The statuesque Houston native catapulted to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with the Savage (Remix) featuring Beyonc in April, won numerous 2020 BET Awards (including Female Rapper of The Year) in June, signed a lucrative contract with cosmetic giant Revlon in August, dropped her Roc Nation debut Good Newsin November and scooped up four Grammy Award nominations to cap off the year.With the exception of the Savage (Remix), she accomplished all of that and then some recovering from bullet wounds sustained in a July shooting. His song Orange Soda has become very popular in the USA and Europe. He was also well-known for his Hammer pants. Although he performs the hip hop genre, he co-founded a heavy metal band called Body Count and introduced the group on his own album O.G. Nasty also provided the original song My Little Alien to the soundtrack for the 2020 film Scoob! The greatest debate in hip-hop may be determining who the greatest rapper of all time is. Top 30 Los Angeles Rappers 1. Here are the best female rappers of 2021, ranked by fans everywhere. Web1. They debuted in 1989 with the album 3 Feet High and Rising, and they were nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 1989. In particular, his album The Predator aimed to support social protests in Los Angeles. Read onfor somelast-minute costume ideas. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the biggest shutdown the music industry has ever witnessed no concerts or tours, venues closing left and right and artists wrestling with what to do next. Official Ruff Ryders gear is also available on, A.P.C. Aesop is an unparalleled wordsmithand thats not just opinion, its scientific fact. Taylor Swift notches highest-ever Record Store Day release, Fall Out Boy unveils limited edition So Much (For) Stardust vinyl, Jack Harlow gives Louisville tour in They Dont Love It video, The Academy of Country Music announces ACM Country Kickoff at the Star lineup, Lil Wayne announces Welcome to Tha Carter global livestream, Country Music Hall of Fame announces Taylor Swift pop-up exhibit, The Chicks announce 2023 Australian, New Zealand tour dates, Carrie Underwood launching exclusive SiriusXM channel, Aerosmith announces Peace Out farewell tour, Benefits of listening to music in different situations, Tips for balancing a music career while studying. He is the third richest person in the hip-hop industry and has an estimated net worth of $740 million. Apart from rapping and singing, she also co-wrote songs and managed the bands outfits, album titles, and artworks. This year alone, she secured a record deal with Issa Raes record label Raedio and released two singles from the Insecure TV soundtrack. : Original Gangster in 1991. Due to his success in the hip hop industry, he earned himself the title of The Godfather of Gangsta Rap. Xzibit is a true legend that is popular even in 2021. Whether you think West Coast rappers are superior or East Coast emcees reign as your number one choice, the battle for the top all time rappers continues to rage on. An era that remains untouched, frozen in time by the greatness it produced. Jayceon Terrell Taylor is best-known as either The Game or Game. Furthermore, he is the former Executive Vice President of Death Row Records. She started her music career at an early age, forming the rap group Ladies Fresh in high school. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for West Coast Rappers Tank Top XL Black DMX 2pac Snoop Dre Easy Ice Cube Nas Tee at the best online prices at He has since released 12 more albums, all receiving critical and commercial acclaim and success, solidifying him as one of the best rappers of all time. Check out the Victrola record store for new album releases. She reached international acclaim in the early 2000s with a trio of albums, including Under Construction, which delivered popular singles including, "Work It," and earned her the Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance. Wanna bumble with the Bee, huh?/Bzzz, throw a hex on MC Ren has also collaborated with many other artists during his career. When it comes to top tier lyricists, Rapsody is always the cream that rises to the top. Free 03. That doesnt mean it isnt equally as enjoyable, however. His Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial album became very popular in America. MC Eiht Aaron Tyler was born in Compton, California, on May 22, 1971. If you want to jump into the deep and often dark world of Doom, albums such as Operation: Doomsday capture the eclectic style that made Dumile one of the most influential independent rappers to date. He won multiple awards while working in the music industry before switching his focus to television work. