Black Music Month: Rookie Class
Black Muisc Month: Rookie Class
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The Rookie Class - The last few years have brought us a crop of new hip-hop stars. BET.com dissects this year's heavy-hitting rookie class. Check them out.
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Nicki Minaj - The official first lady of the Young Money camp, Nicki Minaj has already secured her spot as one of the stand-out rookies of 2010. Four mixtapes and a slew of guest features later, Ms. Minaj has what it takes to be the leader of the new school.
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Roscoe Dash - Commencing his hip-hop journey at the age of 12, this ATL native released his first solo mixtape in 2007 titled “My Turn.” Years later, Dash arrived on the scene with the high-energy, Soulja Boy-assisted cut, “All The Way Turnt Up.” Now, Roscoe is prepping the release of his solo debut, “Ready, Set Go” via Interscope Records.
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J. Cole - Whether hip-hop needed a breath of fresh air or a new Southern representative, J. Cole delivers both. Hailing from North Carolina, Cole’s lyrical journeys range from his lust for women to living out his dream in NYC, and his “The Warm-Up” mixtape details those notions perfectly. And it doesn't hurt that Jay-Z hand-picked the St. John’s alum to spearhead his Roc Nation imprint.
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The Cool Kids - Joining forces in 2005 because of a MySpace connection, Mikey Rocks & Chuck Inglish deemed themselves “the new Black version of the Beastie Boys.” With four underground mixtapes and one more on the horizon ("The Tacklebox”), Mikey & Chuck are moving to the beat of their own kick drum. Just ask Lil' Wayne, Bun B, Twista and Styles P how cool these kids are.
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Jay Rock - Featured on XXL’s annual Top 10 freshmen cover, Jay Rock may be California’s next leading man. After releasing nine mixtapes within a three-year span, Warner Brothers snatched the Watts soldier without hesitation. His first mainstream offering, “All My Life,” which featured Lil' Wayne and will.i.am, ignited the attention of many. Let’s see what he does with it.
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Donnis - This army brat knows the true meaning of discipline. After releasing his critically acclaimed mixtape, “Diary of an ATL Brave," Donnis’ stock jumped higher than one could imagine. Months later, a five-label bidding war ensued with Atlantic Records prevailing as the victor. Donnis is now prepping the release of his EP and mixtape, “Fashionably Late” (both using the same title) on June 22. Now that’s discipline.
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Waka Flocka Flame - When Gucci Mane hit the pen, Waka Flocka Flame hit the mixtape circuit and stepped up to the plate. Fueled by a botched robbery, which resulted in Waka being shot in the arm, Flocka took the tragedy and flipped it to his own benefit. The result: a chart-topping single, “O Let’s Do It,” which was later remixed by Diddy, Rick Ross and Gucci Mane, and a deal with Warner Bros, who will release his debut “Murda-Man Flocka” project later this year.
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B.o.B. - While the king was gone, the prince came out to play. After T.I. was hit with a year-long sentence, B.o.B made it known that Grand Hustle was his team to lead. The multi-faceted musician hit the underground running with the coveted mixtape, “May 25th,” then claimed mainstream success with his hit single, “Nothin On You.” With Bobby Ray’s “B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray” in iPods across America, the king can rest, for now.
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Pac Div - L.A. has a new team to cheer for. Pac Div’s attraction rate has hit the roof since inking a deal with Universal Motown last year. After releasing "Church League Champions” in 2009, the trio followed up with the potent “Don’t Mention It” street offering in April of 2010. With several surprise features lined up for their debut, “Grown Kid Syndrome,” Pac Div’s work ethic will make them the team to beat in 2010.
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