Top 10 Rappers of the New School292607

As rap continues to evolve, new artists are ushered in, and older artists take their place in history. Yet while many new rappers come and go while rarely leaving an impression on the industry, there are a select few belonging to the "new school" that have a promising future and the possibility of one day taking their place amongst the legends. By using rappers who have two or less albums, considering what each artist has accomplished so far, their potential, unique style, and predicted longevity, I've compiled a list of the top 10 rappers who I believe are the leaders of the new school. Check it out:

10. A$AP Rocky

Debut album expected in October Opened for Drake's "Club Paradise Tour" college leg Over 600,000 mixtape downloads

With only one mixtape, and a non-commercial single (Goldie) from his debut album, A$AP Rocky has been able to make a splash in the music industry. From touring with Drake, to releasing a mixtape that received high praise from industry critic's, he's well on his way to cementing his own place in hip-hop. If he had a larger body of work to refer back to, and some numbers to back him up, he'd definitely be higher on this list.

9. Kirko Bangz

Over 68 million YouTube video views Two singles imprinting in the Top 50 of Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop charts One #1 single ("Drank in my Cup") on the Billboard Rap charts

A new voice to many people's ears, Kirko Bangz shows incredible promise. While many consider him to be Houston's version of Drake, Kirko has still managed to set himself apart. With auto-tuned hooks, real-life lyrics, and a couple quality punchlines, Kirko has earned himself a spot on this list.

8. Big K.R.I.T.

Debut album went #1 on Billboards R&B/Hip-Hop charts Debut single peaked in the top 20 on Billboards Rap charts Featured artist on over 30 singles

Becoming the new voice of the south can't be an easy task, yet not only has he taken it on, but K.R.I.T. has represented the south with incredible vigor and talent. A long career is definitely in his future.

7. Meek Mill

3 singles which all landed in the top 20 of Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop charts A single ("Amen") which imprinted in the top 5 of Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop charts Over 3.5 million mixtape downloads for "Dreamchasers 2"

The high-octane, energy pumping bars that DMX once brought to hip-hop are currently being provided by Meek Mill. Ranking a spot higher than his MMG label-mate Wale, Meek truly does have a lane of his own. Although often ridiculed for his loud rhymes, it's that exact energy and effort that sets him apart from other rappers. With a Jay-Z cosign, a growing fan base, and continuous hit singles, we can expect Meek to be bringing the energy for years.

6. Wiz Khalifa

One certified gold album ("Rolling Papers") A single ("Black and Yellow") that sold over 4 million copies Over 9 million singles sold

With a fan base as strong as Wiz's, a spot on this list was guaranteed. Taking a lane that had fell on the back-burner since Snoop Dogg was a the forefront, Wiz's marijuana-laced raps appeal to an entirely new demographic. While many of his fans tend to disown his mainstream work and stick to his mixtapes, Wiz's numbers don't lie. The sixth spot is perfect for Cameron.

5. Big Sean

Three singles that imprinted on the top 50 of Billboard's overall charts Over 3 million singles sold The main or featured artist on 3 number one singles on Billboard's various charts

While Sean may not yet have the numbers to compete with Wiz, he definitely has the talent to surpass him soon, giving him the number five spot on the list. I project Sean to have a similar career to Lil' Wayne's in the sense that he may not start off extremely successful from a mainstream point of view (Wayne's first album wasn't that great either), but he'll eventually win over the ears of many. Cracking the top five on this list is just the beginning.

4. Kendrick Lamar

Two singles that imprinted in the top 200 of Billboard's overall charts Over 11 million YouTube views Opening act for Drake's "Club Paradise Tour" in 2012

If this list was strictly based on numbers, Kendrick wouldn't of made it, but his massive talent was enough to earn him the fourth spot on this list. TDE's "top dawg" (pun intended) has had an incredible year. From touring with Drake on the college leg of his "Club Paradise" tour, to being referred to as the "return of West Coast rap", Kendrick is continuously proving that success can reach far beyond numbers, and that we definitely haven't heard the last of him.

3. J. Cole

Debut album was the #1 album in the world the week it was released Debut album certified gold Over 2 million singles sold

Although Jermaine has taken somewhat of a hiatus as of late, his talent is undeniable. From releasing a debut album that received positive reviews, to outdoing his peers on their own tracks, Cole has marked the return of pure hip-hop. With his Sophomore album and a collaborative album with Kendrick Lamar looming around the corner, 2012 and 2013 could become incredible years for the Roc Nation rhymer.

2. Nicki Minaj

Over 27 million singles sold as a main or featured artist 12 songs as main or featured artist imprinted on Billboard's Top 40 A song ("Starships") which stayed in Billboard's Top 10 for 24 weeks (Billboard record)

One of the most polarizing artists in rap music, Nicki Minaj has far surpassed expectations in regards to numbers. With the biggest first week sales ever for a female rapper, the longest run of being in the Billboard Top 40 of any artist (record still increasing to this day), and the record for most songs in Billboard's Top 40 at once (seven), Minaj has destroyed the airwaves. Yet while her pop songs and show-stealing features have catapulted her to the next level, it's her fan base that continues to push her farther and farther along. The main reason that the first lady of Young Money comes in at number two on this list is the simple fact that without her, female rap would cease to exist. While many believe that Nicki is a terrible representation of a rapper, she's still managed to not only take the crown of female rap, but has made it nearly impossible for other female rappers to step in her lane. I see a long future ahead of her.

1. Drake

2 number one albums (4 million albums sold worldwide) Most #1 songs on Billboard's rap charts of all-time (13) Over 22 million singles sold as a main or featured artist

While Aubrey may receive some unwarranted ridicule at times (see here), he's easily the leader of the new generation of rappers. From mixtape to album success, Drake leads the pack. With incredible ability to seamlessly jump from rapping and singing, to his talent of telling a story through every verse, Young Money's right-hand man is incredible. Not only can Drake flow on nearly any beat, but he brings something different to every track. With his hook-making ability, lyrical prowess, and ear for incredible production, Drake won't be stopped anytime soon. "Drake's up next, see what he do with it."