It’s that time again – my 3rd annual “Artists To Watch” list. I debated about not doing it this year with the previous (lack of?) success of the first two lists (Artists To Watch ’10-’11 & Artists To Watch ’09-’10). Like in prior years, an artist can’t be on one of my past lists to qualify this time. I had to split this year into two parts: Part 1 & Part 2.
One quick clarification: this isn’t a “Freshman” list because, honestly, I’m not sure what that means. This list is comprised of new(er) artists that I’ll be keeping my eye on over the next few years… and you should too! I’ve included 1 video, 1 mixtape and 3 of my top tracks for each. In no particular order:
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Young L
The most talented artist from The Pack – no, not Lil B. His beats are some of the best out there. Plus dude has the sickest chains – see video below.
Video
Mixtape
Young L – DOMO-KUN mixtape
Tracks
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Bei Maejor
Bei Maejor is already a well-established producer working with artists like Trey Songz, Soulja Boy and Keri Hilson. His solo work is something to check out as well.
Video
Mixtape
Bei Maejor – Upside Down 2 mixtape
Tracks
Bei Maejor – Translation (Alien Music) mp3
Bei Maejor feat. Big Shan – PaperBoy mp3
Bei Maejor – Sing A Lil Song mp3
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Mac Miller
Born in Pittsburgh and signed to Rostrum Records, Mac Miller is closely following one of the hottest rappers in the game: Wiz Khalifa. That’s about where their similarities stop though.
Video
Mixtape
Mac Miller – K.I.D.S. mixtape
Tracks
Mac Miller – Nikes On My Feet mp3
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Chiddy Bang
Consisting of rapper Chiddy and producer Xaphoon Jones, Chiddy Bang consistently makes some of my favorite music. I could listen to every Chiddy track in my library without skipping. Oh, and Chiddy Bang > Shwayze.
Video
Mixtape
Chiddy Bang – The Swelly Express mixtape
Tracks
Chiddy Bang feat. Train – Baby Roulette mp3
Chiddy Bang – Young Blood (remix) mp3
Chiddy Bang feat. Q-Tip – Here We Go mp3
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Shawn Chrystopher
Hailing from Inglewood, Shawn Chrystopher is definitely a Freshman to watch out for – he is repping Honour ROLE Music.
Video
Mixtape
Shawn Chrystopher – You, And Only You mixtape
Tracks
Shawn Chrystopher feat. Foster For the People – All the Other Kids mp3
Shawn Chrystopher feat. GLC – I’m GOOD mp3
Shawn Chrystopher – The Hangover mp3
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Tyler the Creator
Recently exploding onto the scene, Tyler already has the music video of the year according to Kanye West – and we all know how passionate Kanye is about videos.
Video
Mixtape
Tyler the Creator – Bastard mixtape
Tracks
Tyler the Creator feat. Jasper & Taco – Tina mp3
Tyler the Creator & Hodgy Beats- Sandwitches mp3
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Ayye Mac Miller. the Donald Trump video was sick
yeah man – so tight. plus i dance exactly like 2:44