5 Artists Under 5K Spotify Followers You Need To Check Out

Thanks to the internet and social media platforms, musicians today can share their music and develop fanbases online without the big promotional machine of a huge record label and monstrous budgets. There’s so much great music today, with new artists arriving daily. In this series, we’ll be looking at new releases from rising artists with less than 5000 Spotify followers that you need to check out and put your friends on to. Be the first to discover the sounds of tomorrow before anyone else in the group chat, and be sure to add them to your playlists…

Artist: ZIK | Latest Release: “ALL THE GIRLS”

Lagos-born, Accra-based artist ZIK continues to electrify the Afrobeat and Afro-fusion scene with his latest single, “ALL THE GIRLS,” from his new EP FOR THE TIMES WE’VE LOST. The track blends vibrant Afrobeat rhythms with a laid-back amapiano groove, creating a perfect soundtrack for both dancing and relaxation. ZIK describes the song as a celebration of confidence, self-assurance, and individuality, inviting listeners to embrace their uniqueness. Drawing inspiration from Afrobeat legends like Fela Kuti, ZIK’s music resonates with authenticity, exploring themes of love, unity, and Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. “ALL THE GIRLS” is an uplifting anthem for self-celebration and positivity, highlighting the diverse qualities that make everyone special.

Artist: Furlow | Latest Release: The Garden

Rockwall, TX native Trey Gaddis, known as Furlow, has released his highly anticipated album, The Garden. Blending classic influences with contemporary style, Furlow draws inspiration from artists like Post Malone, Russ, and Mac Miller. The 12-track hip-hop/rap album, produced by Furlow himself, showcases his talents alongside various Texas artists. Highlights include “I-35 Cypher” alongside Cush With a C, QthaElevated, J Soulja, and “The Reaper” with QthaElevated. Furlow’s vision for the project is to celebrate collaboration, describing it as a way for local artists to grow together. The Garden exemplifies Furlow’s commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering music that’s both honest and engaging.

Artist: Roseland En Why Cee | Latest Release: B-Side Soul

South London rapper, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Roseland En Why Cee has released his debut album, B-Side Soul, blending alternative hip-hop and soul. The album explores themes of love, loss, inherited trauma, and the pressure to conform, offering a personal reflection on feeling like an outsider. Featuring previous singles “Hands of Men” and “Ways of Seeing,” alongside new tracks like “Past Life,” the album showcases Roseland’s live instrumentation approach, capturing a raw, authentic sound rooted in his jazz background. Inspired by Johny Pitts’ “B-side aesthetic,” Roseland describes the album as a space for artistic freedom, where mainstream expectations don’t constrain music.

Artist: SlickBoy Nae | Latest Release: “Higher Heights”

Port St. Lucie-based artist SlickBoy Nae returns with his latest single, “Higher Heights,” blending Northern East Coast hip-hop with South Florida energy. Originally from Baltimore, SlickBoy Nae has built a strong reputation, mastering both hip-hop and R&B while exploring new genres. His determination as an underdog fuels his rise, and with “Higher Heights,” he shows no signs of slowing down. The track, released ahead of his upcoming EP Dreaming 2 (dropping December 13th), follows the success of his single “Dreamin.” SlickBoy Nae describes finding a sample, chopping it up, and freestyling to create a vibe that captures the theme of climbing life’s mountains. “Higher Heights” showcases his continued growth and dedication to his craft.

Artist: Kojoson | Latest Release: TOXIC FREEDOM

Afro-fusion artist Kojoson, from Accra, Ghana, and now based in the US, has released his debut EP, TOXIC FREEDOM, blending Afro music with Western styles. The six-track EP, entirely written, recorded, and produced in his home studio, explores the complexities of personal freedom and its emotional toll. The standout track, “AYO,” is a tribute to his younger sister, who tragically passed away due to negligence, reflecting broader issues of carelessness and loss in society. Through TOXIC FREEDOM, Kojoson invites listeners to connect with themes of love, loss, and liberation.