Hip Hop & Rap's Newest Legend in the Making

"The Golden State" is known for natural disasters, such as earthquakes and brush fires. California is also famous for amusement parks and beaches. With the hip hop and rap world, Tupac, Eazy E, Mac Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg, are a few of the many that blasted West Coast California on the map. We can't forget about Dogg Pound, E-40, Too Short, DJ Quik, Mack 10, WC, and Ice Cube. California got a new line of representatives like Bad Lucc, Damani, Problem, Bishop Lamont, Young De, Glasses Malone, Strong Arm Steady, Young Maylay and Jay Rock. I got love for the rest of the map, but that's not the topic of this article. I felt the need to shine the light on one of the most talented lyricists that is slowly emerging from the underground realm.

Mykestro, little brother of legendary DJ BattleCat, first caught my attention when I was bumping Tha Eastsidaz, "Gang Bang Music" promo cd. Mykestro aka "The Best West of the 110" blessed the world with his first mix tape back in 2005 titled "Quantity over Quality". Then he dropped another mix tape "Emotion on My Sleeve" in 2008. His newest mix tape "Adversity & Ambiance" released earlier this year in November, is a prime example of the skills Mykestro possess'. His tracks consists of rhymes that contain pure substance, and topics that don't pertain to the usual murderous, drug dealing, and pimping characteristics of your average rapper's main agenda. Some of the subjects "The Best West of the 110" rhymes about, include how he despises the fact that the rap game and fans are lacking interests in skills these days. Which is true, I feel good rappers that put in their hard work to get recognized after years of creating their fan base and influence, slowly start to rely on their well known name to continually produce income. I'm not saying that all the good artists are not producing quality work. Some hip hop & rap stars just don't seem to put in the same effort in the songs and albums. In my opinion, a lot of rapper's have failed to supply music that possesses the drive and effort in creating music like they use to. Mykestro really lives up to his "Quality over Quantity" motto.

Mykestro is a lyrical acrobat that should be winning platinum medals, so to speak. He is the walking personification of a lyricist. Mykestro successfully manifests his views and opinions in his hits. Gimmicks and punch lines are not the main course when you're tuned in with the "west best kept secret". He has lyrical wisdom and a style that doesn't attract the dumb. The dude is intellectual; I wouldn't want to play scrabble with him. I guess that's why he hasn't made it mainstream, really shows how many stupid people there is in this world. Real hip hop fans are familiar with him though, they know what I'm talking about. In a way I hope he doesn't get commercialized or sells his soul. Yeah right, I know Mykestro won't go out like that. Fortunately he is raising the bar, which is good, because I am tired of hearing the monotony flooding the airwaves these days. Rappers got to step their game up. If the "Best West of the 110" encounters a rapper that chooses to battle him, Mykestro will definitely orchestrate a symphony of destruction to shut them down. I can clearly see the spirit of competition arise in the hip hop & rap industry, once Mykestro establishes a solid foundation in the business.

A lot of the new west coast artists are coming with some heat though, I must admit. In 2010, look out for the west coast as they hopefully stand united. Watch out for Bambu & Roscoe Umali the freshest Filipinos representing my people. Also, peep out Kendrick Lamar, Cashis, "Serial Killaz", Xzibit & B Real's new group with Young De, Get Busy Committee, Strong Arm Steady, and Shyne finally got released from prison, I know he got something proper coming out. In conclusion, everything I mentioned in this article is my opinion; I know there will be those who beg to differ with me and my views. I'm not trying to build up hype for "Stro"; I just feel the need to take my time to give credit where credit is due. Consider me a critic if you want, I am just a fan of all music, and I don't consider myself the "average" hip hop & rap fan. My favorite rapper is still Spice 1, if any one was wondering. What's up with all this "Jerkin" and skinny pants that the new generation is in to? It's crazy now days, I hope Hip Hop musicians continue to keep the main objective alive, and that's to make quality music.