also known as Simple City, this light album shows IDK's flexibility and Kaytranada’s mastery.
Azealia Banks
There is nobody more synonymous with rapping over house beats than Azealia. Going back a whole decade, she is considered influential in her transformative sound. Hit songs like “212," “Anna Wintour” and more have cemented the Harlem talent as one of the most important acts of the 2010s. Recently in 2021, she released “Tarantula” and “Wings of a Butterfly,” mixing her style even more by adding rock.
Cakes da Killa
Rashard Bradshaw, also known as Cakes Da Killa, may have the best bars on this list. His lyrics are gung-ho, witty and anything but PG. His beats are intricate, and it can seem outlandish that anyone could conquer this sound, but he has found a way. The queer artist has become one of the more interesting artists to watch of this generation.
Channel Tres
More of a producer than anything else, Channel Tres is an extremely respected artist in the game, having collaborated with well-known names like SG Lewis, Tyler the Creator, JPEGMAFIA, Tinashe and more. Personally, if you are looking for a smooth introduction to house music, there is nobody better. He takes inspiration from multiple genres and artists that have all influenced his own amazing discography.
Cookiee Kawaii
Best known for “If I Back It Up,” Cookiee Kawaii is a New Jersey artist through and through. She has turned the Jersey clubs energetic beats and heavy bass into her own style. She has been making music for a little over a decade, and thanks to TikTok, has gotten more exposure. Her songs like “Vacation," “Vibe (If I Back It Up)" and “Dump It” are pure intangible fun.
UNIIQU3
Cherise Gary is another fellow artist from New Jersey. The artist/DJ/producer also takes the high-speed beats to new heights with intricate remixes and vocal chops. She also collaborated with fellow DJ and producer TT The Artist on their dance project "Club Queens." Her best work though may be her “Heartbeats” EP that features other club artists like Dai Burger, R3LL, Sjayy and Deucez.
Mykki Blanco
Mykki Blanco has a remarkable discography with projects like “Gay Dog Food," "Mykki," "Broken Hearts and Beauty Sleep” and more. Projects like “Broken Hearts and Beauty Sleep” contain rhythm and blue and house-inspired beats with bold, amusing bars. While their beats are not as fast-paced as others on this list, it is just as infectious.
House and dance music have been around for decades now, and pioneers continue to take the genre to new heights. Thanks to scenes in Baltimore, New Jersey, Chicago and Detroit, the genre is alive and well. Hopefully, thanks to Drake and Beyoncé's newest works, club music will take its rightful spot on top.
