Top 5 Hip Hop & Rap Artists to Watch in 2010

A majority of Hip Hop and Rap is mis-leading and diluted in my opinion. I anticipate the revival of intelligence and unity to be evident in the songs produced by my favorite Hip Hop and Rap artists. My top 5 old and new music artists are not in any particular order. There is also new talent waiting their turn, hope fully they submerge from the underground, and have their chance to bless the masses with their hard work. I think I speak for a lot of fans when I say that I am tired of the monotony that continues to get airplay, on the radio and television. I know for a fact that these top 5 artists and groups will at best make an impact and influence the way Hip Hop & Rap evolves in 2010 and beyond.

New sounds to hit the air waves in 2010 are from the Get Busy Committee or "GBC". The new group consists of Los Angeles locals Ryu, Apathy, and Scoop DeVille, the son of legendary Latino rapper, Kid Frost. Few of you may have heard of Scoop DeVille before. The gifted rapper/producer crafted a few tracks for Snoop Dogg on his "Ego Trippin'" album. The new trio will influence hip hop & rap music with there fresh new electronic sounds and destructive, witty, flows. They carry a unique style and electricity that caught my attention. If you're in need for something out of the norm, Get Busy Committee will supply just that. The independent group will definitely give us, something to rock, bang, and dance to. "Uzi Does It" is the title of their debut album, released 2009. They are distributing their album in a 2GB USB flash stick shaped as an Uzi. The album is on the 2GB USB stick in three different formats for your listening pleasure. You can purchase a copy of "Uzi Does It" and download their mix tape for free on their website at: Getbusycommittee.com.

A rap group to look out for in 2010 is a group called "Serial Killaz" which consists of veteran rappers "Xzibit", "B Real", and new lyricist to hit rap scene, "Young De". They made my top 5 lists after I heard their single "Body Bags" off their anticipated debut album set to be unleashed in 2010. "Body Bags" has an original west coast break beat, accompanied with raw rhymes from the Serial Killaz state of mind. I predict their debut album will carry that classic Soul Assassin aura and production which B Real and D.J. Muggs never fail to produce. I always enjoyed Xzibit and his dominant rap style and ego that he exhibits on his tracks. To top it off, I know Young De will add weight to the tracks with his own original vocal approach. For those who haven't heard of Young De, the formation of Serial Killaz is a proper introduction to the world. There debut album will catapult the new group in 2010.

After serving 9 years out of a 10 year prison sentence, the former Bad Boy rapper, Shyne, is finally back on the streets. Even though he was deported to his hometown Belize, there are rumors of him possibly signing with The Game's, "Black Wall Street Records". I am not sure if this true or not. I believe that Shyne will once again, supply our ear's with that criminal mastermind element that he is known for. The way he deliver's his raps with his signature hardcore brings his listeners to his own vibrational frequency. He has mastered the art to write songs that portray his type of lifestyle, with the rewards and consequences that come with it. Whether or not he signs with Black Wall Street Records or decides to go the independent route, he will always put out good music for all his fans. This is the reason why I suggest keeping your eyes and ears open for Shyne in 2010 and every year after that. His discographies include: "Shyne", his debut, self titled album released in 2000. He then has an "unreleased" album titled "The Truth" he put out in 2001. His last album, was released while he was doing his 10 year prison term, titled "God Father Buried Alive" released in 2004.

"Krondon","Phil Da Agony", and "Mitchy Slick" form the fairly new rap group, "Strong Arm Steady". Los Angeles native Krondon, the most distinct member of the rap group, due to his albinism, serves his words in a wild style, and sometimes comical, type of lyrical street rap. Phil Da Agony, also from Los Angeles, has his own original fluid style and intellectual sarcasm that flows tight, and reflects his knowledge and character in his rhymes. Mitchy Slick from South East San Diego brings the cold gangster vibe to the super rap group. He is gifted with a relentless rhyme style and his lyrical content contain street tales that kick down the stereo type of a "gangster rapper" and brings you to his reality he continually lives as a solid gangster. There are also extended members of the group, such as Chase Infinite, also from L.A. and Planet Asia, from Fresno, California. All their personalities blend and create west coast collaboration unlike any other group. Look out for their album, "In Search of Stoney Jackson" set to be released in January 2010. Strong Arm Steady is featured in a lot of albums and has quite a few mix tapes that receive praise within the underground circuit. They released their debut album, "Deep Hearted" in 2007. Xzibit also features "SAS" in his 2004 album "Weapons of Mass Destruction".

The most anticipated artists to hopefully breakthrough the underground is the west coast best kept secret, "Mykestro" aka "The Best West of The 110". The talented rapper is from South Central, Los Angeles. His older brother is the legendary D.J. Battlecat, a west coast producer and D.J. that laid out hot tracks for many west coast artists such as Snoop Dogg and Tha Eastsidaz. Mykestro is not a rookie, he is in with the vets and many consider him one of the best out of California. Mykestro has lyrical wisdom that surpasses most rappers in the game. His choice of instrumentals and beats is defined by him self as "grown" in taste. His compositions consist of multi-symbolic word play, which is intellectually inclined. Mykestro is raising the bar and the standards expected from rappers from the west to the east coast. "Stro" is sick with his freestyles; his written rhymes make you rewind the track to grasp his lyrical intentions. He still isn't signed to a record label but Mykestro is featured in many songs and albums and has a few mix tapes out. The first one "Quality over Quantity" released 2005. Next he came with "Emotion on My Sleeve" in Oct. 2008. "Adversity & Ambiance", his most recent mix tape dropped November. 2009. I believe he will always produce quality music. To be honest, I don't think the rap game is ready for a rapper of his caliber. It's game over for any one who tries to compete against "The Best West of the 110".