The word Hip-Hop, while appealing to a certain musical range, seems to describe a 'cultural phenomenon' encompassing the fashion, graffiti, and break dancing oriented lifestyle. Urban Dictionary's definition mentions a notable quote by KRS ONE saying, "Rap is something you do, hip-hop is something you live."
Being a fan of rhythm, I can appreciate music of all genres and If I am being entirely honest, I would exclude pop country from that statement. With a respectable range of exposed musical options, I really just enjoy a dope beat. Now take that beat and you add some mad flow, it's a combination I can really appreciate. It's annunciation and analytics at its finest; rap is my favorite type of poetry.
With there being a lot of rising talent it can be difficult to find new artists you like. I'd like to touch on a few just to give you a little information and a haiku.
1. Logic
Pushing the limits
And ripping the beat apart
He's Young Sinatra
Hailing from Gaithersburg, Maryland, Sir Robert Bryson Hall II is an American hip-hop artist known by his stage name Logic. Riddled with talent, charm and intellect, this artist is one of incendiary flows with undertones and vocabulary eluding to his heavy Frank Sinatra influence.
Song suggestion: Logic - "Lord Willin'" from the album The Incredible True Story
2. Childish Gambino
Versatility
An actor, writer, comic
With a pseudonym
Commonly known as Donald Glover, an American writer, comedian, actor, director and musician. Generally only going by Childish Gambino as a recording artist, he was born in California but was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. From releasing self-produced albums to writing and starring in his own series Atlanta, Childish Gambino is a man of many talents.
Song suggestion: Childish Gambino - "Freaks and Geeks" from the album Camp
3. Flatbush ZOMBiES
Rappers from Brooklyn
Unsigned and independent
Beware your ego
With origins in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, this American hip-hop group was officially formed in 2010. Consisting of the members Meechy Darko, Zombie Juice and Erick Arc Elliot, the latter member also acts as their normal record producer. Recently debuting their new studio album, 3001: A Laced Odyssey, the trio is also part of an East Coast hip hop movement known as Beast Coast, which also encompasses Pro Era and The Underachievers.
Song suggestion: Flatbush Zombies - "Thug Waffle" from the mixtape D.R.U.G.S
4. Action Bronson
Broke his leg chef-ing
Became a rapper instead
Raps about dank food
A former respected gourmet chef, Action Bronson was born in Queens, New York. Making music was just a hobby for Action until he broke his leg in the kitchen and started to put more focus into his music. Now Bronson is signed to VICE Music and hosts shows like F*uck That's Delicious and Traveling The Stars: Ancient Aliens With Action Bronson, which are both worth a watch.
Song suggestion: Action Bronson - "A Light In The Addict" from the album Mr. Wonderful
5. Chance The Rapper
Activist rapper
Changing the game with Kanye
And Coloring Book
Coming from the West Chatham area of Chicago, Illinois, Chance The Rapper, or sometimes Chano, is a young American hip-hop artist. After the release of his second mix-tape Acid Rap, Chance gained noticeably more recognition. In April of 2016, Chance met with President Obama alongside artists like J. Cole, and Busta Rhymes to discuss My Brother's Keeper Challenge, promoting racial justice in lives of young men of color by civic leaders.
Song suggestion: Chance The Rapper - "Cocoa Butter Kisses" from the album Acid Rap
6. A$AP Rocky
Young Entrepreneur
Loves to rap about some girl
Her name is Lucy
A noted record producer acting under the pseudonym Lord Flacko, A$AP Rocky is a member of the hip-hop group A$AP Mob. Rocky is an American rapper, actor, director and record producer from the neighborhood of Harlem in New York. He started rapping at the age of eight, and by 13 was inspired to take his music more seriously after the death of his brother and father. Rocky joined the A$AP Mob collective in 2007, a crew consisting of rappers, producers, designers, directors and bikers who shared similar interest in a range of arts.
Song suggestion: A$AP Rocky - "Wavybone" from the album At. Long. Last.
7. Michael Christmas
Loves him some new kicks
He thinks he's Michael Cera
Like in Superbad
Born and raised in Boston, Michael Christmas is an American rapper and comedian. Michael's awkward and quirky appeal is part of a persona that many can relate with. Once his anthem "Michael Cera" was released he started to receive national attention.
Song suggestion: Michael Christmas - "Grab Her Hand ft. Mac Miller" from the album What A Weird Day
8. Lil Dicky
Made Save Dat Money
And had everyone rollin'
The stand-up rapper
Lil Dicky is an American rapper and comedian who grew up in an upper middle class Jewish family in Philadelphia. Ironically, Lil Dicky initiated his rap career trying to get comedic attention. Releasing the music video for his song "Ex-Boyfriend" helped Dicky go viral basically overnight. He launched a Kickstarter soon after to help fund the next phase in his rap career, needing money for production and touring.
Song suggestion: Lil Dicky - "Lemme Freak" from the album Professional Rapper
9. Joey Bada$$
Before the money
Mixtapes and music labels
There was Pro Era
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, better known as Joey Bada$$, is an American hip-hop artist and actor. A founding member of the hip-hop group Pro Era (or Progressive Era). Preforming under the name JayOhVee originally, Joey Bada$$ assumed his new stage name before the Pro Era crew signed to Cinematic Music label in 2012.
Song suggestion: Joey Bada$$ - "Paper Trail$" from the album B4.DA.$$
10. Kendrick Lamar
Pimpin' butterflies
Falling from the city skies
Opening our eyes.
A Grammy-nominated American rapper and songwriter, Kendrick Lamar was born in Compton, California. Selling Platinum albums as a solo artist, Kendrick is also part of the west coast hip-hop group Black Hippy, alongside other Top Dawg Entertainment members Jay Rock, Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q. Ranging from topics like street violence and racial inequality to self-love and respect, Kendrick Lamar is an internationally acclaimed name of our generation.
Song suggestion: Kendrick Lamar - "Alright" from the album To Pimp A Butterfly
