ARTISTS

It’s fitting that the Arabic translation of her name is “faith,” because Imen Siar has always believed that she was destined to change the world.“ My future is already written,” says the 23-year-old singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly one of the most exciting artists to emerge in the past century. Born in Milan, Italy of Moroccan descent, Imen embodies a sultry vocal mastery that instantly evokes emotion and captivates whether glittering along high notes cloaked in R&B inflections with twinkling clarity or dipping down into a husky growl enveloped in a pop prowess that is all her own. “I want to be the artist that I needed and wanted when growing up,” says Imen, who is inspired by artists like Lewis Capaldi, Alessia Cara, Faouzia and Jessie J. “None of them looked like me. None of them sounded like me. It’s important that I show the world who I really am.”‍

Born and raised in Detroit’s inner-city, BLKBOK (born Charles Wilson III), grew up in a music-filled house. While his parents and siblings were all musically inclined, little Charles could always be found walking his chubby fingers up and down the piano keys. His mom had no choice but to nurture her baby’s keyboard obsession and by the time he was 8, BLKBOK was an acclaimed piano prodigy, winning statewide accolades and college-level competitions. When it came to music, most of the kids he grew up with pursued hip-hop, adopting dope rapper names. However, it’s no coincidence that Charles chose the name BLKBOK, which echoes that of one of the greatest pianists and composers of all time. The tag is also an apt reflection of the elements that have contributed to the artist’s identity and symbolizes his colorful journey from pop and hip-hop culture to his present-day neo-classical debut album.

Welcome to the world of K!lly !dol: introspective, reflective and unflinching. Hailing from New Jersey Warped Tour sets and sweaty Bushwick gigs, where he previously struggled with addiction and mental health issues, K!lly !dol is an emo kid all grown up.