Our Freshman
In today’s current hip-hop climate it kind of seems like a new era of fresh faces are being ushered in on a monthly basis. No longer is it just the big names such as Jay-Z and T.I that have the internet and club scenes buzzing. Actually i find my ipod playlist containing a lot more of these so called “underground” artists than mainstream ones. This isn’t because of lack of quality music from these mainstream artist’s, Kanye West is still dropping jewels, Jay-Z at age 39 still hasn’t fallen off and Rick Ross… all i can say is Ughhhhn!! But there is one simple answer that these mainstream artists are starting to take a back seat to the up and comers and that is because they hot!! Take a look at my top ten artist’s who you may have heard of but still aren’t considered mainstream household names yet.
***Honarable Mention***
Nut da Kidd AKA Kidd Kidd
This Young Money affiliate can be heard going in on a handful of Cash Money tracks with Weezy and Drake such as Forever & F#ck a Nigga Thoughts. Kidd Kidd spits that gritty rap that the streets feel with a strong New Orleans southern drawl. His latest tracks All on me and Back on my bullshit have the mixtape circuit begging for more. You can follow kidd kidd on twitter @Nutdakidd504
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Nut da Kidd AKA Kidd Kidd
This Young Money affiliate can be heard going in on a handful of Cash Money tracks with Weezy and Drake such as Forever & F#ck a Nigga Thoughts. Kidd Kidd spits that gritty rap that the streets feel with a strong New Orleans southern drawl. His latest tracks All on me and Back on my bullshit have the mixtape circuit begging for more. You can follow kidd kidd on twitter @Nutdakidd504
[tentblogger-youtube CLZHhqkjNYQ]
#10 Freddie Gibbs
Hailing from the birth place of the King of Pop, (Gary Indiana) there is no doubt he has what it takes to make it in today’s watered down rap climate. As his most recent mixtape title (Str8 Killa No Filla) suggests he is hear to give you that REAL. In a recent interview he said that he’s not interested in traveling the “fake lane” , “leave that to Rick Ross” and “Ive never been a king pin and wont portray myself to have been but i have sold a lot of crack”. Those excerpts should give you an idea of what you can expect outta Gangsta Gibbs. His first single National Anthem off his debut album Str8 Killa No Filla EP, is getting radio spins all across the country and the video can be viewed on major outlets such as MTV Jams. Watch out for his first major release Devils Palace and you can follow Freddie Gibbs on twitter @FREDDIEGIBBS.
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#9 Donnis
Born and raised in today’s mecca for hip hop artists Donnis is emerging in the forefront of young talented MCs popping up all over the country. Donnis started to dabble in rapping and rhyming when he was age 9 but didn’t really get serious about rapping until he was about 25. Donnis was on Active Duty in the Army stationed in Japan when he finally got the inspiration he needed to take rap seriously from friends and associates. Donnis got his big break when he linked up with DJ Masterkey who is a huge DJ in Japan. Donnis released a couple of lesser known mixtapes and opened up for artists such as Chingy and TI before finally breaking through to mainstream audiences. Donnis linked up with producers the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League to record his biggest release his breakout mixtape Diary of ATL Brave. The mixtape had a song called Gone that is a sure classic and is currently being aired on an Adidas commercial. The success of the mixtape and the single led Donnis to ink a major label deal with Atlantic Records. We’re patiently waiting for Donnis’ debut album but in the mean time you can follow him on twitter @DONNISXDONNIS
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Born and raised in today’s mecca for hip hop artists Donnis is emerging in the forefront of young talented MCs popping up all over the country. Donnis started to dabble in rapping and rhyming when he was age 9 but didn’t really get serious about rapping until he was about 25. Donnis was on Active Duty in the Army stationed in Japan when he finally got the inspiration he needed to take rap seriously from friends and associates. Donnis got his big break when he linked up with DJ Masterkey who is a huge DJ in Japan. Donnis released a couple of lesser known mixtapes and opened up for artists such as Chingy and TI before finally breaking through to mainstream audiences. Donnis linked up with producers the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League to record his biggest release his breakout mixtape Diary of ATL Brave. The mixtape had a song called Gone that is a sure classic and is currently being aired on an Adidas commercial. The success of the mixtape and the single led Donnis to ink a major label deal with Atlantic Records. We’re patiently waiting for Donnis’ debut album but in the mean time you can follow him on twitter @DONNISXDONNIS
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#8 Cory Gunz
Cory Gunz, son of the rapper Peter Gunz isn’t using his father’s name to generate fame. It’s definitely being created on the back of lyrical ability which in one word can be summed up as complex. No matter whether he is spitting in his usual spitfire flow or slowing it down for you amateur listeners the lyrics are always on point. The Bronx bred rapper was recently signed to Lil Wayne’s, Young Money label and can be heard dropping heat on Weezys latest single 6, 7. Look out for this guy to be popping up on TV screens in no time under his new Young Money Imprint. You can follow Cory on twitter @CoryGunz.
