Although “out with the old, in with the new” isn’t always how things work, with the start of 2015, there are definitely some exciting artists fresh on the scene, original movies (not including sequels and remakes) and more coming your way. Here’s a list of what and whom you need to keep an eye on as the year unfolds:

Artists

Although most of these artists are certainly not “new,” this could be the year of their success.

Azealia Banks—The Harlem-based rapper, known for her breakout single “212” and heated twitter exchanges with fellow rappers such as Iggy Azalea, released a new album at the end of 2014 without any advertisement, a promotional tool in the music industry recently referred to as a “Beyoncé.” Although the album, entitled Broke With Expensive Taste, only charted at number 30 on the Billboard 200, it garnered critical acclaim for its diverse techniques of rap as well as Banks’ lyrical finesse. Following more publicity and these twitter “fights” with other rappers, Banks’ work may receive more attention as the year proceeds.

Mark Ronson—the British music producer, guitarist, and DJ, famous for the smash retro hit “Uptown Funk” featuring Bruno Mars, will be releasing his newest album, Uptown Special. Though this is Ronson’s fourth studio album (he’s no one new in the music scene), he has never received the success in America that he has already established within the UK. However, with his new groovy sound and famed vocals to back him up, including renowned musician Stevie Wonder, there will most likely be considerable attention surrounding him within the States.

Rae Sremmurd—this new rap duo, consisting of MCs Swae Lee and Slim Jimmy, are what some are calling “the next Outkast.” Their debut album, SremmLife, which features the hit track “No Flex Zone,” was released January 6. Featuring rap monsters such as Nicki Minaj and Young Thug, the record has already reached number two on the iTunes chart, and is poised to debut in the top ten on the Billboard 200, making it an automatic success as well as a catalyst for their career.

Joshua Radin—a singer/songwriter from Shaker Heights, this guitarist is not in unfamiliar territory when it comes to the music industry, with beautiful tunes that are classically folk, and a bit of rock as well. He has many albums prior to his 6^th indie-produced record, Onwards and Sideways. The album, however, has charted much higher on iTunes than his previous efforts, which is a special feat for someone who independently produced. Though he’s not a newcomer, his popularity is beginning to soar.

Movies

Inside Out—the latest film in two years from the innovators at Pixar, this coming-of-age tale follows the brain of a younger girl who is uprooted after her family moves to San Francisco for her fathers’ job. Poised, like most Pixar movies, to be a hit, this story will give viewers a look into the emotions we all experience, and how they control our everyday life. With the beautiful Pixar animation and classic storytelling, this film is almost certainly going to be a hit.

The Hateful Eight—the eighth film by the celebrated mastermind Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained) is sure to be another rousing creation. A western about bounty hunters who search for shelter and instead find disaster in a blizzard, the movie (originally canceled for release due to a script leak by news site Gawker) stars Samuel L. Jackson, Channing Tatum, and Bruce Dern in what is sure to be an epic showdown.

Jupiter Ascending—a new science fiction/fantasy adventure written and directed by sibling-duo the Wachowskis, this tale of epic proportions follows the changed life of a girl, played by Mila Kunis, who seems to be bereft of any special powers (hence, she is a housekeeper), until she learns that she is the heir to an alien throne. The Wachowskis, best known for The Matrix, the existential science fiction response to artificial intelligence that became an award-winning classic, may have created the most colorful and lucrative science fiction film of the year.

TV

Bloodline—a new TV show created by streaming site Netflix, features a family who’s black sheep of a son returns home, and creates trouble by exposing their deepest secrets, attempting to tear apart a once close-knit family. Produced by the writers for the hit FX show Damages, Netflix may have added another hit series to its already loaded canon.

State of Affairs—starring Katherine Heigl of the medical classic Grey’s Anatomy, State of Affairs focuses on a top CIA analyst, Charlie (Heigl), whose most important roles include giving the president a daily brief, and keeping an eye on the world’s top security issues. With Golden Globe winner Alfre Woodard as President Constance Payton, this espionage thriller on NBC is a show that seeks to keep its viewers on the edge of their seats.

So make sure you catch these artists, shows, and movies this year!

Know more notable, upcoming movies or up-and-coming artists we didn’t mention? Comment below to let us know!