I’ve found that the world of rap blogs has a specific, fatal flaw; if you check the same blogs regularly, you’re generally going to see the same artists over and over, making it unlikely to discover a new rapper that you might really like. Most people are (understandably) too lazy to do dig deep through the slew of mediocre rappers trying to make a name for themselves…so here to make it easy for you are three up and coming MC’s that you probably haven’t heard of. ASAP Rocky, Don Trip and Fat Trel are three artists that have been gaining some sort of buzz in 2011, but are still relatively unknown to even the most diehard rap fiends. They all have pretty different styles, but definitely put out dope music and are rappers to keep an eye on over the next year.

ASAP Rocky

I would like to think that ASAP Rocky is the future of New York hip hop. There are obviously still veterans holding it down for the birthplace of rap, but when it comes to new artists the big apple is extremely un-exciting at the moment. Unfortunately ASAP has a very limited catalog at the moment (I’ve only been able to find 7 songs from him), but this somehow works in his favor in our age of riddiculous over-saturation, as all of his material is great and leaves you craving more. His style is a breath of fresh air as well; very laid back but his lyrics still go hard, and you kinda get the feeling that he’s just rapping because it’s fun and he’s good at it, as opposed to superstar intentions. Check out two of his best songs below, and if you’re a fan grab the 6 song compilation of the tracks he’s got floating around.

Wassup

Been Around The World

Deep Purple (Mixtape)

Don Trip

Don Trip is probably the most well-known of these three; the Memphis-native has been receiving some airplay recently with his fairly epic single ‘Letter To My Son’. He’s also released a disgusting amount of mixtapes since the start of 2010, which (as I mentioned above) is usually a bad thing, but Don actually manages to keep consistent quality throughout his projects. If Big K.R.I.T. is re-popularizing the “smart” southern MC, then Don Trip should be at the forefront of the movement. He’s much more interesting lyrically and has a better mic presence than K.R.I.T. does, though he doesn’t possess elite production ability like his Mississippi counterpart. Don instead opts for the likes of Lil Lody, Drumma Boy, Lex Luger and the likes on the production end, adding some hyped up bump-ability to his often deep lyrics. The good folks at Dirty Glove Bastard put together a “Best of” mixtape of Don’s catalog the other week, which is is a perfect introduction to one of the best new rappers out of the south. I’ve included a link to that below, along with his aforementioned single and another dope track called ‘Feelin Like Mike’, which alludes to a different athlete named “Mike” than you might be thinking of (hint: he wants to eat your children).

Letter To My Son

Feelin Like Mike

DGB Presents The Best of Don Trip (Mixtape)

Fat Trel

At first listen it’s easy to describe Fat Trel as Waka Flocka Flame meets Wale…the intentions of his music are very similar to those of the 1017 Brick Squad member, as he’s either trying to get dudes to fight or bitches to strip. But he also possesses a subtle lyricism and a distinct Washington DC flavor reminiscent of his former Board Administration running partner. It’s hard to put Fat Trel in a box because while you’re probably listening to his music to get psyched up or go nuts, he’ll impress you with clever lyrics and a flow that seems to smooth to be going over so many Luger-type beats (though it works beautifully). While Wale is the DMV’s most recognizable (and admittedly most talented) name in rap, Trel is easily the most exciting right now. Wale has disappointed me enough in the past that I really don’t know what to expect, but with Fat Trel I know I can expect something that goes hard, but will make me crack a smile at the same time. I doubt anyone else could popularize the term “slutty boyz”….His newest mixtape ‘April Foolz’ is one of the best of the year, but if you’re not sold just yet check out the go-go influenced ‘Tokyo Spinach” and the Lex Luger-produced “Respect With The Tech”.

Tokyo Spinach

Respect With The Tech

April Foolz (Mixtape)