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Their music is filled with allegories, metaphors, and allusions to the injustice of modern society. Also a well-known philanthropist, Young M.A launched the KWEENZ Foundation in 2018; the foundation aims at helping those trying to cope with the loss of loved ones. 6 days ago. After signing with Interscope Records the same year, she hit a few bumps along the way but managed to land on her feet in 2020 with the release of not one but two new projects Got It Made and Oakland Nights,a collaborative EP with fellow Bay Area artist Capolow.She also helms her own imprint GRND.WRK, intent on staying in the drivers seat when it comes to her career. This album was released in October 1996. In addition to his music career, he has had a successful career in the movie industry with roles in many movies. Since 1992, he has worked mainly as a solo artist. Whatever Happened To The Cast Of Dawsons Creek? You couldnt help but get wrapped up in the undeniable sex appeal of Foxy Brown. Consequently, you have to dig below the surface to understand Aesops complex metaphors and dazzling wordplay. His debut album My Crazy Life was released in 2014. This was during the MySpace era, when everyone and their gardener was posting freestyles to their page. Their music differed to their East Coast contemporaries as the lyrics of their music focused on the violence and drugs that were a normal part of street life on the West Coast. From the days of U.N.I.T.Y. to Set it Off, Queens style proves to be transformative and versatile. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Millions of people listen to their favorite albums every day on the way to work, on the subway, or after college. He began his career in the hip-hop industry in 1984 and has become one of the most successful artists in this genre. Diamont Quiava Valentin Harper (born July 2, 1993), known professionally as Saweetie is an American rapper. WebThe Top Ten. Continuing the trend with his sixth album, Tha Carter III, in 2008, the American rapper sold over one million copies in the U.S. in just one week and went on to win the Grammy for Best Rap Album. Throughout history, there have been many women rappers who have made significant contribution to the field. Lesane Parish Crooks is better known by the stage name Tupac Shakur. Often times referred to as hip hops golden age, the style, creativity and innovation during this period continues to influence modern day culture. From the electro era to mobb music, turntablism, hyphy, and more, it has produced so many standout artists, With an ensemble cast of guest stars and dark, alternative R&B-influenced beats, it's certainly an ear-pleaser for those nostalgic for classic Cudi. These have included Eminem, Dr. Dre, Xzibit, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Tupac Shakur, and Ludacris. Mary J. Blige is a popular singer-songwriter and actress. Flo Millis name has been popping up more and more these days. 2023 Reddit, Inc. All rights reserved. While an official full-length album has yet to drop, Chanel has released a few singles for the hip hop community to admire or abolish into the gutters of times, never to be heard again by human ears. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The female MC that sold poetic rhymes of empowerment and equality for all women. He'll make you wonder, "Is rap poetry?". Over the years, her outspoken views on sensitive subjects like race have attracted criticism, controversy, and media scrutiny. Aside from a feature on Rapsodys EVE album (Oprah), she has barely been heard from in the last couple of years, but that changed in August when she released an animated visual for Zoom, the lead single from her forthcoming album Shape Up.Showcasing her signature braggadoccious bars, the song was a good reminder of Leikelis knack for writing infectious hooks and hard verses. Ricos music has been featured on the HBO television series Insecureas well. Queen Latifah is an American musician and actress whose song U.N.I.T.Y. In 2018, she was featured on the cover page of the final print edition of NME. Thanks for reading! During his highly successful career, he has sold over 11 million records. in May and her 2017 single Smack a Bitch was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) not long after. Vote on these lists of outstanding female vocalists, musicians, songwriters, and performers in every genre. Already whitelisted us? They also have a nephew and a cousin living with them. The couple have four children together. She gained international recognition as part of the popular pop girl group Spice Girls, which has sold more than 85 million records. Larry Earl Glenn, a.k.a. By the way, Ice Cube has helped many talented musicians like Mack 10 and Mr. Short Khop at the start of their careers. male vocals melodic ethereal rhythmic mellow cold. Copyright 2013-2023 The Music Universe LLC. You may have to select a menu option or