Recapping 2017: Standout Debuts, Pt. I

Nick Grant, THEY., Sampha and more—here are the standout debuts of this year...part one that is.

Release Date: January 14th

After his 2016 mixtape, ’88 Mixtape, the 29-year-old rapper handled his debut album confidently. At the start of the year, Grant confronts the mumble rap era head-on—literally confronts: “Niggas ain’t be rapping lately, guess I’m trapped in the 80s.” The South Carolina-native flaunts his lyrical talents through some solid beats. Every song is different, musically, but the confidence never fades out. He may come across as overly confident, declaring he’s the best to do it—isn’t that what Rap is? I’m sure that’s the foundation of Hip Hop, so let’s not knock the kid. On the production tip, Grant recruits the likes of DJ Khalil, The Futuristiks, Karriem Riggins, Dominic Gordon, and more. The 12-track effort is fresh, dynamic, and a pretty damn good debut album.

Release date: January 26th

I first came across Sonder’s “Too Fast" on the Joe Budden Podcast (INTPL at the time) on their Sleeper segment. Let me tell you, Sonder is definitely slept on. I was a few months late on this album, and man, were my ears disappointed with me. Scratch that, my soul was disappointed in me. Sonder is made up of vocalist Brent Faiyaz and producers Atu and Dpat. This trio came up with a beautiful album that intimately and soulfully talks about… well, some real shit. Via email, Faiyaz told The Fader: "Into is a reflection of shit that my ego won't allow me to speak on in everyday conversation. It's everything from relationships with women and family to living too fast.” Over hypotonic and intricate beats, Faiyaz’s voice is soft yet demands your attention.

Release date: February 3rd

Does his voice sound familiar? Well if you didn’t know Sampha before this album—nope you did. The British singer-songwriter-producer has worked with the likes of Drake, Solange, Kanye West, and many more. After releasing two EPs, Sampha refocuses on himself and offers the world a beautiful debut album, Process. On this deeply introspective project, Sampha's voice is gentle yet carries a sense of angst. The 29-year-old crooner reveals his innermost emotions and thoughts in his voice. Whether the music is electric or a simple piano, that inflection in his voice never changes. He sings with his heart on his sleeve, and that sense of vulnerability is something to be admired. Please, never change.

Release date: February 3rd

“Young star in the making, I swear they sleeping on me." Um, what? Okay, Syd!

Starting off her debut solo album with such a braggadocious track is pure magic. The album teeters on the brink of a sensual vulnerability with tracks like “Body,” and “Know," while sometimes leaning on the side of... well she just knows she’s the shit with tracks like “Shake Em Off” and “Dollar Bills.” A force to be reckoned with, and I can’t wait to hear more whether it be with The Internet or solo.

Release date: February 24th

Again, my ears were disappointed in me. I admit I was a little late to THEY. I’ve heard tracks from the duo but I lost track. And I’m upset I did. The LA-natives, Dante Jones and Drew Love, have managed to create a fusion of grunge, R&B, Hip Hop, trap—man, it just works. There’s just something about this duo. It’s the way THEY. merge all of these genres, and are able to weave in and out of soft sensual vibes to some hard-hitting lyrics. Hyena is a cohesive cluster-fuck that seems to be exactly what my ears were missing. THEY. have this unique style that fills a void. THEY. aim to be different and they do it effortlessly. Drew Love said, “Really we’re just about empowering people to really make a difference in this world, to really try new things, to really break the mold from what other people are doing." I will never let another project from THEY. go unheard.

Wait! There's more!

Stick around for part two to find out more of 2017's standout debuts.