More than any other genre, what makes Hip Hop so exciting is the emerging artists that seemingly come out of nowhere every year. Who would have thought a good kid from Compton, California was on the verge of flipping the industry on its head after throwing three fingers in the air? What were the odds that a Queens-bred emcee with a hankering for cuisine would simultaneously grab our affection and disk drive space? West Coast, East Coast, it doesn’t really matter as long as you got the talent and wherewithal to provide the Rap world with quality music.
While HipHopDX no loneger runs the DXnext series weekly, we still felt it was appropriate to highlight a handful of acts that have got us looking forward to 2013. One’s a bona fide throwback to the ‘90s; another is bringing a riveting style that expands Hip Hop beyond its current status. All individuals in their own right, these five artists proved to be significant players in 2012. Haven’t had a chance to give them a listen? Here’s your opportunity. These are our DXnext picks for 2013.
A$AP Ferg
When A$AP Rocky made his momentous mark last year with Live.Love.A$AP, it was also evident that he had a handful of colleagues around him that were equipped to carry the A$AP Mob flag. 2012 saw the emergence of member A$AP Ferg, who’s gruff delivery and vivid words matched well with that of Rocky’s. Sparse appearances here and there, Ferg’s official coming out party came on the mixtape Lord$ Never Worry. Visibly featured on nearly half the project, he made every one of his verses count – whether it was the lyrical thrust of “Work” or his vicious flow on “Persian Wine.” He even held his own on “Underground Killa$,” a record that pitted him alongside his A$AP Mob captain and Raekwon the Chef. While his content barometer may still be on the low side, it’s clear that A$AP Ferg will play an integral role in expanding the group’s prosperity in the very near future.
Cities Aviv
If you’re expecting Memphis emcee Cities Aviv to wax on about his Southern heritage while brandishing a Styrofoam cup of lean, then think again. In fact, if at any point you want to identify his mixtape Black Pleasure with a specific style, think again twice over. Over soundscapes that are as plush as they are ridged, Aviv weaves lyrical interjections throughout (“Simulation,” “Visions Of Us”) and does so with an off-kilter demeanor that keeps you entertained. The music likewise flows surprisingly well for a project which clocks in at under 40 minutes. Listening to his 2011 release Digital Lows, he has a knack for working within melodically-chaotic spaces, a skill that few artists could or would attempt. In that regard, look for Cities Aviv to push his creativity even further in 2013.
Capital STEEZ
This piece was written prior to the passing of Capital STEEZ on December 24, 2012. As you can read below, Capital STEEZ was a burgeoning young talent about to take over 2013. HipHopDX has decided to retain the kind words below in his memory.
At this point you can’t discuss the relevance of Joey Bada$$ without talking about his Pro Era culprit. Just as hungry on the microphone and commanding to boot, Capital STEEZ blazed a similar path of sharp lyricism over raw production, with generous shades of the ‘90s flashing throughout. Amerikkkan Korruption Reloaded wholly provides this portrait, and tracks like “Free The Robots” and “Infinity And Beyond” impressively showcases knowledge and awareness beyond what a typical 18-year-old would possess. Rarely does he ever sound short-sighted in his motives, and his energy is something that simply can’t be taught. There’s often artists who can replicate a ‘90s “sound,” but very few can incorporate the ideals of that time with today’s conditions. Capital STEEZ presents this style admirably, and it’s one that new and older fans of Hip Hop will salute going forward.
Vinny Cha$e
While relatively new to the scene, making the transition into rapping was a seamless move for Vinny Cha$e. Previously serving in the role as a videographer for the likes of Jim Jones, Juelz Santana and Skull Gang, this Harlem-native soon found he had a knack for rhyming with earlier projects Survival Of The Swag and The Plaza showing strong signs of progress. He kept his buzz flowing with Double Cup City, a collaborative effort with Soulja Boy, however it’s his latest mixtape Golden Army that thoroughly demonstrates his abilities. From the laid back ambience of “Rolling My Trees” to the bass-infused boom heard on “Biggie and Jordans,” Cha$e has a comfortable yet assertive cadence that captivates the listener. For those who are initially misguided by his name (whether it be Entourage or an affiliation with A$AP Mob), tracks like “Rep That Harlem” and “Nevermind That” ensure he’s a man of sheer New York influence and originality. Independently repping with his crew Cheer$ Club, he’ll soon be toasting to success in the New Year.
