10 Hip Hop Artists to Watch in 2010

With 2010 now in full throttle, it's time to examine the sounds and styles of the rappers set to make a splash this year. From Michigan to Minneapolis, these artists are on a mission to conquer mediocrity. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you 10 hip-hop artists to watch in 2010.

10. Buff1



It's hard to ignore the paradigm shift that has seen the midwest rise to the top of the hip-hop podium. Michigan has been a major part of that mix, thanks, in part, to the emergence of Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Hayes (see No.8), Buff1, and others. Buff has been working the underground circuit for years but it was 2008's There's Only One, fueled by its trunk-friendly single "Beat The Speakers Up," that gained him recognition. His next project is a collaborative LP with DJ Rhettmatic titled Crown Royale.

9. M.anifest



M.anifest's hip-hop journey took him all the way from Accra, Ghana to Minneapolis, Minnesota. His style hearkens to the smart lyricism of the Talib Kwelis and the Brother Alis. Not surprisingly, he's already aligned himself with that brand by way of collaborations with Ali. He prides himself as a great songwriter and people are starting to take notice. Minneapolis' City Pages named him the Best Songwriter in 2008.
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