Slowthai, Aitch, Amber Mark and Alicai Harley are among the artists unveiled as part of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Hot For 2019 list.
DJ Target, joint music lead at the station, is prediciting big things from the acts on the 15-strong list, which also includes Koffee, Octavian, Digdat and Hamzaa.
Target, who presents a new music show on 1Xtra, said: ”For me, this year’s list is a real cross section of artists, and we’ve opened it up to include international artists as well. I think musically, 2019 will be our most exciting year to date, and this year’s Hot For list does a great job of reflecting that. We’re expecting some real breakthrough stories from these artists this year.”
Target will host a special 1Xtra Hot For 2019 party live from Maida Vale on January 22, from 7–9pm, featuring interviews and exclusive tracks from a selection of the acts, including Koffee, Alicai Harley, DigDat and Unknown T.
The full list is as follows: Aitch, Alicai Harley, Amber-Mark, Ambush, Daniel Caesar, D Block Europe, DigDat, Hamzaa, Koffee, Octavian, Roddy Ricch, Rygin King, Slowthai, Tiana Major9 and Unknown T.
2019 will be our most exciting year to date
DJ Target, BBC Radio 1Xtra
Manchester rapper Aitch commented: “Crazy… 1Xtra Hot for 2019! It’s definitely going to be a mad year! Big Up 1Xtra.”
Alicai Harley said: “I feel beyond blessed to be named as one of 1Xtra's Hot For 2019 artists. This means the world and more to me. Thank you so much 1Xtra for all your love and support!"
Hamzaa said: “Thank you so much for making me one of 1Xtra’s Hot For 2019 artists. I’ve spent so long listening and finding new music through 1Xtra and so for this, I am so, so grateful. Thanks 1Xtra for the continuous support!”
Unknown T added: “Big up 1Xtra for putting me in their Hot for 2019 list. I appreciate all the support! Also big up my fans for making this possible.”
The station’s Hot For 2018 list featured Fredo, Not3s, Kojo Funds and Mahalia.
Other notable breakthroughs from 1Xtra’s list include: Jorja Smith (2017), Stefflon Don (2017) Bugzy Malone (2016), former Music Week cover star Mabel (2016), Stormzy (2015), Krept & Konan (2014) and The Weeknd (2013).
Subscribers can read our 1Xtra cover story from 2018 online here.
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