6. Earl Sweatshirt
Free Earl!!! That's a phrase that even your moderate hip hop fan has heard in the last year. With the emergence of the L.A. collective OFWGKTA, or Odd Future for short, Earl's early works and presence has become somewhat nostalgic. Although he was shipped to boarding school at Samoa's Reef Academy, that hasn't stopped his buzz from growing. The 17 year old Golf Wang member has released the self-titled "Earl," rapped alongside all OF members, done multiple magzines, and even joined Tyler, the Creator on Jimmy Fallon! Sweatshirt's off the wall lyrics, a strong OF backing, and highly anticipated return, are going to make for a huge year for the other half of "EarlWolf." (Tyler, the Creator & Earl Sweatshirt) FLOG GNAW!
Picasso is synonymous with a renowned work of art. That's what we have here! Seattle lost Kurt Cobain and the Supersonics, but can find solace in Nacho Picasso. The heavy- tatted rapper from the Emerald city may be one of the most well-rounded artist out. His release "For The Glory" gives you everything from tats, drugs, and woman, to an entire song dedicated to comic books! ("Marvel") Songs like "Bad Guy" and "NumbNuts" give Nacho the feeling of being a likable villain, whereas "Benjamin Segal" and "Burn Bridges" simply crank and give off the vibe of a champion. Nacho has the rare ability to bridge the gap between different styles and culture simply through his content. Whether he's the bad guy or comic book lover, he's dope, and just getting started.
A comedian, actor, and rapper. In a day where one attempts to cross over into the other, sometimes it misses the mark. Not in this Case. Donald Glover put his name in a Wu-Tang name generator and comes up with Childish Gambino and the rest is history. CG speaks on real topics, has a punch line flow, is conscious, and can even sing a bit. His mixtapes "Im Just A Rapper" series and "The Great Gambino" put him on the map, but his his first major release "Camp" made him a force. "Bonfire" and "Backpackers" are just straight bangers, while "Fire Fly," "All The Shine," and "Kids" are deep lyrical journeys. Gambino also gives some melody on "Letter Home." His biggest impact on hip hop is his uncanny ability to make the "not cool"seem "very cool." He has a firm grasp on his identity in hip hop which makes his swag unique and his music have greater impact.
Born and raised in L.A., Kid Ink isn't your typical West Coast rapper. As one can tell from his name, tattoos are a integral part to his image, but his music is much more complex. Kid Ink has a slew of mixtapes, "Crash Landing," "Daydreamer," "Roll Up," and "Wheels Up." Along with a huge Facebook and Twitter following, he just released his first radio single "Time Of Your Life." Kid has worked with artist like Cory Gunz, Meek Mill, Gudda Gudda, Bei Major, 2 Chainz, and more. He integrates catchy hooks with melodies and lyrics that appeal to true hip hop heads. 2012 will for sure be the year of the Ink.
There's no question that Mod Sun is embracing the spirit of the late Jerry Garcia. He may be one of the only rappers who would be more comfortable at Woodstock rather than the 40/40 and his "herbal" influence is ever present. That's what sets him apart. Mod has taken a true hippie lifestyle and made it relevant in hip hop. Let's not forget that his pen game is incredible and flow is top tier. His mixtape "Blazed by the Bell" just simply rocks. Catchy hooks like "Chain Gang" and "Shaun White" allow for him to open up lyrically in others like "What's Your Life Like" and "Lighting In A Bottle." Mod also stays true to his roots with "Never Comin Down" and "Tye Dye Everything" with SchoolBoy Q. As Mod Sun's following gets bigger, his craft will only get better. Hell, we may even find ourselves in tye dye t-shirts.
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