Yonas/The Speckators/Pell/The Overlooked Youth

These days, up-and-coming artists don’t need to land deals with major record labels to start building a buzz. A 25-year-old rapper out of New York, Yonas has been on the radar of hip-hop heads ever since he dropped his mix tape The Transition in 2012. He’s just issued a video for “Leaving You,” a ballad that showcases his ability to alternate between rapid-fire rapping and soulful singing, which he does over a mellow string arrangement. The tune lives up to his motto: “bringing content back to music.” (Niesel)