Spring is upon us, so that means it’s time once again for DZI: The Voice to highlight 25 music acts that are making serious noise in the Blogosphere, via radio, and through digital streaming.

Last year’s group of buzzing performers included Angel Haze, Emile Sandé, Haim, Jhené Aiko, Luke James, and Rockie Fresh. We’ll have to wait and see if any of the members 2014’s crop will leave a serious mark on the music world, but until then get more familiar with the musicians that currently have a good number of people paying close attention for their next move.

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Aloe Blacc

Genre: Hip Hop Soul

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Description: Originally one half of Hip Hop group Emanon with producer Exile, the rapper/singer broke out as solo artist with the single “I Need A Dollar” (the theme song for HBO’s How To Make It In America), but he recently became a global star thanks to the Avicii collaboration “Wake Me Up” and the radio hit “The Man.”

Key Projects: “I Need A Dollar” Single; “Wake Me Up” Single; “The Man” Single; Lift Your Spirit LP

Connect: www.aloeblacc.com; @aloeblacc 

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Ain’t No Love

Genre: Electro Hip Pop

Hometown: Montreal, Canada

Description: Canada’s contribution to rap is well documented, but our Northern neighbors aren’t done making history just yet. The country’s latest music ambassadors – 1990, Beanz, and Saidah – hold the distinction of being the first act to accept the cryptocurrency Bitcoin through FrostWire for the purchase of their Tears Of Joy EP.

Key Projects: Ain’t No Love EP, Tears of Joy EP; “Fake Your Dreams” Single; “Blinded” Single

Connect: www.aintnolove.com; @thisaintnolove 

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Avicii

Genre: EDM

Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden

Description: The Swedish turntable master/producer was already considered one of the best and most sought after DJs in the world, but his aforementioned international monster hit “Wake Me Up” featuring Aloe Blacc became a number one record in over 22 countries around the world.

Key Projects: “Levels” Single; “Sunshine” Single; “Wake Me Up” Single; True LP

Connect: www.avicii.com; @Avicii 

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Bad Rabbits

Genre: Soul Rock

Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts

Description: The old saying that music moves in cycles is born true in this 5-piece band’s use of 1990’s New Jack Swing in their 21 century soulful Rock & Roll. And to cement the connection to the era of Guy, Tony! Toni! Toné!, and Bell Biv DeVoe, the group tapped New Jack pioneer Teddy Riley for their “Dance With You” single.

Key Projects: Stick Up Kids EP; American Love LP; “Dance With You” Single; “Can’t Fool Me” Single

Connect: www.merchdirect.com/badrabbits; @BadRabbits

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Bishop Nehru

Genre: Hip Hop

Hometown: Nanuet, New York

Description: At just 17 years old, this Rockland County native has already opened shows for Wu-Tang Clan and Kendrick Lamar, and he received a co-sign from Nas at SXSW. The Queens superstar even called the young emcee “The Future Of Music“. Up next is just a joint project with another Hip Hop legend – MF Doom.

Key Projects: Nehruvia Mixtape; StrictlyFlowz Mixtape; “Fickle Minds” Single; “You Stressin” Single

Connect: www.bishop-nehru.com; @BishopNehru 

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