When it comes to hip-hop, I usually explore different regions of the country, checking out the hottest spitters from every corner of the map. Back in the day, it was Harlem all day: Ma$e, Cam, Jimmy, Juelz, Jae Millz, McGruff, Meeno, Loon, etc. Virginia got that heat too, with Clipse and Fam-Lay. Atlanta has a varied mess of talent, from upper echleon spitters like Outkast, Killer Mike and TI down to dumbed down trappers like Gucci Mane and OJ da Juiceman. Today I figured with the Phillies in World Series and the Eagles..um, well, they are the Eagles, I guess, I'd shine a spotlight on who I think are five of the most underrated rappers from the City of Brotherly Love.
Reppin: Southwest Philly
Rapping since the age of 11, Reed is one of Philly's hottest up an comers. At 23 years of age, he's young and ready to show and prove. He has released a successful series mixtapes and DVD's and is already a regional superstar. His Myspace claims he is the "highest grossing rapper" in Philly. I don't really see a reason to a lie about that really, as it's both an impressive feat and not much to brag about at the same time. Reed has an interesting flow, reminiscent of a mixture of Lil Wayne (in a good way) and Young Neef from the Young Gunz. Slick wordplay and gun talk is the word of the day with Reed Dollaz, which doesn't re-write the book but works for today's rap environment. I could see him blowing up with the right promotion, as evidenced by tracks like "Hood in My Pocket" and "Dollaz on Deck". Keep an eye for Reed Dollaz, I expect him to make some more noise in '10, unless he's content with just being the best in his hometown for financial security but less fame.
Reppin': North Philly
Liva is a consummate veteran, and a wizard with the words. A descriptive storyteller who possesses a commanding mic presence and a voice that forces you to listen. Liva been doin' it for years, first as a part of the Major Figgas crew, then (and still) as a ghostwriter for such artists as Dr. Dre, and for the past seven years, part of the Clipse Re-Up Gang crew. Still no solo albums to his name, which after over a decade-plus in the game can be disheartening, but Pusha T promises a Liva solo album on Re-Up/Columbia Records next year, so we shall see. For now, here's a classic Liva joint called "The Sermon" to introduce you to the Philadelphia boss.
GILLIE DA KID
Reppin': North Philly
Gillie is another founding member of the Major Figgas crew, and is a dude who shoulda been blown up YEARS ago. First coming onto the scene with the Figgas in '99, they had a radio hit with "Yeah That's Us", which the couldn't translate into a major record sales. After returning to the underground for a bit, Gillie resurfaced on Cash Money Records where he ghostwrote for Baby and Lil Wayne for a few years. After sitting on the shelf, he departed and embroiled himself in a war of words with Wayne (which, even from an unbiased standpoint, Gillie murdered him). Several more mixtapes later, Gillie was supposedly in a bidding war between G-Unit and Atlantic records, before finally deciding to go solo with his own Figgas 4 Life Entertainment. He's supposed to have his OFFICIAL solo debut out by next year, called "Get it How You Live". A true legend and the King of Philly, Gillie never forgot his hood and continues to hold it down today.
Reppin': South Philly
Signed to the Neptune's Star Trak label for as long as I can remember, Roscoe has been holding it down as an unsung hero of the hip-hop game. His unorthodox flow and voice sets him apart from anyone else out there, and his devil-may-care attitude is abrasive and engaging. He's had a couple minor hits, appearing on Clipse "Got Damn", releasing his own minor hit "Delinquent" and contributing many hot guest verses. I think there is still potential for Roscoe with the right push behind him; sadly, he was nabbed on a double murder charge at the end of 2008, and I have not been able to find out anything else online about it, so his status is up in the air right now. However, if you wanna hear some real shit, don't look further than Mr. Coldchain.
Reppin': North Philly
Sandman is one of the hardest working hustlers in Philly. After rolling with Clipse and the Re-Up Gang for a number of years, he decided he was tired of waiting and was ready to take his career into his own hands. He launched his own company, Cannons Incorporated and has released a slew of mixtapes including "#1 Suppliya" and "Philadelphia Ego". He has a street album out called "Heart of the City" that I am anticipating listening to, haven't been able to get my hands on it yet though. He's got a lazy off-kilter way of spitting that really catches your ear and you'll find yourself repeating his trademark "Yeeeeaaah Cannoooooons" that uses to introduce his presence before every verse. Definitely a dude who is deserving of some shine, and with his hustle and work ethic, I can see him reaching it.
been following reed for a minute, he got this passion in his voice that makes you want to listen to what he gotta say. sandman def hold it down too. i think philly got a style that's an aquired taste. they really dont get enough credit. i listen to philly rap cause you know its fresh, and they not tryin to bite off nobody else's shit. they stay original. good look on philly.
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