It can be impressive what one can do in a year, and 2010 allowed for a whole new batch of young and creative minds to open up new doors for themselves that perhaps were thought previously impossible. Sometimes it doesn't take much for an emerging artist to get almost instant and widespread recognition - a video going viral, an endorsement from a well-established someone, or a mixtape that opens minds by pushing new limits - we saw such scenarious play out in the previous year, what's in store for this one?Below are previously-featured VTT artists that we believe are next on deck to take a big step in 2011 - guys who've built up a decent cult following in 2010, and are poised to make moves in the new year. We're not talking some XXL Freshman stuff here - though we may hope that someone out of this list could be this year's J Cole, Wiz Khalifa, or Big Sean - our list are guys that are going to see their fanbase expand in 2011 with multiple mixtape releases and regional tours, and hopefully make their first million in 2012.
Check out the top ten and bump the playlist, and be sure to let us know who you think should have been left out, and who might have deserved a spot.
1. Rockie Fresh: the young MC outta Chicago has all the makings to be something big
2. All Out: sporting a sound that could appeal to millions, this MA duo's got the goods
3. e-dubble: the Baltimore do-it-all combines intelligence and humor with a crazy skill set
4. OnCue: you could say the name is fitting, but expect to see a whole lotta Cuey this year
5. Gilbere Forte: dude outta Philly's been workin', his Eyes Of Veritas mixtape could be big
6. Stalley: look for this dude to up his status big time with the Lincoln Heights mixtape
7. Henderin: Detour droppin' on the 30th is going to open serious eyes, this kid's got it all
8. Loggy: rocks West Coast vibes with catchy sounds to a hungry fanbase, what else is needed?
9. Young Prince: the kid was almost unheard of a month ago, imagine what a year could bring
10. Zooniversity: "Bucky" hit it big in Wisconsin, but this duo has the ability to take 'em far
Following is the "Next On Deck" playlist featuring one track from each artist, bump the stream and get at the links above for more on each...
10 comments:
ONE ARTIST YOU COMPLETELY FORGOT: XV
Rockie Fresh has great beats but flow is too damn slow and not appealing enough mainstream but he's got lots of potential.
All Out is the next 3OH!3.
e-dubble is dope but even with his growing loyal fan base, can that propel him to mainstream?
OnCue is a great call, he's got more mainstream appeal than atmosphere.
Gilbere Forte has the right people behind him to become something special.
Stalley sucks.
Hendersin is ok, but has a ways to go and jury is still out on if he's a good rapper or not with not the most material out to judge him.
Loggy is an artist that will never gain mainstream success but will have a loyal following of friends/family/fans and play small venues to decent crowds.
Young Prince has GREAT production but TERRIBLE rapping.
Zooniversity is on this list because they are one of your affiliated artists and they stink.
Good effort, potentially 3 artists (Rockie Fresh, OnCue and Gilbere Forte) on XXL Freshman 2011.
Other artists to consider: Triple J, Sonny Shotz, Hoodie Allen, CyHi Da Prince, Timeflies, Eddy B & Tim Gunter, Tayyib Ali, OCD: Moosh & Twist and XV
zach, you are a hater. go find something better to do with your time.
Young Prince is the TRUTH!!! his mixtape is out of this world. got a show with j. cole and mac miller this spring be on the lookout!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neu6gdP-Dok
download the mixtape: http://www.datpiff.com/Young_Prince_War.m187359.html
Wow, really? Kind of a weak list. A: You completely forgot about Fortune Family. "Take Me Away" is so dope. Their new EP is going to be crazy apparently. Loggy, Zooniversity, and Young Prince shouldn't even be on there.
fellas, all this input is greatly appreciated, thanks a mill for throwin out ya thoughts...Zach, all very good points, my man, we are very well aware of all those other cats you mentioned, here's what I think...
I saw our list as being composed of dudes who are still far under the mainstream radar, but individuals who easily have the potential with a stroke of good luck or one right release to make it to a whole different level. Fellas like XV and Cyhi da Prince, they're already there - headlining shows, doing tracks with platinum artists, what have you....not applicable to this list.
Sonny Shotz is an interesting case, he's a dope lyricist and put out a lot of great material in 2010 with The Dean's List, but he's still struggling to figure out his identity as an artist. Does he stay loyal to The List and try to take them to max potential? Or does he acknowledge his personal star power and embrace it? Time will tell, but I haven't seen enough out of him to put him up here.
I'd Put Ali, OCD, and Triple J in the same boat - all unbelievable talents, all of which we enjoy featuring on the reg, and gave made love to in our "Nicest Under 18" list. OCD could be absolutely HUGE, Ali's got a bright future as well, and J slaughters tracks, but due to their youth and green-nature, we couldn't throw 'em into this mix.
Timeflies & Eddy + Tim I'd characterize together as well - both cross-genre talents that just now are starting to pick up some serious steam. They both have some big pop-potential and will likely make solid moves in 2011, but haven't made the rep yet that these other individuals have.
And Hoodie Allen, he's friggin sick, and in my opinion is currently holding it down somewhere between a XXL Freshman spot and #1 on this list. Pep Rally was likely one of the best mixtapes of the year, and since then he's been building up his fanbase through solid touring before releasing new content (just released a new track tonight "Dreams Up" check it out, it's awesome)...
As for your opinions of the guys on our list, a lotta good points, others are pretty subjective. They're there because we've heard enough out of them for us to believe they deserve it, and believe good things will be coming in the new year.
Additionally, I'll share with you a couple others I think could have easily slipped their way in that I had trouble leaving out - Huey Mack, D-Why, Aziz, & Brenton Duvall...but hey, what can ya do...
Thanks a ton for all the input though, please hit us back if you wanna continue the banter!
@Anonymous, Fortune Fam's tight, we've featured 'em before and our team's met with 'em as well, they're great dudes..."Apparently" is the key word in your comment though, haven't seen enough yet, but we're hopin' for big things as also...
Kinetics and One Love? Where they at?
Next time you guys should set some more guidelines like unsigned artists only or have yet to release anything on iTunes.
Also I think your list messed up a little by going with some of your affiliated artists (Stalley, Loggy, Zooniversity). They can easily be replaced with OCD: Moosh & Twist, Tayyib Ali and Aziz. I agree with you on Triple J and Sonny Shotz since they also are in alternative hip-hop bands (Sonny in Dean's List, Triple J in Band Eclypse) and you don't quite know if they will stick with them or take off on their own.
Couple people mentioned Fortune Family, which is really good but at best I think they will be great underground rappers.
I got mad respect for VTT, keep up the good work!
Zach, good looks on the advice towards additional guidlines. I wanted to set this one up as being intentionally vague, so as to allow for flexibility and greater debate, but some more specifics would definitlely help.
Thanks a ton for the support though, and for all the comments, it goes a long way, and believe me, we love it, and we'll stay grinding...happy listening!
@IamHipHop, thanks for the comment...good point on Kinetics, they should definitely be in this discussion. Those dudes are crazy talented and we're big on 'em, and they'll definitely be showing up this year, hopefully bigger than last.
Check out their latest track "Cinderella Man" that we just posted a minute ago, it's crazy good...
http://www.the-weeknd.com/
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