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Duepayer Recruits: Future of NY

21 May 2008 49 views 26 Comments

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY (and damn proud of it) I was exposed to some of the best hip hop artists, so I developed an ear for talent at an early age. Being surrounded by so many emcees who were undeniably nice on the mic led to a habit of mine to always look for the next emcee to be hailed as the “King of NY”. NY emcees have always been known for their lyrical prowess and songwriting genius, separating them from the rest of the competition. But presently, the duepayer collective and I feel that NY hip-hop has become a crying game of who’s really going to bring “NY back” in this Durty Souf infested climate. Reality Check fellas…THINGS DONE CHANGED!!

Lets face it, NY is just not the same. Just look around you and count how many Phoebe’s Cafes and Le Pupu Art Exhibits have opened up in our own neighborhoods. It’s about time we take notice and move on, and create a new identity for ourselves. The key to the game is longevity, and you can’t have that if you don’t evolve with the times. We can learn a thing or two from our counterparts in the South. They’re constantly working together and, most of all, they’re having fun with the music. Still, all hope is not lost. There are some great prospects out there who can possibly carry the torch for the city, so I’ve decided to narrow it down to three of the top candidates.

With the 1st pick in the 2007 Duepayer Draft, NY selects…

Saigon aka “The Yardfather”

Scouting Report
Comparisons: Nas lyricism with a Tupac mentality
Strengths: Dope Lyricist, Great Message, Shows Personality & Emotion
Needs Improvement: Weak Hooks

Saigon, the self-proclaimed Malcom X of hip hop, is one of the few artists right now who has the ability to appeal to the streets while positively reinforcing that the gangsta life is nothing to glorify. Signed by producer extraordinaire Just Blaze and his Fort Knox label under the Atlantic umbrella, Saigon has been preparing his debut album “The Greatest Story Never Told” for the past 2 years and is ready make an impact that will change the climate of the game. Armed with thoughtful narratives and enough wit to make listeners anticipate every bar that gets thrown, Saigon is a NY emcee that will surely fulfill the hopes of hip hop purists with a new school swag. Rather than being the common denominator of rappers that exist today, Saigon is a breath of fresh air, speaking on the current issues at hand and offering solutions within his knowledgeable yet entertaining rhymes. He exudes that “Don’t talk about it, be about it” characteristic that separates duepayers from slackers. Check out his 1st mixtape, put together shortly after doing a bid in jail, hosted by Kay Slay & Whoo Kid and listen to your favorite rappers future favorite rapper.

With the 2nd pick in the 2007 Duepayer Draft, NY selects…

Joell Ortiz aka “Ay Dios Mio”

Scouting Report
Comparisons: Big Pun Ressurected
Strengths: Lyrics, Breath Control, Songwriting Ability, Great Passion
Needs Improvement: Replay Value

Latin rappers are few and far between in the game these days. Not since the days of Big Pun have we seen an emcee with as much promise as Mr. Joell Ortiz (real name, no gimmicks). The fellow Brooklyn emcee has put out material for Rawkus in their glory days under the name Joell Quikman, and has proven time after time that he is one of the best emcees on the come up, holding his own with legends such as Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane. His talent has not gone unnoticed, having recently been picked up by Dr. Dre and his Aftermath label where he’s preparing his debut album to drop sometime this year (or next year, or the next, that Aftermath curse). He recently dropped his street album under Koch Records, The Brick, which showcases his ability to execute dope concepts with thoughtful, witty lyricism. His versatile songwriting ability ranges from hood anthems to life scriptures, painted vividly through his focus on detail on every rhyme that he spits. Ortiz definitely has what it takes to stir up the monotony in this current state of hip hop with his great passion for the culture. You can check his myspace for previews of his album, and if you like what you hear, make sure you show support and cop the album. Here is his 1st mixtape from a couple of years ago, titled “Who The Fuck Is Joell Ortiz?”.

With the 3rd pick in the 2007 Duepayer Draft, NY selects…

Aasim aka “The Dream”

Scouting Report
Comparisons: New School Rakim
Strengths: Sick & Versatile Flow, Clear and Focused Lyricism
Needs Improvement: Song Catalogue, Charisma

Since the passing of Christopher Wallace, its been years since Diddy and his Bad Boy label has had an emcee under their roster who can go toe to toe with the heavyweights, until Aasim kicked in the door. This Southside Jamaica, Queens emcee is a force to be reckoned with. Being signed to the now defunct Loud Records label at the age of 17, Aasim got to witness many greats by the likes of Big Pun, Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep, and Dead Prez in action as they created hit songs and classick albums. Now at the forefront of the Bad Boy militia, Aasim has created buzz by ghostwriting for Diddy on his latest album “Press Play” and is ready to rocket his career to newer heights as he prepares his debut lp. Aasims uncanny flow and NYC tough lyricism is a throwback to the what emceeing is all about, an element absent today that surely needs to be relevant again. A rappers rapper some might say, Aasim shows us how to do it correctly, without tiring our ears with a typical, uninspiring lazy cadence. His experience and work ethic along with guidance from Diddy (hate him or not, the man makes hits) will surely keep him ahead of the rest for years to come. In the meantime, check out his latest mixtape collaboration with DJ Green Lantern, “The Departed“. Its just a taste of what you fake emcees have to deal with.

