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5. Logic

Logic saw his Def Jam debut in 2014 with his album Under Pressure. A lot of hype was built up around the time of his release; some felt he delivered, others felt he fell short of the high expectations. Regardless, the undeniable skill the Maryland rapper possesses is out of this world.

Logic is one of those rappers that expertly teeters on the border of mainstream and underground – he appeals well to both. His top-notch lyricism together with his crisp production makes for a great listen on many of his projects, leaving a desire to hear more of what the rhymesmith has to offer.
 
 
 

– STONE

4. Vince Staples

Vince Staples has been quietly working around for a minute, but the rapper really shined in 2014 with his own projects, and on Common’s latest album.

On Nobody’s Smiling lead single (and best track) “Kingdom,” Common gives an amazing performance, only to have the 21 year-old Long Beach rapper run away with the song.

Vince Staples had a pair of huge releases, including his Def Jam debut, Hell Can Wait, which features stand out cuts like “65 Hunnid” and “Blue Suede.” If we hear from Staples again this year, he’s bound to make even more waves than before.
 
 

– GOOSE

3. Your Old Droog

This guy. Sometimes we get some interesting acts to rise up in hip-hop and few have been as surprisingly “out-of-nowhere” as Your Old Droog in 2014.

The New York emcee caused a ruckus when he dropped his self-titled project this year and instantly gained attention when everyone thought he was Nas. Not bad for a new emcee.

Well Your Old Droog isn’t Nas, but he sure has talent and we can only anticipate what this lyrical, boom-bap hip-hopper has to offer in 2015.
 
 
 

– STONE

2. Mick Jenkins

While Mick Jenkins may not be number one on the list for this year’s most notable up-and-comers, he definitely warrants some recognition and praise.

His mixtape The Waters has garnered critical acclaim for its profound and thought-provoking lyrics as well as its innovative sound. Jenkins’ unorthodox style is part of his appeal, drawing us in with vocals that can be just as endearing as they are aggressive, and lyrics that are just as subtle in meaning as they are powerful.

He has proven himself a contender among up-and-coming emcees and well-rounded artists who will no doubt be the next wave of headliners to grace hip-hop music and culture.
 

– KIA

1. Isaiah Rashad

I remember watching TDE’s BET cypher last year and wondering who was this new kid on the block. He riffed around center stage with a flow that paid homage to the true definition of a freestyle. The rapper’s flow twisted around subjects, boasted prowess, and sounded like pure improvisation. Little did I know that this promising verse would just be a teaser to one of the most refreshing emcees of 2014.

Isaiah Rashad sports a calm demeanor and a husky delivery. Just like the rest of TDE, Rashad carries a knack for stream-of-consciousness rapping over contemplative instrumentals. The only caveat is that he’s much more introspective than any of the other label mates. He serves a great alternative to those who find Jay Rock or Schoolboy Q a little too raunchy. I see him finding a rich career in that niche, and that is why he is 2014’s up-and-comer of the year in hip-hop.

– B.C.
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Tags : AstroBishop NehruIsaiah RashadLogicMick JenkinsRaurySabaTDETreeVince StaplesYour Old Droog
HHSE Staff

The author HHSE Staff

Thought up by two hip-hop fans, The Hip Hop Speakeasy was started for a sole purpose: to spread the word of good, underground hip-hop music.