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: #2 Mark Battles

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. ???

In any other year and last year, Mark Battles would be the #1 selection. His meteoric rise in 2013 brought about a lot opportunity this past year in which Battles continued his dominance on the independent circuit. He embarked on a 30 city tour that included artists Tyga, Euro, Dizzy Wright, and Derek Luh. He also released "Pre-Season" Vol. 1 to much critical national acclaim. His "Fly America" brand is fast becoming 1 of the most recognizable faces in hip hop. He also released singles with Currency, Wale, and King Los. Look for him to continue his rise and being pushed to an even higher level of the game in 2015.

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Top 10 artists to Watch in Indiana: #3 Myah Evans

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. ??

This is history in the making as this is the FIRST ever R&B/Folk artist on our list of Artists to Watch. The kULTRA talented Myah Evans comes in at #3 with her unique blend of pop, urban, and folk music that has captivated a large audience in a quick span. She plays guitar, and her voice sounds rife with pain, but originality. The trademark "Owl" and her different look will expose her to many different audiences. That is what is so special about her, her talent and wide appeal. In 2014 she toured and did a lot of corporate events, in 2015 I look for a breakthrough of EPIC proportions for this artist.

Follow her on twitter: @myah_evans

Top 10 artists to Watch in Indiana: #4 Robyn Fly

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. ???

2. ???

I can't find another word to describe this artist besides "HUSTLE". Robyn Fly moved to Atlanta, GA 7 years ago and while maintaining her Indiana roots she has certainly taken over the scene in one of the nation's biggest music markets. Her single "F*ck Yo Couch" is an ATL fan and DJ favorite - featuring Shawty Lo and 2 Chainz's artist Cap 1, this single has females turning over couches in every club down south. She also dropped a record with G Unit's Kidd Kidd that will be taking off in 2015. And if that wasn't enough she has also been added to famed producer Zaytoven's girl group Zaytown Sorority. Quite simply, this is Iggy Azaliea with an authentic story. She will be a force to reckon with in the coming year.

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