OS [Top 10]: Debut Albums To Watch For In ‘09

Since folks like 50 and Dip Set redefined the genre years ago, the artist-driven mixtape has become one of the best and most effective ways for emcees to introduce or (re-introduce) themselves. Mixtapes give us a glimpse of up-and-coming artists early in their careers and their talent in its rawest form. While it’s always exciting to see fresh talent emerge via tapes, too often rappers fall into the trap of dropping mixtape after mixtape without a solid album release date. To encourage a break in this trend, OnSMASH is campaigning for ’09 to be the year of the album–not the mixtape. We’ve chosen 10 artists (and some honorable mentions) that we feel will bring the heat on their debut LPs this year. These aren’t just “internet rappers” but artists that have been making noise on and off the blog circuit. They might even be your current favorites. Either way, good hip-hop is in the forecast for 2009.

*additional reporting by Sam Cadet

*IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

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1. KiD CuDi
Album: Man on the Moon: The Gaurdians
Latest Mixtape: A KiD Named CuDi

The Cleveland native had a great run in 2008 and it should only get better for ‘09. “Day ‘N’ Nite” has officially invaded commercial radio airwaves nationwide. The Crookers Remix even had the overseas crowd trance’d out. The Man On The Moon’s mixtape A KiD Named CuDi, was one of the best tapes of 2008. That’s if you were paying attention though. His sing-songy spaced-out style was sure to go over some people’s heads. Those who slept on his single and his tape were forced to pay attention by the end of ‘08 with CuDi on the cover of XXL, penning songs for Kanye, and rocking GITD shows. He even surprised some folks at LV parties. Word is he’s helping Big Brother too, so expect to hear some heat on the album. In ‘09 you will have no choice but to “Embrace the Martian”.

2. Drake
Album: Thank Me Later
Latest Mixtape: Comeback Season

He’s the hottest talent out of Canada right now (sorry Kardi). Before signing to Interscope Records last year, he got everyone’s attention with Comeback Season in ‘07 and since teaming up with Lil’ Wayne in ‘08 he’s shaping up to be one of the machine’s top prospect. Weezy even recited Drake’s verse from “Money to Blow” at the VMAs last year! His rhymes have their fair share of similes and punchlines but with his slick delivery they never sound heavy-handed (ie. “Say Whats Real“). Plus, get this; he can hold a tune without relying on Autotune. It’s a rare treat to hear someone’s voice without it these days even if he has used the plug-in on a couple of songs.

3. Wale
Album: N/A
Latest Mixtape: The Mixtape About Nothing

It’s been a minute since Nike Boots and Wale’s profile has risen beyond that e-hit. Two mixtapes, some features, a couple videos and a record deal later, Wale is ready for prime time with his first album on Mark Ronson’s Allido Records. Much of his success is attributed to goin’ in over Go-Go beats, Euro-pop hits, or anything else left of center. These features, his eclectic yet street style, and his original approach to music have won over hood-hop enthusiasts, hipsters and even grumpy old purists.

4. B.o.B
Album: The Adventures of B.o.B
Latest Mixtape: Who the F#*k is B.o.B

B.o.B is a good example of the new wave of rappers in that he’s hard to classify. He’s shown that he’s capable of writing club tracks, crossover songs, street joints, and reflective pieces with “Haterz Everywhere,” “I’ll Be In the Sky,” “Gangsta,” and “Lonely People.” His skills don’t stop at rhyming. He produces and drops hooks as well (see: “On Top Of The Word” off T.I.’s Paper Trail album). Basically, this young prodigy from the A is one to look out for. He’s already shown us that he’s good at what he does and when his album drops later this year he’ll get his chance to prove that he’s great. 1/10 XXL Freshmen members.

5. Curren$y
Album: This Aint No Mixtape
Latest Mixtape: Fin…

Straight outta New Orleans, Curren$y aka The Hot Spitta aka Mr. Fly Society fed us mixtape after mixtape, month after month last year. From Super Techmo Bowl, to Fear And Loathing In New Orleans and Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Spitta consistently came with dope music. If you’ve been keeping up with his previews, he’s been getting it in lately with Monsta Beatz. Mixtapes, check. Magazine covers, check. The debut album is what they keep asking for. It’s the only place the FS Jets haven’t been yet.

6. Fashawn
Album: Boy Meets World
Latest Mixtape: Higher Learning

Cali is on the come up and there aren’t many emcees that can match Fashawn’s lyrical ability. With the success of One Shot One Kill, a guest appearance on Evidence’s The Layover album, and the shows he’s rocked with Immortal Technique, U-N-I, Blu & Exile, Termanology, Alchemist (amongst others), 2009 looks promising for The Phenom from Fresno. His lyrical prowess over Exile beats (ie. “Freedom“, and “Our Way“) is refreshing to hear in this day and age. Not to speak blasphemy, but Fashawn might just be the West Coast re-incarnation of Big L. Not too far-fetched though, right? Boy Meets World is slated for release in the Spring.

