Every year since ’09, XXL puts together a list of
who they believe are going to be the hottest artists (specifically rappers with
one or two exceptions) in the coming years, so far they got it right with the
likes of Lupe Fiasco, Wale, Kid Cudi, Asher Roth, Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore
and more. Some of the people they also predicted to be big turned down
appearing on their covers like A$AP Rocky and most notably both Nicki Minaj and
Drake… and me *coughs*.
This
year promises to be even bigger as every year tends to, but before they call
out their list, I’ma make a prediction about the 10 who are going to make it
(some aren’t actually going to make it due to geography as you’ll find out), so
here goes:
Isaiah
Rashad: This is the one name I actually expect to see
without hesitation! Isaiah Rashad is TDE’s new signee and the one who probably sounds
close to Kendrick in terms of flow & style. Rashad recently dropped his EP Cilvia Demo proving that TDE hasn’t
changed despite their marquee artist’s (Kendrick, of course) Grammy nomination,
they’re still an artist-first label, allowing Rashad to explore his demons
rather than go for commercial appeal. The outcome is my favourite record of the
year so far, probably till I’m done listening to fellow TDE label-mate
Schoolboy Q’s mainstream debut.
Sage
the Gemini: With no record deal, Sage already has two
songs on the charts and not like somewhere in the obscure 100, but in the top
40. That “Red-nose” song is a banger!
Rich
Homie Quan: Mr. Type of Way has been having things
his way since he dropped his breakout single last year and has been featured on
one or two other big hits currently on your radio right now.
Chance
The Rapper: Another one I expect to see in the
class. Chance got “lucky” last year. He put out a mixtape called Acid Rap, probably thinking nothing
would happen till someone uploaded it onto itunes
and next thing you know his mixtape is on the billboard charts making almost
everyone’s end of year list last year. Not bad for a mixtape.
Migos:
The Atlanta trio had everyone repeatedly saying, “Versace” like it was a new
word we were learning to pronounce. Hey, if Trinidad James made the list last
year, there’s room for more ratchet-y lyrics! I’m just saying!
Lord Vino
Lord
Vino: So XXL may not know who Vino is and considering
that they only pick rappers stateside, I’m going to say if they had an
international list, I’d nominate Vino to be in there. His mixtape 234 The Mixtape is one of the most
interesting to come out of Naija recently.
Poe:
Keeping things Naija-side, Poe from the SDC family has been in line waiting.
Only time will tell if 2014 will be his breakout year!
BoogeyThat:
His skills aside, (check out his scene-stealing verse on M.I’s Ridiculous and equal attempt on Vino’s Mathematics), Boogey has an authenticity
to his music (read: labels are going to have a headache trying to sell him to a
commercial market that is high off Ice Prince music).
Selzin:
I don’t know who Selzin is; my only exposure to him is on Lord Vino’s mixtape
as a featured artist on “Suicide”. I’m putting him here off of just one verse.
Hey, that’s how AZ got signed in the 90s; just off one verse on Nas’ Life’s A
Bitch.
Ty
Dollar $ign: XXL hasn’t always picked rappers for
their Freshmen cover, as a matter of fact Kirko Bangz became the exception when
he was put on last year’s cover as the first and only non-rapper to make the
class (although he does rap, quiet good too). This year, my money is on Ty
Dollar $ign to make the list. Described as a rapper who sings (think T-Pain),
Dollar $ign already has the charts with his hit Paranoid ft. B.O.B.
D.J Mustard: XXL has never featured a producer on their Freshmen class, but if there’s going to be a wildcard this year it should be Mustard, the man who claims to make ratchet music and you know you like some of them. I could make a list, but I ain’t got time My Hitta!
