Evan's "Artists to Watch" for 2010 -- Part I

J. Cole
The first artist signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation, (arguably) the best feature on the hottest album of '09 (Blueprint 3), and a definite finalist for mixtape of the year (The Warm Up).  Quite simply, J. Cole is on the rise.  As a rapper/producer, he often raps over his own beats, which gives him a great degree of creative freedom that few emcees can enjoy.  Lyrics and flow, however, are where he really shines.  With thoughtful and introspective content delivered through a slick, punchline-heavy style, J. Cole is definitely talented.  Just check out "Lights Please" and you'll become a fan, I promise.

Curren$y
There's no one else like Curren$y, seriously.  He paved his own way; from his teenage years on Master P's No Limit Records, to his brief stint with Weezy's Young Money, Curren$y has done it all himself.  After dropping Young Money and releasing 8 (dope) solo mixtapes and 2 albums in 3 years, Curren$y's hard work is finally paying off.  Some of you might know him from How Fly, his joint (pun!) mixtape with Wiz Khalifa, but look out for Spitta in 2010.  He, Jay Electronica, and Mos Def have formed the supergroup, "Center Edge Territory," and he's got an album, The Grand Scheme of Things, slated for release sometime this year.  Lyrically, he's on point with the best of the best.  Just check out his MySpace and see for yourself.