10 Emerging Artists To Watch in 2010

10 Emerging Artists To Watch in 2010

Now that 2009 is coming to an end, here are ten emerging artists who are on pace to greatly enhance their careers during the new year.  I compiled this list by looking at artists who had impressive runs in 2009 and are entering into 2010 with a great deal of buzz and anticipation around future projects.

Before we get into it, I have purposely excluded Drake from my list because it’s obvious that 2010 will be a major turning point in his career.  Having said that, it will surly be exciting to watch what the two-time Grammy nominee has in store for his debut album.

This list is split in half between artists with and without major deals.

Let’s start with the unsigned emcees.

1. Pill

The Atlanta native burst onto the scene this year with impressive, but controversial videos for both “Trap Goin’ Ham” and “Glass.”  We quickly learned that the authentic street emcee’s lyricism far exceeded what the graphic nature of the videos would lead one to believe.

Outside of his music, Pill’s grasp of hip hop culture is also worth noting.

He can be credited with starting a handful of trends affecting the rap game this year.  For example, he helped bring the phrase “Goin’ Ham,” to new levels, and started the surge of high definition hood videos we’ve been seeing.  Also, there have been a number of artists to use both the medicine theme and incorporate their address in projects released this year, after Pill successfully dropped 4180: The Prescription.

Another reason why Pill’s career has been taking off is his personality.  Check out his hilarious cooking show, where gives a shout out to Martha Stewart!

For more on Pill, check out our most recent interview and our review of 4075: The Refill, which can be downloaded here.

2. Travis Porter

This group of 19 year-old emcees, Strap, Quez, and Ali, have made a name for themselves by creating a wide range of music that gets the clubs and kids hyped.  They’re set apart from other young groups in Atlanta by their relentless work ethic and long catalog of hit tracks.

When an emerging group can put out hit after hit like Travis Porter did this year with “Black Boy, White Boy,” “Turnt Up,” “Uh Huh Part 2,” “Hell You Talmbout,” and most recently “Go Shorty Go,” it’s just a matter of time before their music gets on nationwide radio.

Their most popular song to date, “Turnt Up,” has been remade by many artists, from Lupe Fiasco to Lil Jon.  If that doesn’t speak to their influence, I don’t know what does.  Also, the club scene in Atlanta is going nuts for these guys as this video shows.

For more on Travis Porter, check out our feature article and review of their latest mixtape, Traveeeeey, which can be downloaded here.

3. Freddie Gibbs

Freddie Gibbs has the necessary experience to navigate his way to the top of the music industry, having already spent years with Interscope in an unsuccessful attempt to get his music distributed.  He’s now working without a major label backing, but has a strong team around him including the extremely influential DJ Skee.

Focusing on his music, the Gary, Indiana native uses his lyrics to vividly bring stories of his hometown’s crime infested streets to life.  This year alone, Freddie dropped what proved to be two of 2009’s best mixtapes with The Miseducation of Freddie Gibbs and Midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuisk.  He also received another powerful co-sign, this time from The New Yorker Magazine’s  Sasha Frere-Jones, who said Freddie is “the one rapper I would put money on right now.”

For more on Freddie Gibbs, check out our feature article and interview.  Download Midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuisk here.

4. Yelawolf

Yelawolf is another artist with industry experience stemming from a previous major label deal that never saw fruition.  The Alabama native’s distinct southern drawl adds to his unique sound that often meshes hip hop with classic rock.

Yelawolf is looking to start the year off right by dropping what is poised to be his best project yet in Trunk Muzik, hosted by DJ Burn One.  The project’s commercial dropped today and can be seen here.

For more on Yelawolf, check out our feature article and interview.  Download his rock-infused mixtape Stereo, here.

5. Chip Tha Ripper

Chip Tha Ripper recently received a large amount of buzz from features on Kid Cudi’s debut album, Man On The Moon: The End of Day.  Following that release, Chip put out the critically acclaimed mixtape, The Cleveland Show, and is currently pushing forward at the height of his career.

