At Honk Magazine, we take pride in finding and backing the next wave of the hottest artists that will shape the music industry. Our Artist of the Week spotlight is on five artists with one-of-a-kind sounds, lives, and grinds that set them apart in the music world. From emotional rap to genre-defying Afro-fusion and gritty indie rock, the following songs are a vibrant reflection of the future of music.
Tuknight – “Campagne”
Starting off our feature is a Canadian Rapper based out of Sarnia, Ontario, Tuknight. Spelled “tuknight,” the name is great for boys with a deeper, human story. He started making music at 14, taking to it as an outlet for coping with the pain of losing his older brother to an overdose. That visceral feeling he translates into his music, and it really shines through in his most recent song, “Campagne,” a stripped-back and reflective number that delves into the heart of affliction and adversity.
Performing live for his second year, Tuknight shows no sign of slowing down. He’s opened for big names such as Roney, Mar Mar Oso, MLNY, and Kryple, slowly but surely carving out a spot for himself in Canada’s underground rap landscape. His centered energy and earnest lyrics establish him as one of the genre’s most promising new voices.
M For The Movement – “I’m Alive”
Up next is an enlightening act, M For The Movement, a deep-thinking emerging artist with old-school influences and too much fire. Their recent single I’m Alive is a sonorous cry of resilience, of being and of being present. With this album, M’s been waiting for the come-up, with collaborations with Juno award-winning Choclair and the iconic Snoop Dogg being teased.
M For The Movement has already commanded opening duty for some of music’s big names, including Sean Paul, Sean Kingston, and Nelly. By no means do they fit into that small talk; it’s big league stuff. A veteran in Performance, M is crafting a legacy rooted in Art and Activism with lyrical storytelling that captures both personal evolution and cultural momentum.
Huss Nem – “Lemme Tune In”
Raw energy, street-wise wisdom & versatility are what you can expect from Chicago’s own Huss Nem. The music industry is not new to Huss, who has been writing songs for over a decade. And on his latest offering, Lemme Tune In, one can see that KOK’s grimy delivery and larger-than-life stage presence prove that the street rap purveyor has street rap in his blood.
Aside from music, Huss Nem is a seasoned actor with a couple of movies, ” Chi-town Down for Life and 8 Dayz: Part 2.” He is also shooting for his second season of Decatur, Where It’s Greater, to show his multitalented side. A real hustler, he manages two streetwear brands, Rip Clown and Chitalo, bringing that entrepreneurial swagger to his impressive resume. Huss Nem is building a cultural empire.
Drela – EP “RAIN”
Up-and-coming Afro-Fusion talent Drela is changing the concept of what it means to be genre-fluid. With a new “RAIN” EP this May, Drela combines smooth vocals, AfroBeats, alternative R&B, and pop for a heady concoction. Her songs are incredibly personal, grounded in self-examination, change, and emotional pain.
Drela has cultivated a dedicated following with its live shows and frequent single drops on topics ranging from love to perseverance. She’s bridged the gap between sonic identities and still been true to herself in one of the toughest meccas of hip-hop. RAIN is shaping up to be a refreshingly different project that takes risks and pushes the art while helping to transcend its listeners.
Inland Years – Album “Keep Your Eyes On The Road”
Lo-fi indie rock fans will want to remember the name Inland Years. About Inland Years is the solo project of Brooklyn’s Ryan Daniels, who crafts warm, nostalgic tunes strung with tape warble and fuzzed-out emotion. Titled after the recently released album “Keep Your Eyes On The Road,” Elements breathe is a reflective voyage through pensive songwriting and analogue tones.
And, influenced by Lou Barlow and the ’90s four-track phenomenon, Inland Years has earned praise in underground circles. WFMU spins, playlist love, yay-di-over from DIY tastemakers. The music is close. It hums softly, imperfectly in just the right way, dripping with the simple honesty from which great music arises. Daniels’ method for making music seems like a love letter to anyone chasing clarity through chaos.
The music industry is changing, and guys like Tuknight, M For The Movement, Huss Nem, Drela, and Inland Years are the living proof that they are in good hands. Be it raw lyricism or experimental sonics or, in one case, an impressive lifestyle grind, there’s something all four artists this week share: they’re all a little different, but more importantly, they’re all themselves. We’re looking forward to following their progress and invite you to do so. Met someone on this list that you’re vibing with?
Let me know in the comments if you think someone else deserves to appear on the crown this week! 👑👇
