11 Intriguing Songs by Young Musicians, Born 2000+ | Playlist 🎧

1. Keedron Bryant, “I Just Wanna Live” (Various Mixes)

I Just Wanna Live (EP) • Warner • 2020

“I’m a young black man / Doing all that I can / …I’m being hunted as prey / My people don’t want no trouble / We’ve had enough struggle.” A moving, viral clip can indeed do big things.  Keedron Bryant, a Florida teen R&B/gospel singer is a living testament to this.  The 13-year old (born in 2007) went viral thanks to a song written by his mom (Johnnetta Rayshele Bryant) that perfectly captures the feelings of the black community, particularly black males, given so many incidents of racial injustice, inequality, and police brutality.  Bryant would land a major-label record deal with Warner, which is absolutely impressive given both his age and the impact of “I Just Wanna Live” itself.

His debut EP, I Just Wanna Live, features three versions of his viral hit. The main version commences the album.  Bryant sounds absolutely amazing, much more mature and seasoned beyond his youth.  His tone is gorgeous, while the ad-libs and runs only amplify the authenticity, emotions, and investment into the record.  Additionally, Dem Jointz gives him a soulful backdrop that’s both modern yet throwback. It can fly in both R&B and contemporary gospel circles. The penultimate version features Andra Day, Lucky Daye, and IDK. This version draws attention given the personnel but Bryant actually ‘holds things down’ fine alone.  As good as the original version is, arguably, it is the closer, “I Just Wanna Live – Gospel Spirit Mix” that feels the best Keedron.  Here, his gospel roots shine through effortlessly and he shows just how prodigiously gifted he is. Hearing his soaring lead over that backing gospel choir gives chills.

2. Billie Eilish, “bad guy”

WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? • Darkroom / Interscope • 2019

“So, you’re a tough guy / Like it really rough guy / Just can’t get enough guy / Chest always so puffed guy…” The minimalist “Bad Guy” serves as the first full-length record on When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, the compelling debut album by alternative pop teen artist Billie Eilish (born in December 2001).  On the Grammy-winning “Bad Guy” (Record of the Year and Song of the Year), Eilish sings in an undertone.  She’s calm, cool, and collected, flaunting off her distinct approach and sound.

Adding to the intrigue of the listening experience are a unique palette of vocal effects, as well as an air of mysteriousness. “Bad Guy” thrives because of its infectious groove, catchy chorus (partially excerpted above, and continued below), and a fun, if dark, playful style.  It easily nabbed the top spot on the 51 Best Songs of 2019.

“I’m that bad type
Make your mama sad type
Make your girlfriend mad tight
Might seduce your dad type
I’m the bad guy...”

3. Ruel, “as long as you care”

Bright Lights, Red Eyes (EP) • RCA • 2020

“I’m sun-dried, my lips are high on overdrive / I’m so tired,” Ruel sings on the first verse of “as long as you care”, continuing, “I’m sorry if I’m low on confidence… / I’m sorry, but my brain is fried.” Honestly, the Australian teen heartthrob, who turns 18 in November (born in 2002), has no reason to apologize. Years ago, when he first came onto the scene, the rich, soulful, and expressive nature of his voice was unbelievable – he as a mere teen with the voice of a fully seasoned pro! That is still the case for Ruel Vincent Van Dijk, who writes this standout single alongside producer M-Phazes (Mark Landon).

As is the case in the past, Ruel sounds utterly sublime.  His vocals are soulful to the nth degree. Still incredibly young, it’s still mind boggling that this kid sounds this amazing.  He sings with incredible authenticity, expression, and nuance.  You really believe him because he sells it incredibly well.  As far as M-Phazes production, there are sensational throwback vibes from the R&B of the past, yet the sounds are also fresh.

Matters of the heart take front and center on “as long as you care.” Furthermore, the catchy, memorable chorus serves as the centerpiece:

“But don’t cry, I know that you care
You have no idea
It’s all bright lights and red eyes
Bright lights and red eyes, I’m never there
But as long as you’re here, I’m all bright lights and red eyes
Bright lights and red eyes.”

Ultimately, “as long as you are” proves to be a superb single from an artist clearly on the up and up. Ruel = musical godsend.

4. Marteen, “This Shit Sux”

8 • New Mogul / EMPIRE • 2019

“Aye / I guess that he meant more than me…” Sigh, matters of the heart have rising R&B singer/songwriter Marteen (born in 2001) all messed up.  Love’ll do that shit – just saying!  The Berkley-born standout ‘keeps it 100’ when it comes to being heartbroken on the short, sweet, and pained single, “This Shit Sux” (8, 2019). The production is lush and smooth, idiomatic of urban contemporary music.  The backdrop is perfect fuel for Marteen to reminisce back on love, the hardships of love, and his present disgust.

Following the short first verse (excerpted above), he drops the reminiscent pre-chorus on the listeners:

“I know we had our off days
I thought that we were always
Remember you would say you were gonna change
But it was hard to fake.”