The fan base he’s been cultivating over the years with hits like “I’m Fitted,” coupled with the recent buzz and quality music, leads me to believe that 2010 will show a lot of love to Chip Tha Ripper.

Also, there is word that a collaborative album between Chip and Kid Cudi is in the works.  If that album ever sees the light of day, Chip’s career will surely benefit.

Download The Cleveland Show here.

Here are the artists with major deals:

6.  B.o.B.

B.o.B. is a diverse artist whose live shows feature as much traditional rapping as they do genre-blurring music.  With this abundance of talent and creativity, it was only a matter of time before B.o.B. was picked up by a major label.

Sadly however, the same label deal that promises to take his career to a new heights has been putting his music on pause with a series of album push-backs.  There’s hope for B.o.B. in 2010, however, as it seems that his debut will finally be released!

For more on B.o.B., check out our feature article and interview.  Download B.o.B. vs Bobby Ray here.

7. Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is more than just a rapper, she’s a winning brand and has been successfully able to build a cult following around her music and harajuku barbie lifestyle.  She’s also one of the few hip hop artists who fully understands and actively capitalizes on the advantages of social networking to strengthen her core fan base.

2010 is going to be a great year for Nicki, especially if her debut album has reflective tracks like “Autobiography.”  Her emcee skills are far superior to what she gets credit for.

The other factors working in Nicki’s favor are her sex appeal and alignment with two of hip hop’s hottest names, Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane.  It’s not easy for an emcee from New York to get as much southern love as Nicki has been receiving this past year, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to end any time soon.

For more on Nicki Minaj, check out our feature article.  Download Beam Me Up Scotty here.

8. J.Cole

J.Cole is killing the game with his impressive lyrics.  If you’re looking for an artist who puts his best effort into every verse and never seems to run out of material, look no further.  On top of releasing two solid mixtapes in The Come Up and The Warm Up, J.Cole has killed guest spots on Jay-z’s “A Star Is Born,” Wale’s “Beautiful Bliss,” and most recently, Reflection Eternal’s “Just Begun.”

As the story goes, J.Cole left Fayetteville, North Carolina for the bright lights of New York, in hopes of landing a record deal.  It wasn’t an easy trip for the young emcee, but shortly after grabbing Jay-z’s attention with his self produced “Lights Please,” J.Cole was signed to Roc Nation.

Being the first artist on Roc Nation has helped get J.Cole’s music heard, and touring alongside Jay and Wale has increased his recognition.  The real test of J.Cole’s reach will come in 2010 when his debut album drops.

For more on J.Cole, check out our feature article.  Download The Warm Up here.

9. Mike Posner

Mike Posner is a talented producer and artist who also happens to be juggling his senior year at Duke while signed to Sony.  This grasp on the college demographic and necessary work ethic that Mike has developed is every marketers dream, and will surely help push sales of his debut release scheduled for 2010.

Alongside one of his best friends and fellow Michigan native, Big Sean, Mike Posner has been performing to packed crowds around the country, which speaks to his fan’s dedication.

From what I’ve seen personally, Mike Posner’s fan base dips into a side of hip hop that most artists have trouble penetrating.  These fans enjoy the feel-good, pop-rap music and smooth hooks that Mike aims to create as he hopes to be the next Justin Timberlake of hip hop.

For more on Mike Posner, check out our feature article and interview.  Download One Foot Out The Door here.

10. Waka Flocka Flame

Waka Flocka Flame is currently going through a lot of what the other Gucci Mane protege, OJ Da Juiceman, experienced last year.  He has a smash hit under his belt with “O Let’s Do It,” and is slowly gaining the respect of listeners who may have doubted his talent.

This building buzz, coupled with Gucci Mane’s upcoming release from prison, will surely spell success for Waka Flocka if Warner decides to push his major label debut in 2010.

For more on Waka Flocka Flame, check out our review of Lebron Flocka James, which can be downloaded here.