click a button. He is a solo artist and a member of the hip hop duo Tha Dog Pound. Beep! He has had acting roles in many movies, including Menace II Society. He went on to release a further six solo albums and four collaborative albums. The group split in 2005 due to a conflict. Schoolboy Q has a daughter called Joyce Joy Henley and he has mentioned her in several of his tracks. Yung Baby Tate may not be on everyones radar yet, but the spunky 24-year-old is intent on changing that. Initially, he was a member of World Class Wrecking Crew and then N.W.A. before embarking on a solo career. Schoolboy Q is a guy who knows how to write great songs for the Billboard 200. At the age of 16, he moved to California and began his career in this state in 1991. The members of the group include Maseo, Trugoy, and Posdnuos. Support us by whitelisting our site. Then again, there arent many rappers who display the same unbelievable wordplay and ability to tell a story as Nas. Her talent was appreciated by both fans and record labels and she eventually became the first female rapper to be signed by the American record label 300 Entertainment. Through his passion Its his consistency, however, including his 15 stellar studio albums, that lands him on this list of the all-time greats. The main feature of this musician lies in the unique vocal style, namely in the displaced rhythmic structure of his vocals. Not all of them were lyrical nerds per se some simply impacted the rap space so boldly, they were impossible to ignore. As a teen artist, he worked using the stage name K-Dot. The group probably had the best names in hip-hop, comprising of six members over all: Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, The Kidd Creole, Keef Cowboy, Mr. Ness/Scorpio, and Rahiem. Amongst the most influential female rap artists of all time and one of the bestselling artists, Nicki Minaj came to limelight after her collaborations with Dirty Money Record and Young Money Entertainment. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, one of the few rappers to receive the honor. Hes been a rambunctious presence in the Baltimore underground since the early days of his career, rhyming with a kind of punk-rock abrasiveness and urgency that grips you with every Justina Valentine is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and model. She initially wanted to become a teacher,but destiny had other plans for her, and she ended up entering the music world. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was remixed by Saweetie and Trina. Having sold 80 million records worldwide, she is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. What Biggie Smalls represented for East Coast rap, Tupac Shakur represented for the West Coast. He was born in Oakland, California, on July 5, 1970. West Coast rap music continued its popularity with the debut of Dr. Dre's solo effort, The Chronic, in 1992. Latifah's commercial success kicked down doors for future stars such as Da Brat, Lauryn Hill, and Nicki Minaj. While some rappers only achieved limited success, there were many others that became some of the top rappers in the United States and achieved international fame. Only including the most popular female rappers releasing new music So, if youre feeling a little lost, consider consulting his Spirit World Field Guide for direction. Her natural hair and minimal makeup was a signature look that cannot be forgotten. Before debuting his solo album in 1999, he released a group album with Hot Boys with its popular single, "Bling Bling. In addition to being a rap artist, he is also the founder of the Villain record label. Under the mentorship of Dr. Dre, Eminem, a.k.a. At the time of his death, he was worth an estimated $50 million. Coley Reed. Megan Jovon Ruth Pete (born February 15, 1995), known professionally as Megan Thee Stallion (pronounced "Megan the Stallion"), is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He has been married to Stephanie for over 30 years and they live on a large ranch-style property in California. His music has woven other music genres, such as pop and reggae, into his initial gangsta rap musical persona. He is better known by his stage name MC Eiht. How would you rate this article? After releasing her major label debut Industry Games in March, she wasnt able to tour in support of the EP due to the raging COVID-19 pandemic but still found other ways to shine. The man in the mask was a lot of thingsa mystery, an enigma, an absolute wild cardbut above all, he was an undeniably sublime rapper. Other 2020 releases include a remix ofiPhone (Ookay) and Dont Like Me featuring Gucci Mane and Don Toliver. It is worth noting that this rapper also participates in many charity events and always supports talented musicians. His debut studio album, The College Dropout, received immediate critical