Having firmly established themselves as artists to watch over the last few years, Brookyln emcees Heems and Kool A.D. (along with hypeman Dapwell) present Relax, their commercial debut. The uninitiated may find themselves unsure what to make of the trio at first, but hip-hop purists have nothing to fear—Das Racist is more Beastie Boys than Fat Boys and Relax is a refreshing alternative to established rappers and post-modern parody acts alike.

 

Who: The Weeknd

From: Toronto, ON

Why You Should Know Him: Because Drake already has a protégé...and it's him.  

While a lot of rappers seem to resent Jay-Z’s constant assertions that he’s some sort of rapping monarch—an attitude quickly adopted by his “lil’ brother” Kanye—it hasn’t stopped plenty of them from stealing tracks from “Watch the Throne” as backdrops for their own recent freestyles. Few come close to matching the quality of the originals, but the big names and familiar beats may make them tempting to click on when a friend posts one on Facebook. Save yourself some time with this quick guide to get you started.

 

Before Labor Day, Rihanna released the video for “Cheers (Drink To That).” But because Beyonce dropped the kaleidoscope-style visuals of her greasy, sweat-drenched body in a leopard-print garter belt for “1+1” on the same day, everyone ignored Rih’s easily more entertaining clip. And if not for that distraction, why else would it have been? Well, because you’re jealous.

 

 

Who: Mr. SOS

From: Atlanta, Georgia

Why You Should Know Him: Because he had beef with Benzino before Eminem.  

So Beyonce’s pregnant. Finally. For real this time. And not with something metaphorical, but an actual child from Jay-Z’s loins. Making the announcement official last night at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards (by publicly cupping and rubbing her belly), fans, friends and family screamed (and Tweeted) in shock and awe. 

But, had you been paying attention to the couple’s lyrics over the last decade, you would have known this day was coming! It was just all about timing.

 

Who: AZIATIX

From: New York, California and Boston

Why You Should Know Them: Because one million YouTube viewers can't be wrong.