It seems like every year there’s a new school of rappers that people want to put their money on to run the game. I’m a big supporter of these new rappers because most of them know their history, are actually trying to stand out as artists, and at the end of the day, just want to make good music. However, the industry doesn’t function off art and dreams, leaving it up to the artist themselves to figure out a lucrative balance. This list is about the new rappers who I personally feel will NOT find that balance.

Remember this is just my opinion, but to be honest, I’m rarely wrong about these things. Just ask Charles Hamilton.

Before we start, let me say this first, I’m personally a fan of most of the rappers on this list. Unlike a lot of “worst rapper” lists, this is not a list of rappers I don’t like, it’s a list of rappers I personally don’t think will stand the test of time.

Number 10!

IGGY AZALEA

Iggy Azalea can rap… Enough. Iggy’s beats are dope… Enough. Newly signed to T.I. Grand Hustle, Iggy is also dating one of the brightest new rap stars, A$AP Rocky.  Honestly, she’s not that bad and I do enjoy music, but her act is nothing new which is bad news in a traditionally one schtick per woman rap game.

Oh, and I’m completely aware that what I just said was a gross double standard in the heavily contrived rap game. Unfortunately, the history books and soundscans don’t lie.

I wouldn’t be surprised at all if she became a long lasting star though, which is why she is number ten in the first place.

Number 9

KIRKO BANGZ

The bottom line is H-Town is played out, auto-tune is WAY played out, and Kirko Bangz mainly uses both of these styles to MOSTLY lackluster effect.

The only reason he’s this low on the list is because he already has a pretty good amount of radio spins.

“Drank In My Cup” is a dope song, and while I’d love to hear it,  I doubt Kirko can make the same magic again.

 

 

 

Number 8

FUTURE

Future is the real life version of Thugnificent from The Boondocks.

 

Future also has three moderately well charting singles. (counting “Racks” which Future wrote for rapper YC)

 

Future’s most recent single “Same Damn Time” is also the only song with ample radio play that I’ve seen repeated get shut off mid-way through which means Future, while fun at first, can easily wear out his welcome in a matter of minutes.

Number 7

A$AP ROCKY

Ah yes, the 3 million dollar man himself.

A$AP Rocky makes good music and has style out the ass. The guy was born to do this.

Unfortunately, as proven by the massively underwhelming performance of his debut single, “Goldie” A$AP Rocky’s music just doesn’t have the crossover appeal.

However, I’d be willing to bet my money that in the following years the whole A$AP mob will end up developing  a strong cult following and live like bosses a’ la ICP.

Number 6

FRENCH MONTANA

This Bad Boy signee has been putting in serious quality work over the years. He’s made countless tracks and turned a street DVD hustle into a lucrative intro into his life.

He’s also the guy that sang the hook for Rick Ross’ “Stay Schemin’”

The fact that I’m sure most of you only know him from said song, not to mention, have no idea that two singles from his debut Excuse My French have been in circulation for months only stand to further validate my point.

 

Number 5

BIG K.R.I.T.

4Eva N A Day was the most soulful thing I’ve heard in years from an artist.

However, soulful doesn’t equal units being sold no matter how big the name is. Just ask Sir Lucious.

Artists like BIG K.R.I.T. deserve a chance at the game.

The important thing is knowing how to play the way the audience likes.

Here’s hoping I’m completely wrong on this one.

Number 4 

STALLEY

I’ll put this plainly. Look at this guy.

Listen to his music. Truthfully, it’s quality stuff.

Stalley is currently recording for Self-Made Vol. 2 with the rest of the Maybach Music Group.

But when it’s all said and done there’s little to no chance for this guy outside of the underground.

His music hits all the right notes with purists and I have to definitely give respect to Maybach Music for signing him, but I just don’t see this one working out.

Number 3

KREAYSHAWN

Kreayshawn is a one hit wonder.

 

 

Period.

 

 

Number 2

KENDRICK LAMAR

I just about like every song from this guy. To be frank, Section.80 is my shit.

But mark my words, Kendrick Lamar is the new Nas. That would be a compliment if only Nas didn’t already exist, but he does, so anything Kendrick does will get mad love from hardcore rap fans, but go in one ear and out of the other with moderate and mainstream fans because despite what everybody likes to think, being dope isn’t enough.

Kendrick might, if he’s lucky, get a gold single… If he’s lucky.

Also, I’m well aware Dr. Dre and Snoop crowned Kendrick Lamar the new West Coast King. I also remember when they said that about the currently plastic selling rapper, The Game.

Number 1

EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF YMCMB THAT ISN’T LIL’ WAYNE, DRAKE, OR NICKI MINAJ

I was unable to find a picture of the whole group together. I’m not surprised considering YMCMB is quickly becoming The Brady Bunch of rap complete with a few cousin Olivers already in the roster.

For those of you not keeping count, YMCMB mainly consists of:

Lil’ Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Birdman, three to four guys that Lil’ Wayne grew up with, Bow Wow’s “former” ghostwriter, coincidentally (I’m sure) Bow Wow, DJ Khaled, Busta Rhymes, Mystikal, a few producers, Jay Sean, and Limp Bizkit.

Give or take a few throwaways, that’s about it.

Now honestly, DJ Khaled is good for one or two singles, but take a good look at that list. YMCMB is a stable of attention grabbers and people Lil’ Wayne kept his youthful promises to, and other than the big three, you’d be smart not to expect anything special from the rest of the group.

And there you have it.

Again, this is all my very educated opinion. I truly do wish all of these artists the best for their future in the music industry, but when everything is all said and done, don’t say I didn’t call it.