Fifth part in the series of 2010 predictions you’ve all came to love over the past weeks. At least that’s how it seems, looking back at the amazing buzz last episode stirred up. That is quite unlikely to ever happen again, nonetheless, feel free to drop your thoughts in the comment section, you know how it works.
Last time, it took my man Deluge aka PunchDouble six months to compile a list, so basically it’s only half a year ago when I blogged his 2009 predictions. Luckily, he stepped his game up though, and came correct this time, in time for the deadline even! And serving you a proper list of names for you to keep your eyes open for in the year that is.
Get with the program,…
Stalley
While everybody was still focused on Kid Cudi in 2009, another Ohio native hailing from New York popped up on the scene… Stalley. His mixtape “MadStalley: The Autobiography” done over re-workings of Madlib beats showcased his potential but we’re really gonna hear from him in 2010. Stalley’s heavily featured on Ski Beatz upcoming “24 Hour Karate School” mixtape (on Dame Dash’ Creative Control label) and is also set to release a project in collaboration with Sa-Ra Creative Partners. His delivery is pretty unique and might take some getting used to but I expect big things from this guy.
Tokimonsta
As the lone female out of LA’s almighty Brainfeeder crew (FlyLo, Samiyam, Ras G etc.), TOKiMONSTA more than holds up amongst her peers. As is the case with the rest of the crew her beats are bass heavy but with her own twist. This year she’ll attend the RBMA, which will most definitely lead to some wonderful collaborations. Apart from that she has teamed up with another favorite of mines, Suzi Analog, to form Analogue Monsta. How could I leave that out of a 2010 list?
BTS Radio
A favorite amongst many in the scene, Andrew Meza finally re-established BTS Radio, which has been an influential platform for many years now. Apart from the radioshow and guest mixes, he’s also working on a few releases under his own BTS label which promises a lot of good music for 2010.
(site)
José James
José James really doesn’t need an introduction. Especially not on On-Point (remember the great video feature?) This year José is set to drop his second album Blackmagic on Brownswood Recordings, and what an album that is. Production includes Flying Lotus, Taylor McFerrin, DJ Mitsu & Moodymann.
All I can say is check out the album on February 1st.
Plug Research
Lots of Cali in my list this year, but hey.. that’s where it’s happening right now. Plug Research is label hailing from Camarillo that’s reminiscent of the early Stones Throw days. Their artist roster speaks volumes: Om’Mas Keith, Shafiq Husayn, Exile, Milosh, Carlos Nino and Bilal Oliver. With Shafiq’s contemporary classic under their belt and Bilal’s album dropping this year, they’re definitely a label to look out for.
Erik Rico
A few months ago Ty introduced me to Erik Rico’s music when he brought Erik along for a great show here in Amsterdam. Not only is Erik a great guy, but also a powerful performer (this guy rocked the stage all by himself going back & forth between his keys and microphone). As a producer he has quite an impressive resume already, and I’m really looking forward to hearing more of his own music this year. Definitely check out his Reworks Project which is available for free on his website lifenotesmusic.com.
Anthony Valadez
Anthony Valadez or Ant.Vala is DJ, radiohost and producer from LA. His radioshow on 89.9 KCRW is one of the nicest shows out there right now and helps break a lot of new talent. His production credits include work with Dwight Trible and remix work for Build An Ark. Overall Ant.Vala is just one of those guys to keep an eye on. Definitely one of the tastemakers for 2010 (and beyond).
Co$$
Co$$ has to be one of the hardest working rappers from LA. This guy pops up on tons of projects (most recently Blu’s GodLeeBarnes LP) and just rips it every single time. Apart from the featurings he drops some heat of his own on the regular too, look for “No Allah” and see why I label this guy as the future.
Master Blazter
Dâm Funk, J-1 & Computer Jay. Three guys who individually come up with great music. They’ve combined forces as the super group Master Blazter and bring you that great LA funk and boogie. If you’re a fan of Dâm Funk, this only get’s better.
Moovmnt
Is it wrong to put yourself/your own crew on the list of things/people to lookout for in 2010?!? Perhaps so, but I don’t really care. Moovmnt started out as a crew and blog out of Rotterdam and has grown into a household name throughout the past years. Nowadays we operate from Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and sometime last year I joined the crew in hopes to pull off some great things for the love of good music. Last year we brought you a classic Red Bull Beat Battle, this year expect more events, a new site and some great new projects. (site)
Jan 18th, 2010 at 10:32 am
1st of all…big up to our L.A. fam and as you see a lot of West Coast influences here.
I’d also like to add aDaD to the list of artists that could make a lot of noise this year.
Jan 18th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
i would add Koen to that list