[tentblogger-youtube EhmLx]
Cory Gunz, son of the rapper Peter Gunz isn’t using his father’s name to generate fame. It’s definitely being created on the back of lyrical ability which in one word can be summed up as complex. No matter whether he is spitting in his usual spitfire flow or slowing it down for you amateur listeners the lyrics are always on point. The Bronx bred rapper was recently signed to Lil Wayne’s, Young Money label and can be heard dropping heat on Weezys latest single 6, 7. Look out for this guy to be popping up on TV screens in no time under his new Young Money Imprint. You can follow Cory on twitter @CoryGunz.
[tentblogger-youtube EhmLx]
#7 BIG K.R.I.T
If you ever find yourself missing the kind of great music that will never be heard again from the late Pimp C, our number six artist will fill that void undoubtedly. Big K.R.I.T sounds like Pimp C reincarnated with his own Mississippi style. Being the only other artist besides David Banner to make it to the big time from MS gives this rapper a special drive that a lot of artist from solidified states and cities like Atlanta and NYC just don’t have. K.R.I.T has the ability to put his whole state on the map! Big K.R.I.T which stands for King Remembered In Time is going to make a big impact on the game as his name suggests. He’s already featured on Curren$ys major label debut Pilot Talk along with Wiz Khalifa’s highly successful Kush and Orange Juice mixtape. His own digitally released debut K.R.I.T wuz here has received raving reviews and his hit single Home Town can be heard on radio stations across the country. Keep your eyes peeled for this one I have a feeling he’ll be sticking around for a while. You can check out Big KRIT on twitter @BigKrit.
If you ever find yourself missing the kind of great music that will never be heard again from the late Pimp C, our number six artist will fill that void undoubtedly. Big K.R.I.T sounds like Pimp C reincarnated with his own Mississippi style. Being the only other artist besides David Banner to make it to the big time from MS gives this rapper a special drive that a lot of artist from solidified states and cities like Atlanta and NYC just don’t have. K.R.I.T has the ability to put his whole state on the map! Big K.R.I.T which stands for King Remembered In Time is going to make a big impact on the game as his name suggests. He’s already featured on Curren$ys major label debut Pilot Talk along with Wiz Khalifa’s highly successful Kush and Orange Juice mixtape. His own digitally released debut K.R.I.T wuz here has received raving reviews and his hit single Home Town can be heard on radio stations across the country. Keep your eyes peeled for this one I have a feeling he’ll be sticking around for a while. You can check out Big KRIT on twitter @BigKrit.
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#6 Nipsey Hussle
West Side! That’s the first thing that comes to mind when I hear or even see Nipsey Hussle. He’s like Snoop Dog with a more 21st Century turfed up style that’s all his own. He is actually more like all the best elements of West Coast rap rolled into one. Nipsey speaks on the political aspects of the streets along with real Los Angeles tales from the trap. As a devout member to the Rolling Sixties Crips Nipsey has lived the life u hear on the beats. “The perspective from LA is from Snoop and Ice Cube and them,” Nipsey says. “Them dudes is grown. They did they stuff, but they out of that element now. They on some other s***. So it’s like people want to hear what’s going on in the streets [now] and that’s what I’m providing with this record.”You can check out Nipsey on his Bullets Aint Got No Name mixtape series or wait on his debut album All Money In No Money Out which is dated for a summer 2011 release. Follow Nipsey Hussle on twitter @NipseyHussle
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#5 Meek Mill
If this countdown was based on skills Meek would definitely be ranked a lil higher because his unique flow and upbeat songs are killin the streets right now. Coming straight out of the Philly streets Meek has started to pop up on mainstream radars all over the country with hit singles like I’m a Boss Ft. Rick Ross and In My bag. His FLAMERZ mixtape series have also developed a colt following two singles off Flamerz 2.5 were added to clear channels playlist which is an anomaly in today’s music biz for an underground artist. Meek says hes inspired by the death of both his parents when he was just five years old. This inspiration has led him to being signed by one of the biggest names in the game T.I in 2008. We are all currently awaiting his Grand Hustle debut album which is sure to be a FLAMER! Follow Meek on twitter @MeekMill
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[tentblogger-youtube hpWhBUsQjV4]
If this countdown was based on skills Meek would definitely be ranked a lil higher because his unique flow and upbeat songs are killin the streets right now. Coming straight out of the Philly streets Meek has started to pop up on mainstream radars all over the country with hit singles like I’m a Boss Ft. Rick Ross and In My bag. His FLAMERZ mixtape series have also developed a colt following two singles off Flamerz 2.5 were added to clear channels playlist which is an anomaly in today’s music biz for an underground artist. Meek says hes inspired by the death of both his parents when he was just five years old. This inspiration has led him to being signed by one of the biggest names in the game T.I in 2008. We are all currently awaiting his Grand Hustle debut album which is sure to be a FLAMER! Follow Meek on twitter @MeekMill