(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

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26 Comments »

D. Billz said:

Sai is the talk of the net right now with the recent “squabble” that he and Just had. But his catalog thus far definitely shows potential for him to be the “leader of the new school”. Joell has been the talk of the town for a minute now. I’m glad Dre went against industry “standards” and signed someone that doesn’t have a gimmick. Aasim, I can honestly say I haven’t heard much of. I heard maybe 2 of his joints on HHG. But if you say he’s nice, I’ll definitely check out more tracks.

Job well done on the draft Matik. But I know this can’t be it. I’m sure you got some more picks on the way. Right now there’s only enough drafts for a pick-up game in the park. Lol

# 21 June 2007 at 9:10 am

ReyTheHussein said:

Cosign the list. Those are the 3 I would’ve picked.

# 21 June 2007 at 9:21 am

Shawn Lee said:

Saigon and Joell definitely have a clear shot at makin noise in this biz. I’m not too familiar with Aasim myself but joints like “Broken Bottles” show crazy promise. I’m not sure if he should have trumped Grafh in the draft tho. Shit that even rhymes better. lol. It baffles me as to why BlackHand man never crossed over into the mainstream. Dude is marketable, his flow is innovative (albeit hard to pick up at times), and his lyrics are intricate as well. I guess BET was right when they said that certain artists are “too intelligent for their audience.” Ain’t that some bulllllllsheeeeeeiittt! (c) Tony Roberts

Dope post tho homie.

# 21 June 2007 at 9:33 am

D. Billz said:

Damn… how I forget about Grafh? Of all people… Lol. He’s been holdin’ down the scene for a minute while others have kinda faded away. Pap is also a contender. I need to send you the mixtape for the kid Loaded Lux.

# 21 June 2007 at 9:47 am

uniquemcee said:

Definitely not Papoose. I just don’t feel him at ALL!!!! Those are great picks. I think Grafh is mad nice but Aasim stands out more to me. Grafh would come right after, he’s at #4. Then it’s Lupe Fiasco at # 5. Let’s keep scoutin’!

# 21 June 2007 at 10:23 am

Shawn Lee said:

Lupe is dope of course, and quite futuristic. But he ain’t from NY ms. Nique. Ya killin me! lol

# 21 June 2007 at 1:06 pm

uniquemcee said:

OH TRUE… lol MY BAD

# 21 June 2007 at 1:49 pm

Woof The Phonocator said:

Well I know we’re talking about NY here, but as for the tri-state area….Joe Budden anyone? Also lupe? Nique you need duepayer 101 lol

# 21 June 2007 at 5:20 pm

Woof The Phonocator said:

Oh and what about Apathy?

# 21 June 2007 at 5:22 pm

Matik said:

Well i kept it to three for now…Grafh is nice but lately he hasnt shown any consistency song wise, he’s a beast on the freestyle tip and his unorthodox flow is unfuckwitable, but I’d like to hear some more solid material from him. Blackhand should focus more on getting Grafh material out there instead of labelmate Prinz. Aasim gets the nod because everytime I hear soemthing from the kid, he goes all out, and they have potential to make big waves. Just take a listen to the mixtape and you’ll see what i mean. Papoose is gifted lyrically but i cant see myself listening to a whole album of Papoose, his tone gets monotonous to me. I wish Kay Slay didnt oversaturate the streets with his mixtapes. Clearly a gifted emcee along with Saigon that brings truth to their raps. Buddens…need i say more…Def Jam dont know what they have on their hands. Mood Muzik 3 Yatchhessss!!!

# 21 June 2007 at 7:17 pm

Shawn Lee said:

Yeah, If Budden was from NY he’d be #1 in my book. His mixtapes play better than any album I’ve heard in the past year or two (save Common’s Be and Ye’s Late Registration). I think he has the ability to make great records, which has been a problem as of late in the Tri-State. But Def Jam just has absolutely no luv for the boy. I attribute that to Jay being shook to give up the crown. Cuz Budden is surely up on Jay’s level if not illa right now. Real spit…pause

# 21 June 2007 at 7:46 pm

Matik (author) said:

Corey Gunz also gets an honerable mention, kid is a beast in the making, havent heard from him lately but his apprentice mixtapes were fiyahhh. Also Skyzoo, hes been putting out solid material as of late along with the Cloud 9 album he did with 9th Wonder, and recent collabos with DJ Premier and Marco Polo and presently a single on his myspace produced by G-Unit in house producer Illmind,look out for the Citys Favorite mixtape dropping soon.

# 21 June 2007 at 8:07 pm

Big Homie said:

Sean P!!!

# 21 June 2007 at 8:42 pm

Matik (author) said:

Sean P is the truth, he a vet in the game tho, we’ll definitely shine some light on the man soon.

“All you rappers is half ass…almost anus” lol SEAN PPPP!!!!

# 21 June 2007 at 8:52 pm

Shawn Lee said:

Man, you know how I feel about SkyZoo right now. He’s tryin a bit too hard with all this “swagga” nonsense goin around. Its sad how NY rappers have made me hate such beautiful words like “swagga” and “movement”. lol. They used to have so much meaning, but as usual these New NY ninjas don’t got the game all twisted. And oh yeah, P is the troof of course. Lookin forward to that Massa P mixtape. Should be fiiiyaaaaaaa!!!! (c) M.O.P.

# 21 June 2007 at 9:16 pm

Big Homie said:

Yea well you guys did a great job compling a list of newbees. Saigon, Joell, Grafh are the ones I could think of from the top of my head.

Sean P..I just wanted an excuse to put him out there. Dude is the truth.

Great post.

# 22 June 2007 at 3:11 pm