Youngman

Simon “Youngman” Smith has the vocals and politely charismatic presence of a future star, and the way he sings over beats produced by Benga and Skream has indicated to some he is poised in 2012 to become the “male Katy B”, i.e. a smoothly commercial post-dubstep performer where James Blake and Jamie Woon were. They’re all over him like a rash at Radio 1 where he’s been awarded such accolades as Zane Lowe’s Next Hype, MistaJam’s Jam Hot and Annie Mac’s Record of the Week, while someone on 1Xtra has hailed him the saviour of all mankind. He’s signed to Shy FX’s label Digital Soundboy and the producer credits on his 2012 debut album include contributions from Benga, Skream, Shy FX, Breakage, Cole, Sam Frank and Kutz. That the album is to be entitled Me & My Music doesn’t augur well, and if you’re looking for lyrical smarts and insights into the human condition, you’ve come to the wrong place. But if it’s a series of competent vocal performances over cutting-edge beats you’re after, well, like they say, meet the male Katy B. Choose One is more Chase and Status than James Blake, if not quite the full Skrillex. If they ever did a dubstep week on The X Factor, Youngman could be a guest mentor. Youngman has been described as  ”The future of pop”  by Radio 1’s Annie Mac and is one to watch in 2012. Look out for him at this year’s festival.

Go to Youngman’s website