Johaz
Though Johaz has been around for some time now, he’s treated 2012 as his most productive and arguably best year of his career. Originally making a name for himself with the group Deep Rooted, the San Diegan rapper recently made the transition as a solo act releasing The Alina Marin EP earlier this year, a gracious project that focused on the opposite sex. Switching gears, his recent work with Los Angeles producer Exile has only bolstered his stature, with their collaborative mixtape Salvation (under the group name Dag Savage) showcasing Johaz’s penchant for lyricism with a more aggressive accent. Tracks like “Milk Box” and “Mic Jack” embody this style, yet Johaz was still able to balance it out with the lighthearted “Darling” and the smoothed-out “Soul Purpose.” Exile has proven before that he has an immaculate ear for talented artists within California (Blu, Fashawn), and Johaz certainly joins that lineage. That in itself should garner anticipation for their EP next year.
RELATED: The Most Important Rookies Of 2012
Chance The Rapper, Uno Hype and Haleek Maul are going to make some noise this year too.
looks like another shitty year for rap, fortunately my mixtape is dropping to save the game
YMCMB GOT BETTER YOUNG ARTIST THAN THIS WATCH OUT FOR THE WHITE BOY CASKEY
poor mans mac miller
#SHORT DAWG…he looks like “LIL WAYNE” *circa 1999…
he sounds like early LIL WAYNE mixed with KDOT =
THE NEW KING OF SWAG/POP…THUG LYFE…13/16….PFUNKY…(PURPLE RAIN STATUS)…..TR3Y DAY….2013…
ReQ Cartier, Young Roddy, Marcus Fench
no Hopsin niggas??…damn fuck this article
i second that
NONE OF THESE NIGGAZ WILL SHINE…I’M NOT EVEN HATING, BUT WHERE DO YOU SEE THE POTENTIAL???
CRAP, FUNK VOLUME ALL DAY!
Can’t be serious…#SpoofArticle
Word, Chance the Rapper will definitely have a big year and Nkozi will be big this year too.
Is this the same Chance, who uses Shadowville Prod.’s beats often?
If so, very dope rapper!
No, not the same dude obviously..
lol, what a fucking joke. fuck hhdx and their underground bullshit
1. Kendrick looking for a 3 peat, 2. Kanye Cruel Winter and solo project 3. Game signed to YMCMB, will he become trash or not?
‘become’ trash? Too late for that
BH..period….
SHORT DAWG….GOT NEXT SWAG!….*smile
hopefully…
WORDSWORTH…Underground HOP…
PILL is THE NEW KING OF THE SOUF..from OKAY DENN TO SHIRT OFF 2013..
NIPSEY HU$$LE…..best SNOOP LION AWARD 2013…
J BUDDEN AND J COLE…
KEEF made SWAG HISTORY..to be 17 years old..and a #2 RAP ALBUM
DON’T LIKE was used by KANYE WEST & ROZAY!….
A$AP ROCKY….THE ANTI-SWAG SUPERSTAR…
MAC MALL….PAUL WALL AWARD 2013
V-NASTY…..THE WANNA BE MADONNA AWARD/ICE ICE BABY “white female” RAPPER…*smile
MEEK MILL…..THE old skool..50CENT AWARD
BIG SEAN..FINALLY FAMOUS/HIS MIXTAPE 2013
and many many more….
2013….PURE HIP HOP MAKES A COMEBACK
THE DIVORCE FROM “the mainstream”…..THE ABORTION OF “HYBRID” STREET NIGGAZ AND WIGZ TOO..*smile!….TR3Y DAWG….999
buncha nobodys here they aint goin nowhere i know 20 other artist who can blow up faster than these losers
I think Zak Downtown should be on this list. Dude from NYC is on the come up.
Earl Sweatshirt is taking over 2013!! Also, Funk Volume!! I believe this will be the year for dope wordplay and originality to return to the mainstream..
HHDX putting Capital Steez on this list is like a slap in the face of this nigga’s family.
No it’s not. It’s saying that if he was still alive, they would predict him taking over in 2013. How is that a slap in the face?
“HipHopDX has decided to retain the kind words below in his memory.”
how is that a slap in the face to his family you moron
If all these niggas died today no one would even give a fuck.
I’m looking forward to hearing more from Broadway Hemmingway and Donte. Talented mc’s on the come up.
What the fuck you guys are smoking on?
Bullshit shit, AGAIN.
Only 5 niggas? Shortass list. O well I can see Ferg makin’ moves cause that nigga just straight nice. Did his thing on the Mob mixtape.
Only other one i fck with on this list is Capital STEEZ. Or would have, R.I.P. to him 4real.
All of these dudes are trash, especially A$AP Ferg
NO Frand D???? Blasphemy!!! http://hostilenatives.bandcamp.com/album/knurd
*Frank D
never heard of him
I’m about to put ya’ll on to a new white boy name Deathwish. His shit is crazy yo.
