With the topic of discussion in Hip-Hop currently centered around the XXL Freshman list and who made the coveted list, it’s the glaring omissions from the list that have us scratching our heads. While the cover is certainly better than last years — sorry Vince Staples — it again raises questions about the qualifications that are needed to make the list. But to keep it real, artists being “slept on” has always been a narrative among the genres participants and isn’t always a bad thing (we’re talking to you Aesop Rock). Artists who have a slow but impactful rise to the top of the food chain have traditionally had more longevity than the flash in the pan one hit wonders. With that being said, we present this weeks segment of ‘With All Due RESPECT.’ which features 5 artists who unfortunately didn’t make this years Freshman cut, but are surely ones to watch in the near future. Check it out!

“Gold Talk” – Mi$tro

Coming in off of his recently released mixtape, G.O.L.D. (Gods Only Look Down), Virginia native Mi$tro gives you a quick peek into his life. “It’s sad that my best friend don’t get to see it with me/ But the day that he walk out of the jail I’m gon’ bring him with me” & “I made less friends and more money” give you an idea of where the 22-year-old rapper’s head is at. Combing the self reflecting lyrics with a hard hitting baseline and harmony sample from OGG producer Money Montage, Mi$tro delivers a short but banging track that you need hear. Check the track out below and be sure to give his new tape a listen.

“Peephole” – Bodega Bamz

With two successful and dope projects under his belt with Strictly For My P.A.P.I.Z. & Sidewalk Exec, it’s really a mystery as to why Harlem native, Bodega Bamz is STILL being slept on. Coming in off his new tape All Eyez Off Me, Bamz exhibits his knack for story telling on “Peephole“. Going in over strange bird chirp samples and something that sounds like a muffed xylophone, Bamz takes us into a sticky situation that smells like a set up. “Huggin’ on this Hennesey, heard two knocks at the door/ looking through the peephole/ loaded up my four four, it’s a face I’ve never seen before” gives you an idea of the theme throughout the track. Check it out below and check out All Eyez On Me, out now!

“Mike Jack (Feat. Ali Superb)” – Kiari The Stone

Coming in full speed from the jump, Las Vegas native Kiari The Stone absolutely rips this beat to pieces. Showcasing his intriguingly different flow with clever bars such as “I don’t think you prepared for what’s after this/ I’m the prophecy/ ask ya pastor b***h” Kiari takes it up a few levels with this one. Coupling that with a head nodding beat produced by Zero and Pal XIII and an attention grabbing verse from fellow Sin City native Ali Superb, the duo will have you howling “Rap Mike Jack tell me who the baddest is?” to the top of your lungs. Sporting a modest play count that is slightly under 5K, now is the perfect time to get in before the bandwagon. You heard it here first, Las Vegas has next.

“Communication” – Dillon Jamal

Didn’t I tell you Vegas has next? Despite being among the “Get Lit” culture of the fast moving Vegas scene, 19-year-old 702 native Dillon Jamal slows it down a bit with the infectious single, “Communication” which shows Dillon attempting to plea with his woman about everyday issues. Though he showcases strong vocals on the hook, it’s Jamal’s ability to seamlessly go from crooning to rapping with a purposes with in the drop of a dime. “What happened to us?/Actin’ like we ain’t have to do it/ hurt when you see me with other women, spending time you know you invested in” is a bar of note that accentuates not only his unique cadence, but also his advanced thought process for only being 19. Check out the track below and be sure to keep an eye on the young Sin City artist.

“Chill Bill (Feat. J Davi$ & Spooks)” – Rob $tone

Plain and simple, this song is a banger. Utilizing a sample from Kill Bill — hence the “Chill Bill” title — 21-year-old San Diego native Rob $tone turns it up with this track. Going in over simple but infectious production from Purpdogg, $tone showcases his gift for melodies and riding sonic waves on this track featuring a dope guest verse from J Davi$ from the group 1207. Heating up on Soundcloud, now would be the time to jump on the wave before it’s too late. Check out the track below and be sure to stay updated on Rob $tone.

Check out the tracks and let us know what you think in the comments below!

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