Last year’s Class of 2025 beamed bright when it was time to deliver. Spanning multiple genres, a plethora of artists climbed — including Billboard Rookie of the Year winners G3LO and Odeal — with the former nailing a top 30 hit during the early stages of the calendar year.
The Sunshine State birthed two new stars beginning with Sailorr and Isaiah Falls. Sailorr’s sparkling project, From Florida With Love, was an ode to personal growth and resilience, which spawned her breakout single “Pookie’s Requiem,” and a starry remix with Summer Walker. Falls bloomed into one of the genre’s self-assuring lotharios, using his wit and charisma to guide his listeners towards unrequited love.
On the rap side, Samara Cyn and Zeddy Will surged into Rookie of the Year contenders. With an agile flow and penchant for steely wordplay, Cyn held her own against the likes of Smino and Ray Vaughn, while piecing together an ambitious project with backroads. New York’s Zeddy Will breathed life into the city with his magnetic energy. Zeddy’s lust-for-life mentality thrived on party-starters like “Cha Cha” and “Twerking With Ya Friends.”
This year’s class brings a similar dose of firepower, potential, and moxie across hip-hop, R&B, and Caribbean sounds. Vulnerability is a common thread, embedded through the DNA of Girlfriend and Alicia Creti. Riddims and vibes aren’t just seasonal — Ayetian makes that clear. With artists like EsDeeKid, JayDon and Skippa already smoldering in their respective lanes, 2026 is shaping up to be a true year of breakouts. When rage rap, R&B truths and island vibes collide, if feels like this class’s emotional language.
Check out Billboard’s 2026 artists to watch list below.