Expectedly, he drops the ‘s-bomb’ on the memorable chorus.  Sure, there’s not much deep about a line like “This shit sucks” or even its supporting lines, but Marteen perfectly paints the state of his mind and heart.  Furthermore, everyone can relate to the profane, ‘poopy’ titular lyric.  All in all, Marteen drops a respectable, well-executed heartbreak record.  He doesn’t reinvent pain, specifically the struggle of love, but he totally sells the plight he’s experiencing.  Vocally, his youthful pipes are refreshing, and the production work provides him with a lift.  Safe to say, nothing “sux” about this record in the least, or the talented Marteen himself. “This Shit Sux” previously appeared on 13 Songs with Every Kind of Poo 💩 Imaginable and 13 Songs That Perfectly Capture the Plight of Love.

5. Grace VanderWaal, “Escape My Mind”

Just the Beginning • Columbia • 2017

“I wish I could get you / Out of my mind / But I think about it all the time.” In 2017, a then 13-year old singer-songwriter Grace VanderWaal (born in 2004), released a fine debut album with Just the Beginning.  Throughout the course of Just the Beginning, The America’s Got Talent winner showcases artistry transcendent of her youth. Among the many highlights on the album is the song at hand, “Escape My Mind”.

On “Escape My Mind,” the ukulele is prominently featured within the production, clearly a staple of the VanderWaal sound.  The production as a whole is strong, backing up the ukulele with a sensational, tropically infused, percussive groove.  In addition to the palette of instrumental sounds, VanderWaal sounds assertive, showcasing emotion, grit, and nuance.  Overall, “Escape My Mind” is catchy, with the best moments coming on the pre-chorus and chorus sections.

“And I wish I could not think
For once in my life
But when I see your face
I can't escape my mind.”

6. Isaac Dunbar, “Isaac’s Insects”

Isaac’s Insects (EP) • RCA • 2020

Question: “Why are all of Isaac’s Insects insane? / Terrorize his life and pick apart his brain.” Good and quite intriguing question, by all means – thought provoking! Alternative pop musician Isaac Dunbar may be young (born in 2003), but he’s an incredibly talented individual, something he impressively exhibits on the unique single, “Isaac’s Insects” from his 2020 EP, Isaac’s Insects.

Apparently, the ‘insects’ know too much about Isaac, something he emphasizes throughout the course of the song.  From the onset of this minor key cut, he sings, on the first verse, “Insects know my secret life / They on my walls only at night / To judge me / Oh, how they judge me.” On the second verse, the ‘creepy crawlers’ are even worse: “Insects wish the worst for me / And they befriend my enemy / And it shocks me / Oh, how it shocks me.” Sigh, as much as he tries to rid of them, they simply won’t go away, best exemplified by the crowning achievement, the chorus:

“Stomp on them, they’ll come right back
This time they’re back with more times ten
I’ve had enough of beady eyes
And men in black who know my lies...”

The lyrics are quite compelling.  Obviously, Isaac Dunbar isn’t talking about literal insects, but fans who go to the absolute extreme.  Beyond the theme, though, what about the vocals? Dunbar sounds fantastic, whether he’s singing in harmony, falsetto, or even dabbling in some autotune/pitch shift.  The backdrop is also pretty sweet, with the synths and the infectious, if enigmatic groove.

7. Spencer Barnett, “Best Friend”

I’m Fine (EP) • Chateau Barnett • 2020

Cultured Mag definitely seem to have an accurate take on Spencer Barnett – he is indeed “one to watch.” Following his debut EP, Reckless (2019), the 18-year old (born in 2002) released his second EP, I’m Fine, in 2020. This six-song, 16-minute-long effort certainly shows off his potential.

“Best Friend,” the opener, is an instant bop, thanks to the old-school soul cues. The soulful backdrop is initially merely an intro, that shifts to a guitar-based sound accompanying Barnett’s expressive, nuanced vocals. Producers Hoskins & The 23^rd and Denis Kosiak definitely deserve a shout out. Soul and pop/rock merge together beautifully on the chorus, where he sings:

“I’m my own worst enemy
I’m my own best friend
I won’t say I’mma be the death of me
Until then I’mma ride to the end.”

With the rhythmic nature of some of the melodic lines, as well as sneaking in a f-bomb (two actually), Barnett also bring some hip-hop swagger to the mix.  If this is your introduction to Spencer Barnett, you definitely won’t be disappointed.

8. The Kid LAROI, “Go”

Ft. Juice WRLD

F*CK LOVE • Columbia • 2020 

Music is universal, and don’t you ever forget it! That’s why a teen rapper from Australia can be a big deal in the United States – no cap. The Kid LAROI (Charlton Howard) is indeed just a kid, born in 2003! That said, this 17-year-old is no ordinary kid and definitely has bars and an appealing style. His debut commercial mixtape, F*CK LOVE, debuted in the top-10 of the Billboard 200 (no. 8).  Among the biggest attractions from F*CK LOVE is “Go” featuring the late, great Juice WRLD. Considering the premature death of Juice WRLD, “Go” is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration.

