The Top Ten Arizona Rappers Ever. (No. 10-6)
April 1, 2011
I’m from Arizona, I love my state, and rep all day. The Hip Hop scene in AZ has always been booming, and full of a wide-array of talent. I decided for the sake of argument, and discussion I would compile a list of the “Top Ten Rappers” from Arizona. This list is not the most “Lyrical, the most “Talented”, or who has the biggest buzz in the street. This is a list of the 10 rappers in AZ who I feel have done the most for the Arizona Hip Hop scene. Whether it be musically, commercially, lyrically, or any of that combined. Hit the jump for the Top 10 (10-6) Rappers in Arizona History in my opinion. Key words “MY” and “Opinion” should be noted.
10. Emerg McVay
Emerg is one of 2 MC’s of the rap/rock group Bionic Jive. Who released one of my favorite albums EVER. The group was on the Anger Management Tour with Eminem and had some mild success on soundtracks. Emerg was always the stand out MC of the group (Shouts to Ako Mack), and had a long run has the host of the Blunt Club. Truly a talented dude.
9. HANNIBAL LEQ
Probably the most distinct voice in AZ Hip Hop. Dude’s raspy delivery is one of a kind and he has been a main-stay in the Hip Hop scene in the Valley as long as I can remember. Plus, the dude is a ridiculous MC!
8. Hot Rod
When Hot Rod got his deal with G-Unit he looked liked the first promising MC to put AZ on the national Hip-Hop map. Then the single and music video w/ Mary J. Blige came out and it was almost guaranteed! Radio in Phoenix didn’t support the single, Interscope stopped pushing the record, and Hot Rod’s project got put on the famous G-Unit shelf. He responded by touring overseas constantly and some-what keeping his name relevant. He’s recently re-worked his image and is the first signee to 50′s new “G-Note” Records.
7.Bookie
Survivalist was at one point the biggest Hip Hop group in the state. Their infectious single “Bounce” was making noise on the charts, and they even were covered in Vibe Magazine. The stand out MC of the click and Fo Life Records roster was Bookie. Who’s solo album “Stressin” was criminally slept on. I remember when as a kid a saw the ad for “Stressin” in The Source, and I thought AZ was on the MAP (Dammit I Was Wrong!)! Bookie’s a dope MC, and one of the illest our state has had to offer.
6.Atllas
Atllas is probably the first local artist who’s CD I actually purchased. When I was in Jr. High you couldn’t go anywhere with out seeing this dude’s promotional posters for his debut disc “King Of AZ”. He’s probably the first AZ MC I remember hearing on the radio with “Hood Famous”. He made an MTV appearance on MADE, had some sort of deal with the Rawkus 50 (Still not sure what that was/is?), and has continued to put out dope music.
April 7th, 2011 at 12:20 am
[...] If you missed #’s 10-6 [...]
April 11th, 2011 at 12:56 am
[...] I mean is there even a question as to why Willy is in the top 3? He’s the only rapper from Arizona to ever release an album through a major label (That label being Def Jam of course). Despite it’s horrible promotion from the label and lack-luster sales, the simple fact that I could go and purchase The Connect at the Best Buy in Boise, Idaho is a huge accomplishment in it’s self. Still currently inked to DTP records, Willy still remains the face of Arizona Hip Hop to alotta folks around the country. “>”Body Marked Up” still bangs like it was released today, and when the SB1070 fiasco was at full-speed Willy stood up as a voice for the latinos in the community that he represents so proudly. Despite releasing a sub-par debut album on the national scene, Willy still remains Arizona’s only MC signed to a major label. Let’s just hope that Def Jam/DTP give him a chance to put out album #2. Previous: #4 Pokafase, #5 Juice, #10-#6 [...]
February 9th, 2012 at 1:43 am
you should check out coch of the bbg he is reppin az and has 15 musical projects and his 16th one will be droppin in spring 2012. he really need to be on this list!! check him out on youtube/slimmbbg. myspace/bigboigrindaz. facebook/bigboigrindaz. HE IS ONE TO WATCH!!! GOD BLESS
December 4th, 2012 at 1:48 am
Nutmeg
In 1995, she was signed to Arizona-based record company, Soul Sauce Records distributed by Raging Bull Records of Encino,Ca.
Her debut album GHETTOS CHILD http://www.mtv.com/artists/nutmeg/discography/67681/ was one of the first rap cds’ out of Phoenix to get national attention, distribution and feature from a major rap artist, Kool g Rap. The project was strictly “g-funk” laced with Connies’ Rap and R&B esqe vocal-ism. In July of 96, The Source Magazine featured Nutmeg as a promising new talent for the Southwest rap scene! Sampling SOS Bands’ “Take your Time” the single and video “Much Love” featured Kool G Rap and was one of the first of its’ kind “East meets West” compilations (male/female) the blend was surprisingly cohesive and heralded more collaborations of its’ kind to come.
However, problems developed with the distributor , Raging Bull Entertainment. The owner, music industry mogul Joe Isgro , was later indicted on loan schemes http://articles.latimes.com/2000/sep/08/local/me-17520. Losing distribution without securing a new deal for her, the label lost the ability to market and distribute the CD. GHETTOS CHILD was eventually only a regional classic. Her vocal talent and writing ability was still noticed. As G Rap said himself in a interview that Connie “was a very talented young lady”.
http://www.ugrap.de/interview.php?id=246
Nominated one of Phoenix Best Female Hip-Hop Artist of 2010.http://www.phoenixhiphop.net/tag/connie-muhammad-aka-nutmeg
current music page is http://www.reverbnation.com/conniemuhammad
February 26th, 2013 at 12:11 am
Bootleg Kev. Worked with all artist mentioned. been doing this as long if not longer. Give my music and stage presents a look see. youtube 7 28 12Luck D if still not satisfied. Luck Everbody out now. feat, Hannibal Leq, and new project soon to be released. Let me know. Thanks and keep AZ hip hop alive on Power. Peace.