Best Up And Coming Rappers Of 2010

First off, let me explain what I mean when I say "top 10 up and coming rappers of 2010". These are rap artists who you probably haven't heard of if your a big fan of radio music. These are artists whom I expect to top the charts in 2011. Everyone of these artists has produced music that will not be forgotten any time soon. So let's get to it.

North Philadelphia bred, Meek Millz has turning out the streets like a hurricane with his rapid fire rhyming style since 2007 when he released his first solo mixtape, "Flamerz". The highly anticipated Flamerz 2 was released in 2008, following two more installments, Flamerz 2.5 in 2009 and Flamerz 3 in January of 2010 which all did exceptionally well. Meek Millz is currently signed to Grand Hustle, a reputable record label under T.I himself and has been releasing hit after hit.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based Cameron Jibril Thomas or better know as Wiz Khalifa has taken the streets by storm with his marijuana driven,  west coast style.  Wiz Khalifa first hit the scene in 2006 when he debuted his first album called "Show and Prove". In 2007, Wiz Khalifa signed to Warner Bros. Records and then left his 7 figure deal in 2009 to become an independent artist. Wiz Khalifa's latest mixtape, titled "Kush and Orange Juice", was a big hit when it was released this past February.  Since then, he has released what many people think to be this year's anthem, titled "Black and Yellow".

Cydel Young, better known as Cyhi Da Prynce made his debut in 2006 with Atlanta rap group, Hoodlum. Cyhi signed with Konvict Muzik in 2008 and accepted a sub-label deal with Def Jam Records in 2009. His humorous yet truthful lyrics have already gained him recognition from many mainstream publications and websites. Cyhi Da Prynce is currently planning on releasing his debut album titled "The Hardway Musical".  Until then, be sure to check out his newest mixtape titled "Royal Flush".  You will surely be hearing from this lyrical prynce in the future.

Washington, DC bred Obulowale Victor Folarin, better known as Wale (pronounced wah-lay) first hit the scene in 2006 when his first single, "Dig Dug" became a huge hit in his hometown.  Wale's local recognition landed him a deal with Allido Records in 2007.  In 2008, Wale signed to Interscope Records where he would release his debut album in 2009, titled "Attention Deficit".  Since then, Wale has appeared in major media such as MTV and various urban magazines.  Wale's unique metaphorical sound has landed him a nomination for BET's best new artist of 2010.  Wale really made an impression this year after the releasing of Waka Flaka Flame's "No Hands" featuring Wale and Roscoe Dash.  Be sure to check out Wale's latest mixtape, titled "More about Nothing".

Las Angeles, California's own Nipsey Hussle (born Ermias Asghedome) first hit the scene in 2007 when he released his first solo mixtape titled " Slauson Boy Vol. 1". In 2008, Nipsey released volumes 1 and 2 of his "Bullets ain't got no name" series. Nipsey was deemed as a "Snoop sound-a-like" by critics, although his lyrical talent is obvious. In 2009, Nipsey released the third installment to the "Bullets ain't go no name" series.  Since then, Nipsey has appeared on songs with Drake (Killers) and with Snoop (Malice in Wonderland).  His debut album was expected during the summer of 2009 but was never released.  Instead, he is planning on releasing another mixtape, titled "The Marathon" on December 21, 2010.  Nipsey has released two heavy hitting singles this year called "Feelin' Myself" featuring Lloyd and "Keys To The City".

New Orleans' own Shante Anthony Franklin, better known as Curren$y first hit the scene in late 2003 when he signed to Master P's No Limit Records through a friendship with deceased Soulja Slim.  Curren$y later signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment where he stayed until late 2007.  While with Young Money, Curren$y released his chart topping single, "Where Da Cash At" featuring Lil Wayne and Remy Ma.  After Young Money, Curren$y started releasing mixtape after mixtape all throughout 2008 in order to gain recognition.  His efforts gained him a co-sign from XXL Magazine.  In 2009, Curren$y signed with Amalgam Digital to release his debut album titled "This Ain't No Mixtape" and his second album titled "Jet Files". During 2010, Curren$y would release his third and fourth albums titled "Pilot Talk" and "Pilot Talk 2".  He is currently planning two more albums for January and April of 2011.

Mississippi bred, Justin Scott or better known by his stage name, Big K.R.I.T has a style somewhat similar to a more poetic Pimp C.  K.R.I.T stands for "King Remembered In Time".  Big K.R.I.T has been around since 2005 when he started releasing his "See me on top" mixtape series.  He has also released other mixtapes such as "Hood Fame" and "The Last King".  In June of 2010, K.R.I.T released his album titled, "K.R.I.T Wuz Here" and landed a deal with Def Jam Records that same month.  Big K.R.I.T has also frequently collaborated with Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa on various tracks such as "Glass House" and has appeared on Wiz Khalifa's hit mixtape, "Kush and Orange Juice". 

You might recognize Young Chris from the 2003 chart topping single "Can't Stop, Won't Stop" by Young Gunz. Well, Philadelphia's young star has been working solo since 2005 and has acquired quite a buzz in the music industry since the release of his "The Network" series.  On November 20th, 2010, Young Chris released his album titled, "The Re-introduction".