No thanks.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Deathwish/185895454772629?ref=hl
One name that should definitely be on here is Oddisee
Replace A$ap Ferg with earl. Ferg is wack. How is Work a lyrical song? HHDX is tripping for that one. R.I.P Steez.
Where’s Jay Electronica?????
exactly, which is why hes not on this list.
This list is some liquid poop haters! Do you know who this is? That’s right, it’s the B.O.Y.D. son and im back and there is not one fucking thing you fake ass haters can do about it! Wanna step to this motherfuckers? Don’t even try because im the B.O.Y.D. and and im back and there is nothing you can do about it! I will slap the taste out of your fucking mouth if you try to step to this because im the B.O.Y.D. and I run this shit around here haters! Think im joking? Try me motherfuckers! You don’t want none of this because im the B.O.Y.D and im back for good this time. You all wish you could live one day in my shoes because im the B.O.Y.D and there is nothing you can do about it! PM if you got beef because im the B.O.Y.D. and im back! I handle all my shit like a man unlike all you motherfucking haters in this joint. None of you haters will PM me though because you know this is the B.O.Y.D. and im back and there is not one motherfucking thing any of you haters can do about it! Step to this, I dare you! Remember the name, B.O.Y.D. haters!
“liquid poop” stopped reading at that point.
U krazie lune. U B da 1 dat iz lickwid shitz sun. Youz jus uh str8 hata boi. Trill fa realz.
yay….. more shitty tunes for 2013!!! rap has really turned Crap like my old man used to say…. fuckin garbage
Nah you’re just corny.
no Bow Wow?
Looks like it’s time for 2014 already
Yall Mutherfuckers forgot Nickolas Daugse? This foo shits on These east coast cats. Newmixtape outright now fuck with it. WinnerCircleBitches
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOIjWIHyrCE
mixtapedownload Here: http://www.mediafire.com/?ktwwh6xxpz9r70y
“KEEF made SWAG HISTORY..to be 17 years old..and a #2 RAP ALBUM”
What an amazing accomplishment.
Word
Real talk
Cities is tittes, bang that Digital Lows
pito pito
I like several artist from different genres and different levels of content and styles, but this shit right here bumps. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPneT7dhq3Q
OH GOD. Does that mean the south will continue to dominate hip hop. Just look at these clowns with there silly names. Fuck the south with there dumb down lyrics.
The only southern rapper on this list is Cities Aviv. U are a fucking idiot. Clown.
agree with asap ferg but where is joey badass?!
joey should be here, but maybe he dont have a major album planned. i dont know, but some of these people on the list look like crack heads so i doubt they belong. most of the ridiculous looking rappers like lil wayne suck. so based off looks they look like garbage. i didnt listen to joey badda$$ before recently because the name along made me think he was junk.
joey bada$$ was on here last year yo
what about CuSSaLoT?
what about eminem??? smh
eminem – rebirth coming 2013
eminem reborn into his pure form
I highly doubt anyone will be “watching out” for those guys
Capital STEEZ
Asap Ferg has an annoying voice…He’s not going to blow.
Hmm. Why Lil’ Wayne got famous (can’t stand HER voice at all) then?
She should get her voice fixed to sound like a man should like!
9 out of 10 these rap niggas aint real.. I MEAN; NAS IS A QUEER, GAME WAS A STRIPPER, 2pac was a ballerina, 50 is a snitch.. what happened to hip hop, now every1 inside is fakeee!!!! IM THE ONLY REAL ONE WHO STILL ON TOP!!!
BAWSE!!
u a dumb ass ross a fat ass correction officer Nas will always be better then dat hoe ass nucca dummy!
Why is everything ASAP……….
Asher Roth. Brotha Lynch Hung. Yelawolf. Hopsin. Eminem.
Brotha Lynch Hung. Yelawolf. Hopsin. Eminem. DZK (if he starts to make more than one or two songs in 3 years..).
Funk Volume. War Lab.
NO WHITE RAPPER?
eminem album in july/ august id say
Looking forward to Ghostface’s album with Adrian Younge
fuck gay-z
This list sucks. Wheres Raekwon? He has an EP and an LP coming out this year. This is just a list based off the popularity of the artist based off of 18 year old girls using their parents credit cards to buy gay albums off of itunes.
im pretty sure this is about new and up coming talent
not dudes who been in the game 20 years strong and have a new project coming out
yall fucked up what about DANNY BROWN?? new album dropping this year. SMH YALL LOST TOUCH.
huh, danny brown has to have one of the most annoying voices ive ever heard.
Fuck this what about chiddy bang and you fucks never write about apathy he’s a beast
#CasketBoyMusic
#JadeGang
#MajorMadness
would have loved to see Chill Moody on this list
mp3skull
Steez is way above all of these guys, he was beyond his time #47shit RIP
chance & danny brown.