and commercial success when released in 2004. Bones & Greaf. Who are the top women in rapdominating thecharts in 2021? With Halloween right around the corner, lets pay tribute to the women that defied industrys standards and paved the way for female rappers to come. Others wowed Hip Hop fans with their acute attention to detail in every bar they spit or their brash, no nonsense approach to their music no matter how offensive it came across. Captain Rapp, is a West Coast pioneer like none other. Originally from Houston. Sadly, Mac Dre was shot dead on November 1, 2004. male vocals melodic ethereal rhythmic However, the circle of his interests does not end with music. ", Though already popular among hip-hop fans, he gained greater airplay with his fourth and fifth studio albums, Tha Carter, released in 2004, and Tha Carter II, released in 2005. Refresh page. The album earned him a Grammy Award as well as plenty of attention and accolades for his single, "Nuthin' but a "G' Thang.". It'd be remiss to have a list of top 10 rappers of all time and not include Missy Elliott. For more information, please see our The video has racked up over 1.8 million YouTube views and served as the perfect precursor for her debut studio album Nightmare Vacation, which dropped in December. Tupac Shakur was killed in a drive-by shooting in September 1997 when he was just 25-years-old. Puerto Rican reality star Joseline Hernandez of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta broke down after losing custody of her son to her former boyfriend, Stevie J, in Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition. Here are the albums and tracks weve had on repeat all year long. The following year, he released his debut solo album Mack 10 followed by Based on a True Story two years later. Join. Her third album, "Black Reign," became the first by a female emcee to be certified gold. To stick out amongst the sea of basic bars, you had to be something specialand Kid Cudi is certainly special. Posthumously, three more of his albums were released. Stefflon Don is a singer-songwriter and rapper. Snoop Dogg has produced many masterpiece albums like Doggystyle, Tha Last Meal, and Tha Blue Carpet Treatment. Throughout the 90s, he continued his work as a record producer, mentoring many of the rappers who would come after him, and released his wildly popular album, The Chronic 2001, in 1999 under his newly established Aftermath Entertainment label. Warren G has also had small acting roles in The Show, Speedway Junkie, Little Richard, The Parkers, Old School, All of Us, and BTS American Hustle. Captain Rapp, is a West Coast pioneer like none other. G Funk Era was certified platinum. and C.I.A. The Slim Shady LP debuted in 1999 and gained immediate mainstream popularity to set the tone for his follow-up albums, including The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show album. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Is Lil Wayne in contention for the title of Best Rapper alive?, Controversial antics aside, best-selling rapper and record producer Kanye West has made a resounding mark on the hip hop community and often makes the list of greatest rappers of all time. It is worth noting that in 2021 the rapper released the Kommunity Service album with Mozzy. Only including themost popular female rappers releasingnew music today, this list of current female rappers features popularstars, like Enny, Flo Milli, and Chika, as well as the most famous names in hip hop, like Nicki Minaj andCardi B. He was born in Crompton, California, on November 29, 1979. A study found he used over 7,000 unique words in his tunes, the most of any rapper and, for that matter, more than Shakespeare. Rico Nastys aggressive, raw and in-your-face rapping style is almost jarring at first, but it soon becomes apparent just how passionate she is about her craft and her wild persona. Kendrick Lamar Follow on Instagram: @Kendrick Lamar and watch on Youtube: Kendrick Lamar 2. Almost all of his songs are very popular with teenagers. He released his own solo album in 1993 called Doggystyle and this was produced by Dr. Dre. After a brief association with Polydor Records and Interscope, Banks founded her own label, Chaos & Glory Recordings. She later pursued a successful solo career as well. Over the years, Mel B has been an important TV personality, appearing in several reality series as a participant as well as a judge. Tell us what's wrong with this post? Female Singers You Wish You Could Sound Like, Onika Tanya Maraj (born December 8, 1982), known professionally as Nicki Minaj, is a Trinidad and Tobago-born rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and model. Despite Everything, the DCEUs Here to Stay (And Were Actually Lucky to Have Them), I Know What You Did Last Summer TV Show Coming to Amazon. Best Rappers of