2. Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X is one of 2019’s most exciting breakout stars — who else can make a country rap alongside Billy Ray Cyrus and chart at No. 1 for 19 consecutive weeks? Before his rise, he was an Internet personality, creating comedy videos on social media, gaining him steady notoriety. The success of his debut single “Old Town Road” is the most interesting — it was independently released without the help of big-name record label promotion. Riding on the momentum of his hit track, his EP 7 featured names like Cardi B and Travis Barker, showcasing his diverse ability to intertwine different genres music into his hip-hop persona. Lil Nas X earned himself a Grammy nom and if he keeps up his catchy country-rap routine, there’ll no doubt be more.