Welcome to “Underrated Artists,” an entertainment column from the St. Louis Park Echo covering unpopular and unknown artists. Every week, a different Echo staffer takes on the role of a writer, reviewing single releases and albums from four underrated artists.
Dylan Gossett is currently one of my favorite artists. Amidst a new wave of country music, with artists like Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan, Gossett provides a refreshing sound that ties modern music to country roots. In 2023, Texas-born Gossett released the track “Coal,” debuting on Billboards Hot Top 100 at #89. When I first heard the song, the lyrics struck deep. Gossett opens up about the struggle of not only being in love but also being all alone. While the song is more of a heartbreak ballad, Gossett has other, more positive slow tunes such as “Beneath Oak Trees” and “To Be Free.” His songs don’t have much production, as it is just Gossett and his guitar on most songs, but it’s perfect. After rising to success, Gossett began his “No Better Time” tour around the United States, which included a stop at Minn.’s own First Avenue. If you’re a fan of the modern swing of country, I would encourage you to give Gossett a listen.
Saba is another artist who I’ve listened to more. The Chicago-born rapper rose to fame in early 2016, dropping his debut album “Bucket List Project,” which topped the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Charts at #50. Later, in 2018, he released his second album “CARE FOR ME,” which is my favorite Saba album. On the track “LIFE,” Saba talks about the absence of role models, with lines like “They killed my cousin with a pocketknife, while my uncle on the phone” and “He was gone for more than half my life, he got out a year, and then he died” Through the song, he finds sympathy for his Mom and her struggle and inspiration from role models like Tupac and U2 Singer, Bono. The album features other songs such as “LOGOUT” and “PROM / KING” One of my favorite Saba songs is his feature on the song “Sacrifices,” which partnered with Earthgang, J. Cole and Smino to create a song where all the artists bounce off each other very effectively. Saba’s slow R&B style clashes with loud, upbeat vocals and choruses, which complement each other perfectly. Saba is a perfect artist for those who like the music of J. Cole and JID and are looking for something new.
Matty Reynolds is a small, solo artist from Pelham, New York. I remember when I first saw his song come up on Spotify in 2021, and thought I should give his music a try. I instantly fell in love with his strummy ballads on the teenage experience. In Reynolds’ 2021 single “(another) hotel party,” he sings about the feeling of breaking the rules and doing things he maybe shouldn’t, but also finding the fun in it. Reynolds sings “Stayin’ out ‘til three at least I made some memories, ooh it’s bittersweet but maybe I should get some sleep.” He dives into the idea that he will soon look back and feel nostalgic for these moments, even if he regrets it right now. After releasing a slew of singles in 2022 with “bed head forever,” “pop drop” and “come and go,” I listened to Reynolds less and less. In 2024, Reynolds dropped the song “Ghostland.” His growth as an artist was exuded through the song, with maturity in not only the lyrics but also his voice and guitar chord progressions. When I feel like listening to a song that makes me feel young and free, Reynolds is my first listen and should be yours too.
Kairo Keyz was an artist that crept up on me. The South London native emerges from an area rich with artists in the UK drill genre. In a time where artists like Dave and Central Cee dominate the music scene, it’s harder to come across smaller UK drill artists. While he’s been releasing music since 2020, Keyz hit the scene in 2024 with his breakthrough song “GANG.” The track features the viral lyrics “I showed them love and they showed man hate, these days, that is expected,” which blew up across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The track touches on the problem of how selfish people are when one succeeds, whether it be friends, partners or society in general. The flow Keyz has on the song feels natural and electric. The lyrics are crafted in a way where each bar provides its own personality but connects to an overarching story. His ability to do this at such a level separates him from many other artists in UK drill, and even music in general. On other singles, such as “WENT UP” and “TRENCHES,” Keyz delivers the same flawless delivery and uses clever wordplay that makes me enthralled by his sound. As he’s fresh to the scene, there is much more to expect of Keyz’s career, and I will be listening to his journey with excitement for what is next.
