The Arti$t
The Arti$t is a genre-blurring force redefining what it means to be a creator in today’s music landscape. With a style that merges soulful vocals, raw storytelling, and experimental soundscapes, she’s become a standout voice for a new generation of boundary-pushing Black musicians. Beyond the mic, she’s a multi-hyphenate visionary. Some of her forward-thinking acumen includes directing her visuals, shaping her aesthetic, and moving with the mindset of a true creative entrepreneur.
Riding the wave of her silky smooth viral single: “Ghost,” coming out with her latest track: “Risk It All” ft. Honey Bxby and even having a feature on IDK’s last project, The Arti$t, is at the brink of dropping her next EP: “Who Am I,” which is set to drop this Friday.
Rooted in authenticity and fueled by innovation, The Arti$t represents the kind of fearless originality that defines the future of Black music. Whether she’s performing live or crafting narratives through visuals, every move is intentional, every sound is signature.
The Arti$t is a core figure of today’s emerging Black talent, shaping the next wave of culture. This isn’t just music — it’s a movement.
In tandem with the stellar performance she gave in Atlanta for the program, we sat down with The Arti$t for an in-depth conversation covering everything from The Future of Black Music and her Jersey roots to her upcoming projects and creative evolution.
The Knocktrunal: What does it mean to be a part of ‘The Future of Black Music’?
The Arti$t: It means the world to me. I’ve worked really hard to get where I am, and I am always honored and grateful to be a part of something bigger than me!
The Knocktrunal: How has New Jersey shaped you as an artist?
The Arti$t: New Jersey is home. The culture within the city and the community inspired me as a kid and has impacted me to become the artist I am today.
The Knocktrunal: Who are your musical influences/artists you look up to?
The Arti$t: Some of my musical influences right now are SZA, Teddy Swims, and Doechii. My list has changed a bit since the beginning of my journey, but those artists right there are so inspiring and are my influences for different reasons. From their artistry to their personalities, they are who I listen to and who I enjoy watching grow.
The Knocktrunal: How would you describe the typical aura and DNA of your live set?
The Arti$t: Attendees can expect to be invited into my world for a moment. I like to be very personable when performing, getting some call-back action from the crowd, and just walking them through the songs that I perform.
The Knocktrunal: Do you have any upcoming projects/songs you want to plug?
The Arti$t: YES! My new project “Who I Am” is out right NOW!!!!!! And it’s a no-skip project. I highly recommend, and I am so grateful to even be able to get another project out into the world. Stream stream stream!!
The Knocktrunal: Any dream producers you would like to work with?
The Arti$t: Yes! Right now, Pharrell and Timbaland are at the top of my list. I had the honorable pleasure of working with Jermaine Dupri, Troy Taylor, and Raphael Sadiq, and I’ve learned so much from them, and I’m inspired to work with more producers who absolutely changed the game.
The Knocktrunal: As this is Pride month, what does that mean to you?
The Arti$t: This being Pride month means a lot to me. I’m grateful with where we stand today, a lot more people and brands are supporting the community, and as hard as it can be, being a woman and a woman of the community, it’s nice to have a moment where the love is shared a little more. I’ll forever be proud to be Who I Am.
Babyface Ray
Born Marcellus Rayvon Register, Babyface Ray is Detroit through and through — smooth, unshakable, and always ten steps ahead. With a signature low-key delivery and razor-sharp lyricism, Ray has carved out a lane that blends street philosophy with lifestyle storytelling. His music balances grit with grace, offering introspective gems layered over atmospheric beats that speak directly to the culture.
From Face to Mob to standout collaborations with the likes of Big Sean, Pusha T, and 42 Dugg, Babyface Ray’s rise has been steady, self-built, and rooted in consistency. He doesn’t chase trends — he sets tones. Whether he’s in a Bentley or back on the Eastside, his authenticity remains intact.
Fresh off the release of yet another successful link-up: “Hood Cry” ft. Mozzy, Ray continues to rep Detroit not just as a city but as a creative pulse. His style reflects the evolution of Midwestern rap — detailed, self-aware, and rooted in everyday poetry.
Niko Noir
Niko Noir is what happens when lyrical precision meets cinematic ambition. Hailing from Detroit, she brings a bold pen, genre-fluid energy, and an unmistakable presence to every track she touches. Her sound blends soulful grit with lyrical sharpness — hip-hop-rooted, R&B-leaning, and unafraid to explore every corner of emotion and expression.
With standout tracks like “Darnel” and “Personal,” Niko Noir is making it clear she’s not here to follow the blueprint — she’s here to redesign it. Her music lives in the space where vulnerability and power overlap, where storytelling is raw and self-defined.
From the stage to the studio, Niko approaches everything with intention. She’s not just rapping — she’s curating moments. Creating worlds. Building legacy.
Veeze
Veeze is one of the most elusive, magnetic voices to emerge from Detroit’s rap scene — and one of the clearest signs that the city’s sound is evolving in real time. With a flow that’s offbeat on purpose and delivery so laid-back it borders on cryptic, Veeze has mastered the art of saying more by doing less. His music feels like a mood, a motion, and a message all at once.
After quietly building a cult following through tracks like “Law N Order” and his viral verse on “GOMD,” Veeze leveled up with Ganger, a full-length project that garnered co-signs from Future, Lil Baby, and Babyface Ray — all while standing ten toes down on his unbothered, street-poet energy. He’s not chasing the spotlight. He is the spotlight.
Whether he’s floating over stripped-down beats or dropping bars that go viral days later, Veeze is rewriting what rap from Detroit can sound like: confident, clever, and entirely on his own terms.
YN Jay
YN Jay isn’t just a rapper. He’s a walking punchline, a cultural moment, and a movement all rolled into one. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Jay has carved out a lane that’s equal parts comedic, charismatic, and completely unforgettable. With his animated flow, off-kilter cadences, and viral ad-libs (“C**chie!” ring a bell?), he’s become a master of turning internet buzz into real-world impact.
Known for breakout hits like “C**chie” and “Triple S,” Jay takes everyday situations and flips them into meme-worthy, repeat-worthy bars that hit just as hard on the timeline as they do in the club. But beyond the humor is a sharp artist who understands audience, timing, and branding like a true digital-era architect.
He’s fun, he’s fearless, and he’s here to remind us that the future of Black music isn’t just soulful or serious — it’s wild, weird, and wide open.
Explore the movement and tap into the sound at Future of Black Music in Detroit on July 10.
‘The Future of Black Music’ is a celebration of sound, storytelling, and the cultural innovators shaping what comes next. This immersive experience aims to bring together artists, creatives, and community members for an evening rooted in rhythm, reflection, and forward-thinking expression.
Set in the heart of Detroit at The Vinyl Society, the event creates space to honor where Black music has been — and where it’s boldly headed. From intimate performances to inspired conversation, this is more than an event — it’s a cultural pulse point.
Explore the movement and tap into the sound at Future of Black Music in Detroit on July 10.
To RSVP, tap here.
