3'S COMPANY

In the ever-changing world of hip hop, where "who's hot" and "what's in" is often times the order of the day, there comes a time in every generation where an invisible but very real passing of the guard takes place. No matter how much, we hip hop nostalgia buffs hate to admit the shit, the rappers that once held us down, are getting older and are mentally advancing in a way that the new generation can't relate to. Jay-Z, Nas, and a few others have successfully carried there audiences across the burning sands of hip hop for decades, but are making very little headway with the new listener.

 After all, how does the unflinching lyricism of an artist the caliber of Nas garner the attention of an audience that finds the likes of Gucci and Waka Flocka intriguing? I think that this new listener requires a new type of artist and with that said, I think the heir to this throne we know as hip hop must be the epitome of this new generation, while maintaining that elite thought process that separates "who's hot" from "who's great". The biggest question is....who is this new generations savior? I personally believe that this Clark Kent-esque nigga I just described is a far far cry from being discovered. I think that hip hop's next Jay-Z or Nas is currently working at UPS, flipping burgers, ect. It's not that I'm skeptical of the new niggaz...it's just that I'm so unsure of some of their affiliations and potential lack of the intangibles, but in all fairness, they are still developing as artist as I pen this editorial. Even Biggie and Pac had to start somewhere. IF any one of the up and coming was to be next in line for the crown, I'd choose one of these three as my pic.

J.COLE: A rugged flowing lyricist from North Carolina who offers something we need in the post-Drake Era.... a rapper who simply does just that...raps. No poppy hooks, near brushes with R'n'B, or minimalistic beats here; just quick wits and a knack for rhyming. This Roc Nation native has a very fair chance at the crown, IF his boss, Mr.Carter actually gives him the proper backing and an actual release date. ( J.Cole "Blow" )

BIG K.R.I.T: Who would've guessed that one of hip hops potential airs to the throne would be best described as the perfect combination of Pimp C's flow with the lyrical competence of Scarface? Another surprise...he hails from Mississippi. This Def Jam signee has the potential to show the world how much Southern rap has truly evolved IF he sticks to his niche and maintains his balance between lyricism and that deep south pimp shit that nurtured his style. ( Big K.R.I.T "Hometown Hero" )

JAY ELECTRONICA: If Nas had a child with a scholar from New Orleans....this is what you would get. Jay Elec actually represents the shit out of everything New Orleans, but oddly, simultaneous embodies everything that was once great about East Coast hip hop. He is not simply lyrical, he has the capability to paint the most incredible pictures the new generation has ever seen, but even when you're as talented as Mr.Electronica, you have downfalls...he may be the nicest of the three with a microphone lyrically, but he is most definitely the most unmarketable and because of this fact the least likely to drop. ( Jay Electronica "Exhibit A" )