[tentblogger-youtube SGHaUiiIFXw]
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#4 VADO
Hailing from the swag capital of the world Harlem USA Vado has got New York City in an uproar as to whether he can bring the city back to the prominence it once had in the hip hop spotlight. Vado has a gritty and raw flaw that backs up his name which stands for violence and drugs only. Vado didn’t pick up a pad and start writing until about age 16 he was featured on a local TV show called mad ciphers where he began to develop a tiny buzz. Vado didn’t start to blow and gain regional and national exposure until he linked up with Camron, another rapper who like himself came from the Lenox Ave area of Harlem. Turns out Cam was looking for new solo artists to join his newly formed label the U.N and Vado was well equipped for the position. Soon after being signed Vado and Cam developed a friendship and decided to collaborate on the DJ Drama hosted Boss of All Bosses mixtape. Which was followed up the 2010 Boss of All Bosses 2, the fans devoured it! Vado came in with his own style his own slang which can actually be heard every where now. No one was saying slime or stop it 5 before Vado he gets all the credit for that. Just goes to show his voice is being heard and people love it. His two latest singles POLO and Speakin in Tongues are not only getting major airplay in NYC but all over the country. Keep an eye for his solo debut titled Slime Flu and in the mean time you can follow him on twitter @Vado_MH
[tentblogger-youtube TRnV6lCpXRQ]
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#3 Big Sean
Big Sean may be my favorite artist on list because of his cool lyrical delivery and fresh fashion sense. Coming from the house that Eminem built isn’t easy but Big Sean is adding to the fact that Detroit’s rough urban environments has the ability to churn out Grade A rappers. Big Sean is currently signed to Kanye West’s GOOD MUSIC label but definitely isn’t riding the big fish’s coat tails to success. Big Sean has released a series of mixtapes titled Finally Famous which spawned hits such as Getcha Some, Million Dollars and Supa Dupa. Big Seans flow on the track supa dupa has been used by numerous artists such as Drake, Ludacris and Nicki Minaj. An example of this method would be “Its going down, BASEMENT” or “you see swimming in the money come and find me, NEMO”. You can hear this rapping style on almost every who’s who in the hip hop industries songs. The wide use of his flow goes to show that the “Boiii” has skills. Big Seans debut album Finally Famous is supposed to be released sometime this year, I can’t wait. Stay up to date on ya boy on twitter @BigSean.
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#2 J. Cole
Who says North Carolina can’t breed successful rappers? Just ask the #2 artist on the list J Cole if that’s true or not. Born in Germany and raised in Fayetteville NC, J Cole has burst onto the hip hop scene at a sprinters pace and hasn’t slowed down for Gatorade yet. Cole graduated from high school in 2003 felt he had a better shot at getting signed in NYC decided to attend college at St. Johns University on an academic scholarship where he majored in communications. After graduating college magna cum laude in 2007 J Cole released his debut mixtape The Come Up which had a few notable singles which caught the ears of none other than New York’s own Jay-Z. Hov quickly signed the young talent and gave a feature slot on his upcoming Blue Print III release. Cole also released his own follow-up mixtape called The Warm Up and was featured on fellow label mate Wale’s debut album. Coles most recent mixtape Friday Night Lights has gotten a great reception and was produced almost entirely by Cole himself. Who says rappers can’t be highly educated? This young artist should serve as an inspiration to many young musicians that education can be a stepping stone to becoming a successful entertainer also. Keep an eye on J Cole on twitter @JColeNC
[tentblogger-youtube 6o9dXLNuXic]
#1 Wiz Khalifa
Now I’m sure you have heard of this guy which is why he’s #1 on my list. The reason you know of Mr. Khalifa is because of his hard work and dedication to his craft. Just as his name suggests; which is Arabic for successor and an abbreviation of the word wisdom, he has a unique style. In his early days he had more of a standard style of rapping this can be heard on his debut release Show and Prove (2006) and mixtapes such as Prince of the City and Flight School. Wizzle didn’t introduce his melodic flow which he is most know for today until after he left Warner Bros Records. This unique melodic style was first heard on the mixtape How Fly which he released with fellow rapper Curen$y. Wiz shot into the spotlight with this flow after the release of his highly acclaimed mixtape from November 2009 called Kush & Orange Juice. This mixtape is arguably the best mixtape of 2009 but no doubt Wiz’s best release of his career. Wiz has been doing his thing as of late and is very close to achieving a solidified spot in today’s mainstream spotlight you can see this by him performing at this years AFC championship game between his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. Follow Wiz on twitter @RealWizKhalifa.
