bor, maybe my grandma.” – Element “Charles Sweeting, Papa Duck, Brisco, and Billy Blue. The next big producer is definitely CP Hollywood.” – Freddy Fred
Every year, new artists emerge to take the place of last year’s favored players. Here are the DJs’ draft picks for the upcoming season of “Who Wants to Be a Rapper.”
“Drake. That dude is not only talented, but he has the right people backing him. OJ Da Juiceman is everywhere right now. There’s something about Billy Blue’s music that catches my attention every time I hear it, and he also has the right people backing him.” – 360 “J. Money‘s got the streets gone on the whole futuristic swag situation. He works hard. He would call me to play his music while he practiced in the club with no one there but me and him. That’s work and now it’s paying off for him.” – Ace “Being in the UK it’s kinda hard for me to predict these things because big artists in the U.S. are not always known overseas. But I’d have to say Roccett. He always has hot joints and his work [ethic] is on point. I can see him doing big things worldwide.” – Ames “Papa Duck, Yo Gotti, Lo Fat, Show, Lil Buck, Money Carlo, and G-Mack. Mississippi is coming, it’s so many to name. These names jump out because this is what you hear in the clubs and on the streets, and they are requested.” – Bigg V “I have to go with Spark Dawg and Yung Texxus. When you work as hard as they do, and rap as good as they do, you can’t help but be the next big thing.” – Blurray “The next big artist will be the one that comes up with the next new fad, whether it be a dance, a walk, or a trip and fall.” – CJ tha Sticman “DJ Class is one of the next big artists. My single ‘I’m the Ish’ is doing very well, and the follow up single is gaining ground too. I plan on putting B-More clubs on for my city.” – Class “Boss G, Lil Brod, Marley Mar, Team IRAQ, Jah Bless, Snook, Mista Taylor, Grand Flip, Billy Blue in Miami, Rich Kids in Atlanta, Bettie Grind in North Carolina, Nipsey Hussle in L.A., Unladylike in St. Louis, K Michelle in Tennessee, Damm D from Dallas, and Attitude from Alabama.” – D-Tec “Nowadays who knows? Maybe my neigh-
“Kevin Cossom, because he can sing, dance, and write, plus he has an incredible work ethic. And he’s from Orlando.” – Greg G “The streets are talking real big about J. Money. [His record] ‘First Name Last Name’ is real crazy in the hood right now. He is consistent, he has a good following, and he’s organized.” – Ill Will “Ami Miller, C. Stone and Fat Pimp. They are very talented and hungry for this rap game. They want it too bad.” – J. Boss
“Seems like Drake is that guy. He’s been puttin’ it down on the blogs, his mixtapes are legit. His resume is good, with the acting, TV, modeling. Yeah, I got a man crush on him, so what.” – J. Espinosa (editor’s note: We’re taking the liberty of adding a “PAUSE” to the above statement on behalf of J. Espinosa.)
“Vaughn Anthony because he’s not only a talented singer, but a writer as well. It also helps that his big brother is John Legend.” – Jay-Fields “Drake, because his buzz is crazy and his material is good. Next would be Ricco Barrino. He’s written hooks and songs for a lot of major artists. It’s only a matter of time [until] the world takes notice of his talent.” – J-Flex “The next big artist in the industry would have to be Drake, that’s obvious. In ATL it would have to be Young Snead and Stuey Rock. They’ve got a lot of hot songs playing in the clubs and on the radio without the help of a label.” – Kno It All “From my city I would have to say Rockie, Young Doe, and Hawkman. Drake is making hella noise without any albums out. Nipsey Hussle from L.A. has a big buzz and his was the only mixtape I got on the streets when I was in NY.” – Ktone “Drake and Yo Gotti are the people’s champs right now. They have the industry buzzing over their future, and their whole cities are behind ‘em.” – Mic Tee “Band Geakz, Travis Porter, Young Capone, and J. Money (Futuristic) because they know how to keep it with the streets and know the politics of the music business.” – Pretty Boy Tank “All the Dallas artists are making a lot of noise, but if I had to pick I’d say Treal Lee and Prince Rick. They have a greatest hits collection already. (laughs) And Drake is gonna be big. I have all his mixtapes and he spits real talk.” – QuickMixx Rick
“The next one is a cat named Young Trama from Seattle and this artist named Stick from Orlando.” – Reconn “The era of next big artists is over.” – Scrap Dirty “B.o.B., Playboy Tre, Young-R, Wes Fif, and P.P.C. They all have hunger, great energy, quality music, and they stay true to themselves.” – Shawty Slim “Travis Porter, because their style is crazy. They have a huge fan base already and don’t even have a deal yet.” – Slytay “Clete from West Palm Beach. His street experiences are real and he writes dope hooks. A lot of people rap what they seen and lived vicariously through their own lyrics, Clete doesn’t. Also, Laws from Spring Hill, Florida is an incredible lyricist. Fear the future.” – Smallz “Yo Gotti has gained a tremendous buzz and been on almost every mixtape I’ve dropped in the last few months.” – Spinatik “Mickey Factz, Supreeme, and Jade. Like myself, these artists are willing to take chances creatively, ultimately raising the bar for how far musicians push themselves.” – Treats
“Just do a song with TPain. He’ll give you a hit, then boom, you’ll be a big artist.” – Truly Odd “Hakeem tha Dream, Chalie Boy, SparkDawg, 2k tha Murda Man, T. Gunz, Grafh, Roccett, and a lot of others. These artists are bringing something to the game besides dance music. I’m all danced out, it’s time for a new era.” – Whut It Dew “Y’all gotta look out for this artist I’m working with by the name of All Starr da Great, mark my words.” – Woogie
“There’s a lot of new artists that I’m a fan of, but I think Asher Roth, Drake, Kid Cudi, and B.O.B. are the next big artists. They’re all making great music, are extremely talented and creative, and have a serious buzz. I’m also a big fan of Mickey Factz.” – Wreckineyez DJs, if you would like to be considered for coverage in the next DJ Issue of OZONE, please contact jen@ozonemag.com
OZONE MAG // 59