Top 5 New Rap/Hip Hop Artists of 2009

As a lover of hip hop I was excited for what happened in 2009. A lot of rap artists put out songs but only a few made enough buzz to be included in this list. These artists show that mix-tape, city buzz, and just the right track were still wining combination. Two of these artist don't even have an album out but they had enough buzz to make it on center stage at the BET awards and the BET hip hop awards. Artists this year really used the Internet to gain a strong fan base.

1. Drake. "Best I Ever Had" was an undeniable hit cementing him as one to watch. Drake had a great buzz out the gate. With rumors of record companies in bidding wars, and being associated with on of the hottest rappers on the game Lil Wayne, Drake was ready to set 2009 a fire. He was featured on Hits singles from Jammie Foxx, Mary J Blige, Jay-z. His lyrics are catchy and contagious he's defiantly a stronger contender in a lyrical match to many of the vets. Drake has a lot of fans waiting in high anticipation for what his own album will be like.

2. Nicki Minaj. You either love her or you hate her, but chances are you know her. This Queens born rapper is defiantly stacking up with the big dogs. Nicki Minaj pulled out a strong effort on this year's BET Cypher. She has the internet in a frenzy, she's got a legion of girls screaming about "Barbie" power. Nicki has managed to do what few female rapper can do, and that's have a strong showing of female fans. Her "Barbie's" know her lyrics verbatim, and stand in anticipation to let her sign their boobs. Along with the bigger than life character of this Barbie Nicki Minaj can rap too. She'd been compared to Lil Wayne and Lil Kim, she's definitely trying to establish herself as just Nicki Minaj.

3. Gucci Mane. Gucci! Ever time I turn on my radio I'm hearing Gucci raping on a song. He has definitely established himself as the south's next big thing. Coming out of Atlanta, a city that has seemed to dominate the charts in the past couple of years, he has managed to set himself apart from the pack. he's got an infectious sound that just resonates with listeners. Gucci has been around for awhile, but 2009 was his year to shine. He was the go to guy for big R&B callabo with artists like Mariah Carey and Mario. Gucci even performed 4 times on the BET Hip Hop awards and his album wasn't even realized yet.

4. Kid Cudi. Day and night, Kid Cudi plays in my mind. The skill that is Kid Cudi has is undeniable he knows how to make a radio hit and a fan favorite. He's had callabos with Kayne west and Common, he's defiantly should be taken seriously. Cudi performed at the comeback concert of the year, Jay-z in Madison Square. He's got the streets buzzing and I can't wait to see what more hell show us. Kid Cudi has got the lyrics and the skill to stand with the big dogs. If he only had a twitter then his skills could reach the masses.

5. Wale. With so many up in comers this year it's easy to get side swiped. yet out of the shadows in the 4th quarter with a strong showing. Representing DC this rapper just graced our screens at the MTV video awards. With this awards show definitely being very spicy, it was hard not to wonder who's the dude with the band. He's definitely bringing the musicality to the music. He had a big single with Lady gaga, and he definitely knows how to rock the Mic.

All of these artists have been putting in work this year. 2009 was definitely the year for the new artists. Its refreshing to see some new blood in the music mix.