[tentblogger-youtube PKWF]
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Hailing from the swag capital of the world Harlem USA Vado has got New York City in an uproar as to whether he can bring the city back to the prominence it once had in the hip hop spotlight. Vado has a gritty and raw flaw that backs up his name which stands for violence and drugs only. Vado didn’t pick up a pad and start writing until about age 16 he was featured on a local TV show called mad ciphers where he began to develop a tiny buzz. Vado didn’t start to blow and gain regional and national exposure until he linked up with Camron, another rapper who like himself came from the Lenox Ave area of Harlem. Turns out Cam was looking for new solo artists to join his newly formed label the U.N and Vado was well equipped for the position. Soon after being signed Vado and Cam developed a friendship and decided to collaborate on the DJ Drama hosted Boss of All Bosses mixtape. Which was followed up the 2010 Boss of All Bosses 2, the fans devoured it! Vado came in with his own style his own slang which can actually be heard every where now. No one was saying slime or stop it 5 before Vado he gets all the credit for that. Just goes to show his voice is being heard and people love it. His two latest singles POLO and Speakin in Tongues are not only getting major airplay in NYC but all over the country. Keep an eye for his solo debut titled Slime Flu and in the mean time you can follow him on twitter @Vado_MH
[tentblogger-youtube TRnV6lCpXRQ]
[tentblogger-youtube J3Sl_R5]
#3 Big Sean
Big Sean may be my favorite artist on list because of his cool lyrical delivery and fresh fashion sense. Coming from the house that Eminem built isn’t easy but Big Sean is adding to the fact that Detroit’s rough urban environments has the ability to churn out Grade A rappers. Big Sean is currently signed to Kanye West’s GOOD MUSIC label but definitely isn’t riding the big fish’s coat tails to success. Big Sean has released a series of mixtapes titled Finally Famous which spawned hits such as Getcha Some, Million Dollars and Supa Dupa. Big Seans flow on the track supa dupa has been used by numerous artists such as Drake, Ludacris and Nicki Minaj. An example of this method would be “Its going down, BASEMENT” or “you see swimming in the money come and find me, NEMO”. You can hear this rapping style on almost every who’s who in the hip hop industries songs. The wide use of his flow goes to show that the “Boiii” has skills. Big Seans debut album Finally Famous is supposed to be released sometime this year, I can’t wait. Stay up to date on ya boy on twitter @BigSean.
[tentblogger-youtube F-nnEozuxxc]
[tentblogger-youtube tWpGjI9CFs4]
#2 J. Cole
Who says North Carolina can’t breed successful rappers? Just ask the #2 artist on the list J Cole if that’s true or not. Born in Germany and raised in Fayetteville NC, J Cole has burst onto the hip hop scene at a sprinters pace and hasn’t slowed down for Gatorade yet. Cole graduated from high school in 2003 felt he had a better shot at getting signed in NYC decided to attend college at St. Johns University on an academic scholarship where he majored in communications. After graduating college magna cum laude in 2007 J Cole released his debut mixtape The Come Up which had a few notable singles which caught the ears of none other than New York’s own Jay-Z. Hov quickly signed the young talent and gave a feature slot on his upcoming Blue Print III release. Cole also released his own follow-up mixtape called The Warm Up and was featured on fellow label mate Wale’s debut album. Coles most recent mixtape Friday Night Lights has gotten a great reception and was produced almost entirely by Cole himself. Who says rappers can’t be highly educated? This young artist should serve as an inspiration to many young musicians that education can be a stepping stone to becoming a successful entertainer also. Keep an eye on J Cole on twitter @JColeNC
[tentblogger-youtube 6o9dXLNuXic]
#1 Wiz Khalifa
Now I’m sure you have heard of this guy which is why he’s #1 on my list. The reason you know of Mr. Khalifa is because of his hard work and dedication to his craft. Just as his name suggests; which is Arabic for successor and an abbreviation of the word wisdom, he has a unique style. In his early days he had more of a standard style of rapping this can be heard on his debut release Show and Prove (2006) and mixtapes such as Prince of the City and Flight School. Wizzle didn’t introduce his melodic flow which he is most know for today until after he left Warner Bros Records. This unique melodic style was first heard on the mixtape How Fly which he released with fellow rapper Curen$y. Wiz shot into the spotlight with this flow after the release of his highly acclaimed mixtape from November 2009 called Kush & Orange Juice. This mixtape is arguably the best mixtape of 2009 but no doubt Wiz’s best release of his career. Wiz has been doing his thing as of late and is very close to achieving a solidified spot in today’s mainstream spotlight you can see this by him performing at this years AFC championship game between his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. Follow Wiz on twitter @RealWizKhalifa.
[tentblogger-youtube PKWF]
[tentblogger-youtube 87AXdl3NgR0]
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