Raury has had a huge 2014. In addition to turning the ripe age of 18, the artist garnered the attention of Andre 3000 and found a place on beat-maker SBTRKT's sophomore album.
He did this, of course, by having a unique style that is purely his own. Like the Kid Cudi's and Weeknd's before him, Raury's music isn't really like anything that precedes it. A rich medley of folky and hip-hop makes for a breathe of fresh air in a time of saturated trap beats and choppy flows.
Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Raury released his debut album (mixtape? album? what's the difference?) Indigo Child Project earlier this year to pretty solid reviews. Everyone has their eyes on this kid to make big moves in 2015, so we're giving you his essential cuts as a starting point.
Raury - God's Whisper
So if you know anything about Raury it is that he's a far cry away from most anything else we'll post on this site. This sentiment doesn't ring truer than in "God's Whisper." Kid Cudi-meets indie/folk translates in to an adventurous music video, inducing goose bumps with its ritualistic qualities. It's different, it's weird, but it's also epic and fresh.
The 'Church = a public gathering of like minded individuals' bit really speaks volumes.
Raury - Cigarette Song
Another folky tune is the "Cigarette Song." Lyrically drawing comparisons to The Weeknd, Raury trades eerie electronics for acoustic simplism. It works, and his performance on this one has notes of Michael Jackson floating throughout.
Raury - Wildfire
"Wildfire" is a track that we can really test our readership on. Pushing the boundaries of hip-hop, Raury smashes teenage life with Lil Wayne influence and avant-garde rap in a daring effort.
The Neighbourhood featuring Raury - Warm
It seems more likely for Ruary to link up with indie rockers Raury than it does for him to link up with fellow ATLiens like Jeezy or T.I. His flow fits pleasantly over the ambient beat, adding a unique flavor to this cut.
Raury - Sunshine
One of the most hip-hop cuts on this list STILL doesn't sound like anything else in the game right now. Raury displays his capabilities as an MC on "Sunshine," so if you're looking for rhymes this is definitely a cut you need to check out, but if you're looking for something you've heard before, you won't find it here!
SBTRKT featuring Raury - Higher
"Higher" has and will, no doubt, expose Raury to a massive pile of critics and fans alike. Raury has an important feature in a stand-out cut on the taste-making producer's second album.
Raury - Superfly
Melting the worlds of folk and hip-hop once more, "Superfly" is an epic cut off the artist's Indigo Child Project album.
Raury - Amor
An emotional R&B-tinted joint makes for an essential Raury track too. Complete with guitar and stomping bass drums, the young artist croons the tale of adolescent angst.
"I'm focused baby, I'm focused baby
I ain't even really been smoking lately
Everybody's talking about homecoming
I don't give a fuck about a social life, shit"
Raury - Woodcrest Manor
Raury even impressed the likes of Pitchfork with his debut album Indigo Child Project. "Woodcrest Manor," off the album, gets super dreamy for a rap song, and certainly fits in with Raury's experimental hip-hop vision.
Raury - Seven Suns
When was the last time an 8-minute power-ballad was featured on HNHH? Dive in to Raury's album-closing epic if you want yet another reason why this artist is unlike anything you've ever heard?