All Time: forever stamped the West Coast on the hip-hop map. Hypebae is a registered trademark of Hypebeast Hong Kong Ltd. Youll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. As the face of the East Coast rap scene in the early 1990s, this rap god produced and performed under Sean "Puffy" Combs' Bad Boy Records. WebWest Coast Rap Artists Highlights grid list N.W.A Snoop Dogg 2Pac Kendrick Lamar Warren G Cypress Hill Ice Cube Digital Underground Dr. Dre Tyler, The Creator Too As he was a prominent artist during the 2000s, he is often credited with bringing hip hop back into mainstream popularity during that decade. played a major role in raising awareness about women's rights worldwide. He is widely considered one of the most influential artists in the hip hop industry. (The First Female Rapper to Achieve Multiple Diamond-Certified Songs by the RIAA), (For Her song "Candy" which set off the "Sweet Spot" viral dance on TikTok), (The Second Female Rapper to Win Best New Artist at the Grammy's), (One of the Greatest Rappers Of All Time), (Rapper Know for Her Hit Songs "Good as Hell" "Truth Hurts" & "Juice"), (Rapper and Songwriter Known for Her Single Icy Grl), (Rapper, and Actress Known as "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul"), (Rapper Known for Singles "Get Ur Freak On," "The Rain," and "Lose Control. In 2016, N.W.A. Ms. A perfect example of this is his track Cop Killer. Both his parents had died by the time he was 12, so he moved to Los Angeles and was raised by an aunt. Plus, hes first on the Billboard Top 10 Rappers list and his 2001 album The Blueprint earned him the honor of being one of Rolling Stones 5 top rappers.1,2 With such accolades under his belt, his self-proclamation of being "the best rapper alive" could very well be the truth. Since then, he has sold over 23 million albums in the United States and 35 million albums worldwide. Credit: Echoes/Redferns. He then got engaged to teacher Tiffney Cambridge. So you should listen to his songs like Gang Gang or Black Folk from the latest album. 1 & 2, Music & Me, and Nate Dogg. Here are 20 of the top rappers from the West Coast. After securing a deal with RCA Records, she dropped her major label debut Ho, Why Is You Here? Ice-T has been a controversial figure over the years as his lyrics and themes have often caused offence. Top 40 West Coast Rappers 1. Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born in Compton, California, on June 17, 1987. After opening up the 2020 BET Awards alongside Public Enemy, Nas, YG, and Enemy Radio MC Jahi for the Fight The Power remix, dropped the politically charged single 12 Problems and won BETsLyricist Of The Year Award.. Known best for his explicit and controversial lyrics, music videos, and performances, he became a worldwide sensation before taking a brief hiatus in 2005. The musician is also known for his joint songs with London on da Track and Nipsey Hussle tea. His debut solo album AmeriKKKas Most Wanted was released in 1990 followed by Death Certificate in 1991. She also contributed to Elle Varners Wishing Well, Jacob Colliers He Wont Hold You,Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder and Kamasi Washingtons The Mighty Tree, T.I.s Air & Water Interlude and Lecraes Deep End (Remix) as well asDoorDashs Every Flavor Welcome campaign, which is currently in rotation. 1983. A Tribute to the Queens of '90s Rap Who Had the Best Style These ladies had the lyrics and the looks. 149 Ratings 2 Reviews 2.91 Average. He is a famous rapper on the West Coast hip hop scene and also an actor. It sold 800,000 copies in its first week and went on to become certified quadruple-platinum by 1994. All rights reserved. As one half of Disco Daddy and Captain Rapp, he released The Some of his other singles include Who Do You Love? and Left, Right. Lil Wayne is one of the leading rap artists to put a Southern-style type of rap on the map. Elevating his status even further in 2017, Lamar's album Damn topped the charts, was a standout among critics, and earned him a Pulitzer Prize for Music, the first non-classical and non-jazz album to receive the recognition. He began his career in the rap group 213 along with his friend Warren G and his cousin Snoop Dogg. Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. Lorenzo Jerald Patterson is better known as MC Ren, although he is also known as The Villain, The Ruthless, Mad Scientist, Rebel Villain, and Villain in Black. WebThe list includes many familiar and great female rappers such as Chanel West Coast, Kesha, Missy Elliott, Cher Lloyd, Karlie Redd.The women rappers featured in this list are Their debut album was called Straight Outta Compton and this was followed by Niggaz4Life. In 2011, he independently released Section.80, his first studio album. Originally, he was in the hip-hop trio 213 with Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg. 118. r/machhommy. In October, the Washington D.C. native dropped her 10th studio album and first for Rhymesayers,The Sharecroppers Daughter, which found her swapping bars with Thought again, this time on Black Renaissance. Throughout the project, she effortlessly articulates some of her most personal feelings while simultaneously showing off her impeccable lyrical skills. Good Kid, M.A.A.D. As Griselda Records sole female artist,Armani Caesar has some big shoes to fill. In 2018, he was presented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame which prompted his 17th studio album, I Wanna Thank Me, a line he repeatedly spoke during his star ceremony. The thing is, this guy already has 13 Grammy awards. Biggie Smalls, is often listed as one of the top 10 rappers of all time despite a career cut short by his death at the age of 24. WebRap legend Cardi B rose from being an exotic dancer and internet celebrity to being featured on Forbes and Time 100. This purple sequin cat suit with a jeweled, shell pasty is guaranteed to drop jaws. Rick Ross Responds To Neighbors Trying To Stop His Car Show, Drake Is On The Hunt For Rare LeBron Collectable In New Netflix Series, Rihanna Holds 3AM Meeting To Plan $25M Met Gala Outfit. We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Often times referred to as hip hops golden age, the style, creativity and innovation during this period continues to influence modern day culture. It also had a new sound that was fierce and funky. In 1987, he was finally signed to Sire records and it was then that he released his debut album Rhyme Pays. He was also infamous for his antics, such as sending obvious imposters to perform behind the mask at some of his shows.4. Previously performing as part of the gangsta rap group N.W.A., Dr Dre continued his success with a solo career under Death Row Records. In addition to his solo work, he has also collaborated with many well-known artists. He was born as Andre Romelle Young on February 18, 1965. He began his career in the music industry in 2008 and signed to Top Dawg Entertainment the following year before securing a contract with Interscope Records in 2011. The musician became very popular after the release of the Overly Dedicated mixtape. The point is that Ice Cube is also a composer, director, and actor. WebOtnorot 416 Hip Hop; Odd Future (group) P [] P-Lo; Paul Wall; Pimp C; Gangsta P; Playa Hamm; Problem; Proof; Philthy Rich; Phora; R [] Rappin' 4-Tay; Raqula (female rapper) The film stars, In 1983, the world was introduced to the "merc with the mouth" in the New, The Batman has finally arrived! If youre bold enough to douse yourself in Louis Vuitton monogrammed body paint, throw on a blonde wig and channel the Notorious K.I.M. He was born as OShea Jackson in Los Angeles on June 15, 1969. Not to deride Big Bois contributions, but Andrs unique vocal panache was truly the driving force that defined their sound and solidified the group as a major contributor to popular culture. Modelled by the classmates of Judith and Jean Touitous daughter Lily. Ice-T is a West Coast rapper whose origins are actually from the East Coast. 20. HiiiPoWeR was his debut single and this was included on his first album. In addition to his music career, Mac Dre was well-known for his involvement in criminal activities and he had spent some time in prison. Cardi also became the first female rapper to be named Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards earlier this year, took home several ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards and won a One Billion Stream Award from Spotify forI Like It, Taki Taki and Girls Like You., Mulatto jumpstarted her career in 2016 when she won the first season of Jermaine Dupris rap competition show The Rap Game. His songs are aimed at young audiences who dream of money, fame, and status in society. The Kid from Cleveland has had a lot of ups and downs in his hip-hop/trip-hop/psychedelic rock career, but theres no denying his influence on late 2000s rap and the genre as a whole. Originally, he supported hip-hop group Digital Underground as an MC, a backup dancer, and a roadie. He was also a member of the supergroups The HRSMN and Diirty OGz. While men dominated the rap sphere during this time, a group of women emerged with slick mouths, hot rhymes that stood toe to toe with their male counterparts. Currently, the musician is focused on a production career and company management. The relative absurdity of Dooms subject matter versus his rap-game contemporaries makes for snappy, comedic punchlines and memorable witticisms. The group has released several tracks that have appeared in the soundtracks to films. When he released his first mixed tape, it brought him to the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment, an indie record label.
