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1. Kendrick Lamar

After dropping Section 80, Kendrick was a clear choice to lead the list. Kendrick pretty much came out of nowhere and took 2011 by storm, getting co-signs from everyone from: Snoop Dogg, The Game, Drake, Pharrell, Dr. Dre & many more.

Everyone is anticipating his next project and with that 2012 is Kendrick’s moment.

See 2-10 below.

2. XV

After finally signing to a major label, XV is ready to drop his “Kid w/ The Green Backpack album this year. After not being named an XXL freshman the last two years,  like we all thought he would be, XV started 2011 with a vengence dropping two new projects and gaining countless new fans.

The #Squarian hashtag is RT’d non-stop by XV and it really gives you an understanding of how big XV’s movement has gotten.

3. Rich Hil

After ending his rehab this October, Rich has began prepping the release of “SYLDD” one of the most anticipated projects of 2011/2012. Rich has also signed a major deal w/ Warner Bros and has an album coming out produced entirely by Lex Luger.

Rich has been making his own lane for years and dropped hundreds of songs for FREE. 2012 is Rich’s year to breakout on a major scale and be exposed to whole new crowd. It’s been a long time coming for Rich and all the No Limo supporters.

4. The Weeknd

The 7 million dollar man is without a doubt one of the biggest up and coming stars of the new few years. With unlimited potential, The Weeknd’s future in R&B, is looking brighter than maybe any other artists. “House of Balloons” and “Echoes of Silence” have enjoyed massive success from hip-hops biggest critics and tons of “xo stans” everywhere. In 2012, we will likely see The Weeknd sign a massive record deal, and maybe even a debut album. The Weeknd is someone everyone should keep an eye on in 2012.

5. Shawn Chrystopher

Shawn Chrys has been semi-lowkey when it comes to releases lately, but none the less, 2012 is shaping up to be a huge year for Shanw. After just wrapping up his “Finally Famous” tour w/ Big Sean and Cyhi, Shawn’s working on another album, and going through different offers from different labels. Although Shawn’s buzz is growing, I feel he’s yet to achieve much of the success in his future. 2012, is gonna be the biggest year of Shawn’s career, which makes him an artist to keep an eye on.

6. Chip Tha Ripper

With Chip’s debut album right around the corner (Cudi guaranteed it’d be out in 2012) Chip’s success is sure to follow. After dropping countless mixtapes and an EP last year w/ Chuck English, Chip has become a name every backpack rap fan knows.

The blogs are posting all his new music, and he’s getting major features. A couple more projects, and Chip will be a household name. (Not to mention signing w/ a major label, he’s been offered countless deals). 2012 is gonna be Chip’s biggest year of his career.

7. Kid Ink

The Alumni music group member is still unsigned, getting co-signs from major producers such as Hit-Boy, Sonny Digital, Cardo & more, and working with artists like Nipsey Hussle. Kid Ink has been building a TGOD-like fan base for years now and it seeing it all pay off. “Wheels Up” one his best project to date, and with Ink’s debut expected to drop this year, the future is looking for bright for this LA native.

8. A$AP Rocky

After landing his 3 million dollar deal with Sony, ASAP has been staying busy. He’s now on tour to begin to 2012 and with a debut album dropping this year, if you haven’t already gotten familiar w/ the ASAP Mob, I’m sure you will.

9. Kreayshawn

Nothing needs to really be said about one of the biggest breakout stars of 2011. 2012 is well, make it or break time for Kreayshawn. With no debut album out yet, and countless people waiting for her to fail, she’s undoubtedly someone to watch this year. Expect music from her and Curren$y, and even Cudi which i’m sure we can expect her to hold onto til her album does come out.

10. Iggy Azalea/Neon Hitch

Tied for last, but not least; Iggy and Neon. Two very different, very similiar artists. Neon may be more known as of right now, but with a huge following Iggy has managed to conquer Austrailia and is now looking to take over the U.S. – With songs like “My World” and “Pussy”,  her over the top, unorthodox song approach is what makes her succesful (not to mention her being a part of #teamGemini).

Neon on the other hand, has a debut album coming out, produced (assuming) by Benny Blanco. “Ass Back Home” was a huge song for her in 2011, and i’m expecting nothing but the same in 2012.

Rich Hil x Chip Tha Ripper Coming Soon? Ab-Soul - 'Illuminate' (ft. Kendrick Lamar) Steve Aoki & Angger Dimas - 'Beat Down' (ft. Iggy Azalea) Iggy Azalea - 'Murda Bizness' (ft. T.I.) Iggy Azalea Signs w/ Interscope Records