Wyatt Flores, Teezo Touchdown & 4batz: Rising Stars of Apple Music’s Up Next Class of 2024

These rising stars are about to get an even bigger spotlight, with each artist landing a performance on either The Late Late Show with James Corden or Jimmy Kimmel Live!, plus an Apple Music-exclusive EP of their live performances. From country to rap, their fresh sounds are reshaping today’s music landscape.

Here’s a look at the artists turning heads this year and what they’ve got in store for the near future:

Teezo Touchdown, born Aaron Lashane Thomas in Beaumont, Texas, made his mark in 2019 with 100 Drums, a track that tackled the gun violence in his hometown. This year, he’s kept the momentum going by appearing on Doja Cat’s Scarlet 2: CLAUDE and teaming up with Lancey Foux and Cash Cobain on Daylight. While Teezo hasn’t shared what’s next for 2025, he’s shown that he’s comfortable pushing boundaries and speaking up on tough issues—a blend that keeps fans eager for more.

Wyatt Flores, born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, won fans over in 2021 with Travelin’ Kid, a track that balanced classic country tones with a modern twist. In 2024, he followed up by releasing his debut album Welcome to the Plains and making a late-night TV debut performing Oh Susannah on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Named to Apple Music’s Up Next Class, Flores aims to go global in 2025 with appearances at international country festivals, showing that his heartland roots can resonate far and wide.

Young Miko, a Puerto Rican rapper and singer, stepped into the spotlight with her debut single Riri in 2021. Her blend of Latin trap and fearless attitude caught on fast. In 2024, she dropped her EP Trap Kitty and lit up major Latin music festivals, including the Latin American Music Awards. With a big world tour and a full-length album planned for 2025, Young Miko is set to spread her sound far beyond her home base and keep her upward momentum going strong.

Coming out of Atlanta’s R&B scene, 4batz first made waves in 2022 with the late-night vibe of Midnight Drive. In 2024, he released Eclipse, an album anchored by the dreamy single Lunar Love, and teamed up with Cash Cobain on Problem. Looking ahead, he’s gearing up for a nationwide tour and planning a collaborative project with other R&B artists.

Karan Aujla, a singer, songwriter, and rapper from Punjab, India, broke through with Don’t Worry in 2018, impressing fans with his playful mix of Punjabi sounds and global rhythms. In 2024, he dropped his album B.T.F.U. and took his music around the world, playing for packed houses in Canada, the UK, and Australia. Next year, he’s looking to join forces with well-known hip-hop names, hinting that he’s ready to connect with even more listeners and broaden his cultural reach.

Hailing from the Bronx, Cash Cobain built his name as a producer and rapper in the drill and trap scenes. By August 2024, he launched his debut album Play Cash Cobain and teamed up with artists like Lancey Foux, Teezo Touchdown and Ice Spice. Although he’s been quiet about his plans for 2025, his past collaborations and versatile style suggest he’s just getting started.