Top 10 Artists To Watch in 2015: #1 Trevor Jackson

We put together this list to highlight who is making the moves and who is NEXT from our state. Each one of these artists may not necessarily be the "nicest" lyricist or who you think raps best. All 10 of these people are putting themselves in position to be industry factors for the year of 2015. Watch and pay attention.

10. Playbwoi Tha Great

9. Poindexter

8. Lil E Hoe

7. Al Koleon

6. Ricky Freezer

5. Hit Skrewface

4. Robyn Fly

3. Myah Evans

2. Mark Battles

1. Trevor Jackson

I had to think about the #1 selection this year because previously all winners had been rappers and we have a lot very talented ones in the state. But I look at this kids talent and I asked myself 'if Michael Jackson' was out today would he garner this recognition?' And the answer was HELL YES! What you are looking at is a prodigy, the next of the NEXT. He has groomed in singing, performing, acting, and dancing. He has been featured on Disney, SyFy Channel, Broadway's "The Lion King", TV roles on Cold Case and Harry's Law. His description on Wikipedia says "PERFORMER". He is now signed to #AtlanticRecords and in 2014 was featured on songs with Sage The Gemini and toured with his best friend Diggy Simmons. Yeah THAT Diggy. We could be looking at the next Chris Brown, Trey Songz, August Alsina but I think we are seeing the first Trevor Jackson. Being from Indiana, what a name.

Top 10 artists to Watch in Indiana: #6 Ricky Freezer

We put together this list to highlight who is making the moves and who is NEXT from our state. Each one of these artists may not necessarily be the "nicest" lyricist or who you think raps best. All 10 of these people are putting themselves in position to be industry factors for the year of 2015. Watch and pay attention.

10. Playbwoi Tha Great

9. Poindexter

8. Lil E Hoe

7. Al Koleon

6. Ricky Freezer

5. ???

2014 was a really big year for Ricky Freezer. A name and branding change helped him secure a spot in Lance Stephonson's All Star commercial landing his song "Indiana" on TNT among other places. He ran with the momentum and was signed by Caviar Gold as a sponsor artist doing shows out in California and Washington to enhance his brand as well as releasing "Who is Ricky Freezer" with Adrian Swish (Kid Ink Dj). At the end of year, he teamed up with BPZ and Spacedad (Victory) to form the trio Kobra Kai. Under No Coast Records they have released the single "Jim Irsay" and two mixtape projects. In short his year has been filled with WORK and his unique style and "white guy weird" attitude in his visuals are sure to bring him more success in 2015. Keep an eye on this rising star.

Follow him on twitter: @RickyFreezer

Top 10 artists to Watch in Indiana: #7 Al Koleon

Top 10 artists to Watch in Indiana: #7 Al Koleon

We put together this list to highlight who is making the moves and who is NEXT from our state. Each one of these artists may not necessarily be the "nicest" lyricist or who you think raps best. All 10 of these people are putting themselves in position to be industry factors for the year of 2015. Watch and pay attention.

10. Playbwoi Tha Great

9. Poindexter

8. Lil E Hoe

7. Al Koleon

6. ???

5. ???

I checked in with some trusted sources about who is really popping in the Gary, IN region and I kept getting the same answer over and over, Al Koleon. This pick is sponsored by MidwestMixtapes.com and their intel into the region. I have checked out his music and movement before and I like his wordplay, his storytelling, and gangster Midwest style. Working with the legendary Traxster, his music has begun to take shape. The Gary, In market being close to Chicago is really getting the nod with Freddie Gibbs, the ESGN movement and more up that way making national noise. Check him out, Indiana has talent in all corners!

Follow him on twitter: @kushworldkoley

Top 10 artists to Watch in Indiana: #9 Poindexter

We put together this list to highlight who is making the moves and who is NEXT from our state. Each one of these artists may not necessarily be the "nicest" lyricist or who you think raps best. All 10 of these people are putting themselves in position to be industry factors for the year of 2015. Watch and pay attention.

10. Playbwoi Tha Great

9. Poindexter

8. ???

7. ???

If this list was based on music only, this artist would be much higher on the list (most of his music is producer by "Geechie"). I was recently introduced to his music through HIM, he brought his mixtape to me. And then I heard his name somewhere again, on a collab with another artist I know and decided to check him out more. I am certainly pleased with the youth that has been served. 18 years old, with great subjects, delivery, word play, and lyricism - he has it all. Pay attention in 2015 you will hear MUCH MORE from this youngster as I expect him to BURST on the scene. Follow him on twitter: @Poindexter__

Year in Review of 2014 Lists - Top 10 Albums of The Year

2014 The Year of the "Weirdo Rapper". Rappers such as Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan, French Montana and more have become the staple. Birdman and his "Rich Gang" have dominated the talk for music of the year! Twitter beef and singles were about the only other thing that brought attention to Hip Hop this year besides J. Cole's album. He sold over 400k copies to become the highest hip hop selling artist this year. Big Krit and Nikki Minaj also make a splash with their respective music but from sales to the charts......It was a hard year for Hip Hop.

