The Top 5 Rap and Hip Hop Artists to Watch in 2010

Rap and Hip Hop are some of the most listened to genres of music throughout the world today. It is no secret that if you were to turn on the radio or check out the Billboard Hot 100, chances are you will see a rap or RnB artist near the top. Whether it be the catchy melodies, or aggressive beats, many music lovers flock to rap and RnB to get their audio fix.

Due to such an enormous market for this genre, new up and coming artists sprout up daily, eager to show the world what they can do.

Here are some of the Top 5 Rap/Hip Hop artists to watch in 2010.

1. Jason Derulo

First hitting the scene in late 2009 with his hit single "Whatcha Say" (with a catchy sampled hook by Imogen Heap I might add) Jason Derulo is determined to let the world know his story. Signed to super producer J.R. Rotem's label "Beluga Heights" Jason Derulo is set to release his debut album in early 2010.

2. Gucci Mane

Gucci Mane is by no means a "new" artist; however due to his catchy songs and incredible work ethic, is gaining popularity rapidly fast. Recently announcing that his "beef" with fellow Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy is over, (According to Hiphopdx.com) Gucci Mane is set to release his first major label album, The State Vs. Radric Davis, on December 8th, 2009. With his countless mixtapes already being played all over America, the rapper known as Gucci Mane will be a name to remember in 2010.

3. Iyaz

Sounding eerily similar to labelmate Sean Kingston, new rapper/singer Iyaz seems to have struck gold with his new single "Replay". Already burning up the Billboard charts, Iyaz brings a light-hearted, feel-good aura to modern urban music. His debut album is set to release under Warner Brothers sometime in 2010.

4. Jay Sean

Many are already familiar with the British rapper/singer's song "Down". Fusing addictive melodies with great beats, Jay Sean (signed under Cash Money Records) is ready to take the radio by storm in 2010. Jay Sean's debut American album "All or Nothing" was released on November 23, 2009 and features guest appearances by some of the biggest names in music including, Lil Wayne and Sean Paul.

5. Drake

Drake is possibly the most successful up and comer in the rap industry so far. Already working with the likes of Jay-Z, Eminem and Kanye West, Drake is set to release his first album "Thank Me Later" in early 2010. First generating a buzz with his mixtape, "So Far Gone", Drake brings a unique blend of rapping and singing to the hip hop genre.

There are many upcoming artists in the rap and hip hop genre. Most will create one hit single and slowly drop out of the limelight. The artists listed in this article are some of the ones who have a chance of leaving a lasting impression on the music industry as a whole.

Sources:

Rashad Phillips http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10237/title.young-jeezy-and-gucci-mane-end-feud-talk-collaboration HipHopDX

Andrew Cardenas http://blog.thenext2shine.com/2009/the-story-behind-iyaz-and-new-single-replay The Next 2 Shine