Rawroots Top Undergrounds Artists of 2011
So, me and Dukie picked a few of our favourites artists of 2011. There were so many. Too many to list them all and we just didn’t want to focus on the mega ones. I hope there are at least a couple names on the list you may be unfamiliar with. But the following definitely represented in 2011 (don’t forget to check out the honourable mentions at the bottom).
******Jean Grae
Jean Grae has came a long way since jumping on the scene in 1996 . She was first known to fans by the name WHAT WHAT. She has been called one of the last true MCs left. After almost 4 years away form the mic ,2011 she killed the mixtape world with “Cookies Or Comas” causing the world to line up in anticipation of her next project entitled “Cake Or Death” due out in the first quarter of 2012.
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*****Shystie
After a few quiet years, Shystie is back. I’m glad. Out of the many UK female emcees we have – Shystie has always been one of my favourites. She has always kept it real. Real gritty. Real sincere and real lyrical. For some reason, the mainstream hasn’t embraced Shystie’s musical offerings as much as they have her acting abilities but this looks set to change. If we can put Kreayshawn on rotation the way we have been – SURELY we can give Shystie the shine she deserves? She has earned it.
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******REKS
Known for his rugged east coast lyricism REKS , which stands for RHYTHMATIC ETERNAL KING SUPREME, is far from being a new kid on the block. His first project “Along Came The Chosen” was released almost ten years ago. With the help of his label – Showoff – and great producers like Statik Selektah , Dj Premiere and Pete Rock, Reks has continued the raw energy needed to be one of the greats.
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***** Schoolboy Q
We really didn’t want to do too many repeats from yesterdays list. Schoolboy Q was one of them so I will not harp on too much. He def did his thing this year. Look out for him. He’s about to blow!
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******The Doppelgangaz
Hailing from New York, The Doppelgangaz set every track they touched in 2011 abaze. Living as they call it the “Black Cloaks Lifestyle” – passed down by the “Rap Lords” their music pulls you out of the traffic of the same old same found in mainstream at the time. Their destinct sound is refreshing on their album “Lone Sharks” which is available on iTunes. Not only do The Dopplegangaz pen all their own stuff, they produce it all too and the instrumentals are not to be sniffed at. Pure musical genius.
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******Kendrick Lamar
It is not suprising that Kendrick lamar has quickly became Comptons new most wanted in the hip hop game. One of the most lyrical moments of 2011 can be found on the tongue twisting track “Rigamortis”. With truthful lyrics touching on problems of the inner city and fallacies of today youth, Kendrick Lamar has many of hip hops best artist sending waves of accolades and dying to get a feature spot. With the impressive tracks laced with bars from the likes of J.Cole , Kendrick Lamar’s day digging out the underground will soon end. He is sure to be found among the Drakes and Lil Waynes of the mainstream. We hope he doesn’t forget to look back every now and again though.
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***** Adrift Da Belle
The Dungeon Family femcee made waves when she dropped her newest EP “DNA” (Drugs N Adrift) over the summer. The project was a tribute to the east coast, where Adrift was born and raised and paid homage to the original boom bap hip hop. As well as dropping the visuals for track “More” fresh off the DNA EP, Adrift has been busy in the studio preparing to drop lyrical bombs over 2012. With Adrift, always expect the unexpected
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*****Ruinz Ason
One of the UK’s hottest right now. Not as well known as some of our more controversial emcees – but he’s definitely proven he has what it takes to run with the big boys. You should check out a couple of his YouTube freestyles. You’ll see what I mean. Also cop “Champions Breakfast” on iTunes which is available now. I just hope that when he does crossover – he doesn’t become super Americanized like Tinie Tempah did. Let’s keep it UK!
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*****A$AP Rocky
Deliberated over this one. Is he underground? Yes. One the cusp of breaking through but A$AP has not yet reached a quarter of the people who will undoubtedly know his name this coming year. Harlemite A$AP clearly demonstrates affinity for southern hip hop through his own music as very few of his tracks scream east coast to me. I did that. Despite being constantly compared to Odd Future – A$AP does not lack originality. LiveLoveA$AP was one of the hottest mixtapes of 2012. I look forward to hearing the debut studio album when it eventually drops. Until then – Imma keep the mixtape on repeat. It just doesn’t get old for me.
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*****Torae
I was at the Torae listening party last year October during the A3C festival in ATL. “For The Record” is a dope album. He is a name you will be seeing and hearing a lot in the future from Torae, but for his first project of this scale – he deserves a mention. Some real hip hop coming our way courtesy of Torae.
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*****Odd Future
Like marmite. You love ‘em or you hate ‘em. I love ‘em. They are edgy – sometimes they do cross that boundary of what the majority might find acceptable but I respect what they do as artists. Lead by Tyler The Creator – OFWGKTA are always guaranteed to pull something unique out of the bag. And after shunning some pretty lucrative offers from some major labels – and choosing to remain relatively independent – they deserve to be on this list if only out of respect for ‘keepin’ it real’. Many others dropped them drawers at the first sign of a fat check. Probs to them!
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