Independent Music Artist and Emerging Talent You Should Discover Today

Discovering new music means looking beyond familiar names and exploring the artists developing their own sounds, perspectives, and creative identities. Across hip-hop and its many subgenres, musicians continue to release projects that reflect their experiences, influences, and ambitions. McCorklen Music Monday highlights artists worth exploring, giving listeners an opportunity to discover new music and become familiar with creative voices building their catalogs.

This Music Monday edition features JEV, SCOTTY PIERRE, and Tyrese Shines, professionally known as 708Ty. Each artist brings a different entry point into contemporary hip-hop, from JEV's alternative and genre-blending approach to SCOTTY PIERRE's evolving catalog and 708Ty's growing collection of rap releases. Their music offers three different starting points for listeners interested in discovering artists beyond the usual mainstream rotation.

JEV

Jephté Kewto, also known professionally as jev., is a Congolese-Canadian artist whose musical identity draws from alternative hip-hop, classic hip-hop, and R&B. His creative approach moves between styles rather than remaining within a single musical category, reflecting a broader interest in individuality and self-expression. His official artist platform presents the LONER identity as a celebration of finding one's own path rather than following expectations.

Listeners looking for an introduction to his catalog can begin with The Color Grey. (2022), the project associated with several of his best-known songs. Tracks such as “Where's the Confetti?,” “Black Samuarai,” and “Black Benz” offer entry points into his earlier work, while “ALICE.” and “YOU CRY LOVE.” provide additional selections from his later catalog. His 2025 album LONERWRLD, vol 2 continues the larger project series. In 2026, releases including “NOBODY,” “GHOST DOG.,” and “PAY NO MIND” have added to his recent output. Together, these releases make JEV. a compelling discovery for listeners interested in alternative rap and artists willing to explore different sounds.

SCOTTY PIERRE

SCOTTY PIERRE is another artist to explore for listeners following contemporary independent rap. His releases include individual singles, music videos, and longer projects, giving new listeners several ways to approach his music. His catalog includes 4lore and Dreamerss, both released in 2025, alongside the 2026 singles “shot.” and “I Can’t Feel My Face.”

For a first listen, “shot.” offers a starting point from his more recent releases, while “p why u like that?” provides another selection from his 2025 catalog. His music is listed under hip-hop and rap, and his official artist links connect listeners with additional releases and videos. Rather than relying on one project to define his sound, exploring multiple tracks offers a broader view of his creative direction and the different material he has released.

Tyrese Shines (@708ty)

Tyrese Shines, known musically as 708Ty, is a hip-hop/rap artist whose catalog includes a series of independently released singles. His available artist profile identifies La Grange, Illinois, as his hometown. In discussing his beginnings, 708Ty has identified “He a Fan” as the first song he wrote, making the track a meaningful starting point for understanding his entry into music.

His more recent releases include “AUTO HATE,” released in March 2026, and “708Ty Flow,” released in April 2026. Listeners can also explore earlier tracks such as “1,000 Miles,” “5 A.M. IN TAMPA,” “Suburban Kid,” and “Blue Demons,” all released in 2025. These singles provide several entry points into his developing catalog and offer listeners an opportunity to follow his progression from earlier releases to newer material.

Discover Your Next Favorite Artist

JEV, SCOTTY PIERRE, and 708Ty represent three different paths into today's hip-hop landscape. Whether exploring JEV's genre-blending projects, SCOTTY PIERRE's growing collection of releases, or 708Ty's steady run of singles, listeners have plenty of music to investigate and form their own opinions about.

McCorklen Music Monday is about making those discoveries easier. Explore each artist's catalog, listen to their latest releases, and find the tracks that connect with your own taste. The next artist you add to your rotation may be one you discover outside the mainstream.

Featured artist listening links: JEV. — Official Music · SCOTTY PIERRE — Artist Links · 708Ty — Apple Music