7. Emilio Rojas
Album: Phaze One
Latest Mixtape: N/A

Although Emilio hasn’t flooded the streets the ‘net with mixtapes like some of the other newcomers on the list, this Latino lyricist has definitely made his presence known. Whether it was dropping his street single “Young Fresh & Fly” with Illmind, making his rounds on radio shows or maybe even his appearances on various mixtapes, it was definitely clear that intricate patterns and double-time flow kept people intrigued. “585” had people down in Manhattan remembering that Rochester still existed. His video for “That Time” just recently won the mtvU freshmen segment, but it still leaves us wondering how that Phaze One album is sounding. And we still have a mixtape and The Nouveau Slick EP to expect before then.

8. Mickey Factz
Album: The Achievement
Latest Mixtape: The Inspiration

Mickey went through a number of transformations in his career. At first he was a regular dude on the block, then he was yet another swagged-out NY rapper that rhymed about totin’ toolies. Now it seems that Mickey is in his element as a leader in the “progressive” hip-hop movement. He’s the type of cat who’ll let you know that he’s dipped in the latest you know what. Mickey’s also been known to experiment with electro and club-styled beats (see: Heaven’s Fallout mixtape). Even though rappers are jockin’ this trend he stays ahead of the pack by dropping smart punchlines and sublimes that’ll sneak up on you. Such is evident in his “The Leak” series and the track “Incredible” which caught the attention of many bloggers, internet heads and artists alike. He plans on extending his fan base beyond the online world when “The Achievement” drops in the coming months.

9. Max B
Album: Public Domain III: The Album / Vigilante Season
Latest Mixtape: Wavie Crockett / Goon Muzik 1.5

No one could deny the Boss Don Biggavel’s wave last year. From Public Domain 3 mixtape with Whoo Kid, to being one of the only artists besides Lil Wayne to have the streets on lock with multiple titles out simultaneously by different DJ’s (see: Goon Muzik 1.5, Wavie Crockett etc.). There was no halting the epidemic when Max dropped. He had every shorty with “Tattoos On Her Ass” and every dude “Sippin Grand Cru”, owww. Jim Jones is needing those Max B writtens right about now doesnt he? 2009 is looking promising for the kid now that he’s Byrdgang Free. Fuck with ya boy. [II]

10. Pacific Division
Album: N/A
Latest Mixtape: Sealed for Freshness Blendtape

Truth be told each of these cats could have solo careers if they wanted to go that route, so it’s dope to see the resurgence of the rap group in PacDiv. Not only that, they’re one of the best groups coming out of LA right now. Their overall M.O. expands LA’s image in the game, beyond it being the gang bang capital of the world. Such is evident in their songs which feature introspective bars along wtih entertaining anecdotes usually dealing with life as a 20 something year old in South Central. They just signed to Universal last year and are expected to drop their first album sometime in ’09.

OS Bonus: Stimuli
Album: The Cinderella Man
Latest Mixtape: The Breakup

Stimuli has to be the dark horse in the whole equation. Not only did he bring us 12 Mixtapes in 12 months, proving that he was indeed more than worthy of the title “next up”. Dropping jewels and injecting a little intellect into your everyday rap song Stim never disappoints. Whether he was warning us on March On Washington or giving us a part of his past on Please Download My Demo, the mere fact he can rap circles around your favorite rapper should be reason enough to not sleep on him. He indeed is Hotter Than July whether you recognize it or not. Its him Verses The World. As if he hasn’t already said enough, I’m sure he’s saving the best for his album.

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Honorable Mentions:

• SlaughterHouse: The group that had everyone’s comment box fighting over who’s verse was better, has everyone wondering what they will cook up for the album. Their concert was a reminder of how alive hip-hop still is.
• Nipsey Hussle: The California native has been keeping the buzz all up and down LA. Slauson been riding the 3-wheel motion for the kid. Hussle In The House for the ‘09.
• U-N-I: They got their niche in the west coast brimming with a crowded indie scene. The cuts off of A Love Supreme are something refreshing to hear. Props to Ro Blvd for “Pulp Fiction”.
• Cory Gunz: He’s been in the game for awhile but we suspect he’ll make some bigger moves in ’09. Plus he can rhyme circles around his dad so that has to count for something. Dont forget that XXL cover either.
• Mikkey Halsted: The Chi-Town representer attacked hard in the 4th quarter of 2008. He dropped a video for “Karma” off his Chicago: The Photo Album which should be dropping soon.
• Charles Hamilton: He dropped a slew of mixtapes last year, and as of late, has been caught up in controversy. Drama and beef aside, those Pharrell-assisted joints from the album still have us interested in what this scrappy young Harlem rep has to offer.
• Ron Brownz: By the way hip-hop is going, it doesn’t seem like the Autotune trend will be dying anytime soon and that means the man who brought us the beat for “Ether” is in the clear. You cant deny his presence over the airwaves the past couple months and truth be told it’s his charisma, beats and hook writing ability that has everyone checking for him. We’re hoping his album lives up to his hype. Don’t make us jump out the window!

Bubbling Under: Novel, Ced Hughes, The Kid Daytona, Big K.R.I.T., Theo, ESSO, Maino, Rain, Shawn Jackson, Jay Rock, Asher Roth