My top ten...
Here is my top ten in very particular order, WITH reasons, love to see what peoples thoughts are on this. Im loving this topic...
1. All rappers with egos fill in your name here _______.
2. Cool Nutz- I dont think I even need to justify this...the man is a freaking workhorse, we should all take notes from him on marketing, promoting, damn near all of it. AND...he GIVES LOVE BACK!! Something I can definately say some cats out here need to work on. Live show is dope too.
3. Mr. D-sane- I know he aint really an artist, but he has definately had his hand on alot of the big names out here in Seattle. Two words: ARTIST DEVELOPMENT. Something alot of non artists might take for granted, D is truly a master in the studio and will continue to add to his 5 already classic releases. Artists leave, and he keeps banging out hits...Need I say more?
4. Byrdie-I honestly think that this man is something special. Every once is a while you know you got one of those. Byrdie at some point will make his name a nationwide mainstay. Where most artist out of Seattle are going to be happy being in the SOURCE. I think Byrdie has the ability to someday be a coverboy for the mag....nuff said....and lets be honest, lyrically the only cats fucking with him (In my humble opinion) are Skunt, and Sleep of Oldominion.
5.Sleep of (Oldominion) - Lyrically one of the best I have ever heard. One of the most solid performers. And anyone who has heard him will say that the "flow is nice" haha...the dude is also hella good peoples..
6.Sonny Bonoho-Absoloute promotional genius.....Live shows is amazing too...What he lacks in product in stores as far as a full length album he more than makes up for with his now classic "Glitta" shows. Hes for the kids. im not saying any names, but I know of quite a few promoters/labels who would give their right arm to have this guy signed and locked, cuz he gonna be BIG.
7. Boom Bap- Holding down the underground real nice.....
8. Central Intelligence- Great group out of the underground in the NW...I really look up to these guys..big on their lyrical ability...and great live performers...
9. Sarkastik-(Sleeper Pick)...Man, people need to wake up to him..this guy is SICK SICK SICK...I was BEGGING D to let me get on a remix of his.....Hes incredible in the studio, dope live performer...and his voice will make him a mainstay in this NW community.
10. Unexpected Arrival- (yes myself, lol, but I feel as though my resume does warrant a spot on the list. Check the rap sheet:
*2002 Kube93fm Artist of the year award
*2002 Kube93fm Song of the year award
*"Take Control" #1 most requested song on Kube93fm for one week "Hot 7 @ 7" (Also 5 weeks at top 7)
*#1 Single on x104.5 just this last week. "If we try" received 75 spins, barely beating out heavyweights Jutsin Timberlake and Tupac.
*Two DIFFERENT singles on top song countdowns of 2002 on two DIFFERENT radio stations- (Take control #90 on KUBE, If we try #93 on x104.5)
*Opener for national artists like Mystikal, Jurassic 5, DJ Quik, & Ruff Ryder Jin
*One of the first, if not THE first unsigned indie rap artist to headline @ the Showbox (Coming up, feb 20th 2003..its gonna be HOT!!!)
*3 releases since 2001. Album, then maxi single, and new album just released all within a span of 15 months. Just trying to consistantly release product and stay relevant.
*And check out the Seattle Post Intelligencer from Friday:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/104500_hotband17.shtml
Also, legends like Mix alot, and Source of Labor dont count, cuz to me this more or a "Right now" type list...
Whether or not people agree with my list, one thing is damn sure...the scene is growing and there is some hot shit in the NW....
One love
Neema Khorrami
Unexpected Arrival