Just a few more I'd like to mention as of late...
Miguel, definitely one of my favourite artists at the moment, great singer, seriously he's up there with Frank and The Weekend in my opinion. His music is primarily RnB but it's so much more. It has a classical feel, almost nostalgic, he also has a great tone which he can alternate, easily one of my favourite artists in terms of "Love RnB".
Andre 3000, definitely overlooked in the rap world in my opinion. He's one half of "Outkast", if you didn't know. He's critically known as one of the best of all time, but sometimes just not as recognised as the Tupacs, the Biggies, the Rakims, the Nases, Jay Zs.... well you get my point. His flow is so unique and distinct that it just sets him apart from the rest in my opinion. His flow is definitely the best, maybe not the best lyrically or storytelling-wise but flow and word play are his strong points - he can manipulate rhymes and switch up flows effortlessly is such a rare gift.
Earl Sweatshirt, too early to be mentioning him? Even with only a handful of songs out, Earl is definitely among my favourite rappers and this isn't some hipster influenced Odd Future trend - I truly see him as a great rapper. Yes he's controversial and he talks about, let's say unpleasant things, in his raps, but that's the charm. He can talk about truly horrible things but give it an uplifting tone, kind of ironic really, but that's the whole idea. Skill-wise no one can argue, Earl is great, his flows are slightly moody, you get that pain, that tone straight away, you can tell the type of song just by his tone of voice. His first album was done when he was 16, it's really great but now that he's 19 I think everyone will know his name soon.
B.o.B, now the more underground rap fan might be hating on this choice, but he is a great rapper - slightly pop and RnB influenced by the mainstream, but does that affect him? I'd say no. He has been compared to Andre, as said above, and I'd say that's true but it's not all he is, he's distinct in his own right, he has great flow, wordplay and can tell a decent story too. I was pleasantly surprised by "Strange Clouds", definitely one of my favourite albums of 2012.