“Go” is definitely a rad song. Kid might be attached with his name and age but The Kid LAROI doesn’t depict childish happenings in the least.  The teen focuses on the issues that plague many a man’s brain – girls. “You fuck up my brain, you don’t know no better, yeah / Wish I knew you better, shit, but I don’t know no better,” he raps melodically on the first verse.  LAROI is quite confident – filled with swagger from the start.  His delivery is syrupy, which is quite popular in modern hip-hop.  Prior to dropping the first verse, we get a pretty catchy chorus as well.

Setting up The Kid for success is a sleek production (electric guitar, awesome beat) produced by 24Degrees, Omer Fedi, Nick Mira, and Tito.  This same backdrop also complements Juice WRLD, who ends up being the perfect collaborator with his arrival on the second verse.  Melodic in his own right, Juice actually has a clearer, melodic brand of hip-hop contrasting his mentee.  They join forces on the final chorus of this surefire gem. Truly, “Age Ain’t Nothin’ But a Number.”

9. NLE Choppa, “Narrow Road”

Ft. Lil Baby

Top Shotta • Warner • 2020 

There is a new guard of rappers, and NLE Choppa is among them.  The Memphis-born rapper is merely 18 (born in 2002), yet his star is rising fast.  His highly anticipated debut album, Top Shotta, arrived in August 2020, with “Narrow Road” arriving as an advance single. On “Narrow Road,” he gets a big-time assist from one of the most successful musicians of 2020, Lil Baby.  Is there any way possible that “Narrow Road” could miss the mark? No.

“Narrow Road” may not be a game- or life- changer, but there’s plenty to ‘sink your teeth’ into.  A solid four minutes long, Quay Global ensures NLE Choppa has banging production accompanying him.  That means, Quay gives us maliciousness in all its glory – minor key, ill synths and a sick, hard-hitting beat. NLE uses it to his advantage, following up his introduction, delivering a catchy, melodic chorus.  Don’t let the beauty soften you – there’s still toughness.  NLE continues to flaunt his melodic rap prowess on the verse without sacrificing the grit and griminess. He’s confident, focusing on murder, violence, and the hard-knock life.

“And bitch, I been through some shit, I come from a broken home
I got a different mentality, bitch, it’s kill or be killed
I’d rather kill a rat before I write a statement and squeal...”

Lil Baby matches NLE Choppa on the second verse, also serving up a potent, pitched flow. “I ain’t really got too much to say but fuck the task force,” he raps, continuing, “Keep mindin’ my business, hold my weight, and run my cash up.” All in all, there’s lots to like about “Narrow Road”; definitely a winner from the youngster.

10. Reuben Gray, “Till the Lights Go Out”

“Till the Lights Go Out” • Reuben Gray • 2018

In 2018, then 17-year old pop artist Reuben Gray released a terrific debut single, “Till the Lights Go Out”. The gifted multi-instrumentalist (born in 2000), cooked up greatness in the studio, working with top-notch producers and songwriters including producer John Nathaniel.  The fruits of his labors definitely pay off on “Till the Lights Go Out.”

The sleek production work is the first thing that stands out. Early on, magnificent, moody, ear-catching vibes are established. This brilliant backdrop includes superb drum programming and the use of piano.  Beyond the instrumental in all its glory, there’s Reuben, who shines like a beacon. His vocals are expressive and his tone gorgeous.  Furthermore, he’s lifted by superb vocal production.  The form of “Till the Lights Go Out” is relatively straightforward with the pre-chorus easily gets stuck in one’s head:

“Hey, hey
She got that Gucci
Hey, hey
Diamond studded phone
Hey, hey
I know you’re lonely
Girl I’ll take you places
I could show you so much more.”

According to Gray, “Till the Lights Go Out” “is my answer to our generations constant quest for acceptance and the need to be validated by our peers. I want to show that you don’t need the most expensive clothes, the latest mobile phone or even hundreds of likes on your profile picture to be happy. All you really need is to find that one person who likes you for who you really are.” Keying back into the song, the chorus is well-performed, catchy, and ultimately, memorable.

“I just wanna love you till the lights go out
I promise to give it all girl I’ll make that vow
I could be falling
I could be drowning
I don’t really care
I don’t really care
I just wanna love you till the lights go
Lights go
Till the lights go
Out.”

11. Mason Ramsey, “Lovesick Blues”

Famous (EP) • Big Loud / Atlantic • 2018

One viral video of the ‘yodeling Wal-Mart kid,’ then 11-year old Mason Ramsey (born in November 2006), translated into a record deal with Atlantic (Big Loud). Following the release of his post-yodeling, debut country single “Famous”, Ramsey returned to his roots, delivering a studio version of the Hank Williams classic that made him famous, “Lovesick Blues”. 

This sick, tongue-n-cheek classic offered a lucrative lane for the young country singer that’s worth exploring.  An extremely talented kid with a great voice, his boyish pipes ‘pop’ on this tried-and-true classic. The only thing that’s sickening about this is how awesome he sounds!  “Lovesick Blues” appeared on his Famous (EP) in 2018. “Lovesick Blues” previously appeared on the playlist 10 Utterly Lovesick 😍 💘 Songs.