Rookies of the Year: Break-Out Stars of Rap’s Freshman Class by Big Rob E
It seems for a minute now, I’ve heard peers around my age tell me how “Rap doesn’t have anybody good anymore,” ‘cept for the veterans we grew up loving. Though ish’ ain’t never gonna be like it was once upon a time ago, I do see some of these new cats doing they thing.
Drake has had the big buzz for some time now. Even Ma$e jumped on his song to announce his back-to-back comeback. Hopefully, he’ll be able to come with that album that’ll justify his hype.
I’m diggin’ this West Coast run that Cali’s own Jay Rock is on, reppin’ his projects to the fullest. There’s an authenticity he brings that’s real refreshing compare to folks now-a-days. I was late on B.O.B., aka Bobby Ray, aka B.O.B. again, but I’ll tell ya he’s pretty good. I was hating at first, but after giving a mixtape or two the time of day, he’s somebody that can hold his own—reminds me of homeboy from Field Mob (what’s goin’ with them, they was nice wit it?).
Asher Roth is another one that can do his thug thizzle (minus the thug part). I don’t like everything he’s got, but the ones I do are just fire and you know he’s not going to give you the stereotypical rap song, which I’m all about.
Kid Cudi: I’m still on the fence about him but I’m sure he’s goin’ to produce that joint that wins me over one of these days or nights.
Another cat I still consider on the new, Joell Ortiz, is just undeniable. Not only is he with this sick squad known as SlaughterHouse, but for those of you who miss the old days and want to hear something new, Mr. Ortiz’s mixtape Covering the Classics is something you cannot allow yourself to sleep on. He does justice to old skool hits in a way that lets you know that he was right there with us, going through the same experiences.