10. DJ Mustard - 10 Summers

9. Vince Staples, Hell Can Wait

8. Stalley - Ohio

7. YG - My Krazy Life

6. Freddie Gibbs x Madlib - Cocaine Pinata

5. Nikki Minaj - The Pink Print

4. Wiz Khalifa - 28 Grams

3. Lecrae - Anamoly

2. J. Cole - 2014 Forest Hills Drive

This album coming in the 4th quarter surpassed and changed expectations for real music in these times. Listening to this album felt like putting in an old Outkast Classic and it went from front to back. His song "Soul Food" ft Raphael Sadiqq set the bar for the whole album and indeed, "Cadillatica" is the movie.

1. Big Krit - Cadillactica

Year in Review of 2011 Lists - Top 10 Influencers Locally (Indianapolis, IN)

This years top influencer in the Indianapolis, IN music game in a surprising
change from our year's past list. The FM radio has dominated the minds of
artists and fans up until now.

Last Year: TrillTight DJs

10. Wright Films
9. Chino Dollaz
8. Hype Magazine
7. Greatest DJs
6. Indy Star Network
5. WHHH 96.3 Indianapolis, IN
4. Trilltight DJs
3. Lucky and the Heatspinner DJs
2. Stopbeefinradio.com

I believe the top influencer in the game today is Ledeana and the rise of the Music Monday. She has put in the effort and work to create an outlet for artists in Indianapolis.

1. Ledeana Brown (Leak Magazine)

Year in Review of 2011 Lists - Top 10 Mixtapes of The Year Local (Indianapolis, IN)

This year a lot of artists released mixtapes locally. The scene in Indianapolis, IN is growing by leaps and BOUNDS and I wanted to give them some recognition. Without further ado....

10. Tone Goody - Out The Mud
9. Golde P - Sounds like Money
8. Lil Billy & Lil Skypp - Great Another Rapper
7. T-Eazy - Trained to Go
6. Hoodlumz - Come Here Streets
5. Mike E - Free Throws
4. Mark Battles - Good Morning America
3. Swoe - What the Trap Due 2 HD
2. Playbwoi - Feelin' Myself


This mixtape had the most all around polish sonically and lyrically and content wise. He showed a lot of love to ALL of the other artists in this city and even had Yo Gotti on the tape. I listened to this mixtape for about 3 weeks straight.

1. Yung Tone - RubberBand Lingo 3

Year in Review of 2011 Lists - Top 10 Local Artists of the Year (Indianapolis, IN)

This year brought about a LOT of new faces and major potential on the local scene. It's MY opinion, you don't have to READ IT! lol

Last Year: Swoe

Honorable Mention: Mike E, Brad Real, Trajik, Joka Slaughta Boi, Rainy boy, Nykky B, Rusty Redenbacher, Dre Dre The Nice Guy

10. Tone Goody (Broz Up)
9. G Fresh (Munki Boi)
8. Lil Skypp (SSM)
7. T Eazy (THC)
6. Lil Poodie (Sec 8/MGG)
5. Lil Billy (HFBT)
4. Playbwoi The Great (625 Ent)
3. Yung Tone (Munki Boi)
2. Mark Battles

We feel that 1 artist was over whelming in the pick for Artist of the year and he had us Jiggin' all year long- Dro Man. His hit "Jiggalate" showed the city that the streets is where superstardom begins and it ended the year on Worldstarhiphop.com. 2012 Should be a very prosperous year for our new Local Artist of the Year pick!!

1. Dro Man

*Producer Spotlight* - Keazy Beats (Certified Hits) - Indianapolis, IN

Probably the most underrated producer in the market right now. This kid is LIGHTS OUT when it comes to tracks. He has produced for a lot of different acts in the city such as Tone Goody, T-Eazy and more! His song credits include "Everyday" ft Yung Tone, T-Eazy, Swoe and "Dirty Money" ft. Dro Man, Tone Goody - Dro Man's "Post Road" and more! He has INDUSTRY quality sound and I can see his growth from the time I first heard of him. I would like to hear a more versatile sound but what he is creating will make him a FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK right now! Hit this man up for sound you WILL NOT be disappointed! You heard it here!!

Facebook: Keazy Beats
Email: yungtc6@yahoo.com

Produced by: Keazy Beats (Certified Hits)
DRO MAN- POST ROAD FT BOOSIE DRE & T EAZY by Dro Man