Since 2003, New York rappers have been spawning in various avenues due to the success of 50 Cent reviving rap’s hometown and putting the spotlight back on the streets.

Following the era of flashy suits and soulful production, gangsta rap made it back to the charts and into the homes and hearts of every neighborhood in America. The result has been many carbon copies of what 50 delivered and while few have brought any true originality to the game, an emerging rapper has not only given a unique voice to the corners but an unapologetic style and confidence that sweats effortless natural swagger. Enter Troy Ave.

Taken from the name of the block he grew up on in Brooklyn, Troy Ave has been buzzing in the streets since as early as 2004. Before then he was living the high life of a clocker, but knowing that the game will either lock you up or bury you in the ground from seeing a friend catch a charge, Troy decided to turn his focus away from the corner and into the studio. Three mixtapes and 70,000 out-the-trunk sales later and he broke through in 2010 with the first project in his trilogy of reality, Bricks In My Backpack: The Harry Powder Story. With a co-sign and appearance from fellow Brooklyn MC and hitmaker Fabolous, Troy weaved tales of the hustler lifestyle, complete with the ups and downs of the everyday drug dealer, from buying and selling product to forever racing to keep away from the feds. His vivid imagery and detailed storytelling creates a cinematic sound, complemented by a raw, punctuated flow so that listeners never have to question his intentions. Troy makes music for those who get money, and for those who strive to get money. He’s not just a rapper but a motivational speaker, an artist who inspires masses with his energetic and cheerful personality but who, at the same time, forewarns those who aren’t cut from the same cloth to keep the fakeness away from the street life.

Tone Trump truly epitomizes the "City of Brotherly Love." Not only a burgeoning hip hop artist, Trump is a devoted community activist championing non-violence and an entrepreneur having formed Top Notch Inc., a music, entertainment, and media company.

Tone Trump has opened for top names in the business such as 50 Cent and Lil Wayne, Trump ended 2009 in a big way with the release of his debut album Trump Life. In 2010, Trump co-hosted "Philly Day" on MTV Jams, bringing MTV to West Philly. Shortly after, his single "Wifey" made its video debut on MTV Jams. Trump also took home the 2010 UMA (Underground Music Award) for "Most Exciting Artist of the Year". Trump followed with the release of his street album WorldStar Tony hosted by DJ Kay Slay.

Boldy James hails from Detroit and has always carried a love for three things-- music, his block, and his family. Boldy ‘s love affair started out when he became a young DJ for his friends and rapping became second nature for Boldy when he started. Boldy’s abundant affection for the streets is shown in his debut mixtape Trapper’s Alley: Pro’s and Con’s. His most recent mixtape, Consignment: Favor for a Favor release premiered exclusively on The Fader.

This Brownsville bred emcee has been making considerable noise on the underground hip hop circuit as of late and it's time to take notice. With over 20 years of experience as an emcee with Natural Elements, Ka, is the epitome of a lyricist. Taking Hip-Hop heads back to the 90′s when music was more about lyrics, this Brooklyn Native Writes, directs, and produces all of his own material. After working with the legendary Wu Tang clan member, GZA, in 2008, on his pro Tools album, Ka followed that up with his most recent album release, Grief Pedigree. Take away the beats, take away the flow and you have the essence of Ka, a lyricist.

Dubbed as two of the best rappers that Dallas has to offer by the Dallas Observer, A.Dd+ has been making some noise and showing that there's more to Texas rap than just Houston. The duo made up of rapper Paris Pershun and poet Slim Gravy has been referred to by Pitchfork as "the spawn of UGK and OutKast." Their self-released album When Pigs Fly, produced by in-house producer Picnictyme, has been highly successful. A.Dd+ recruited Detroit's hip hop icon Black Milk on the boards for their single "Insomniac Dreaming". Despite having yet to obtain a national following, the consensus across the boards is that A.Dd+ are definitely artists to watch for in 2012.

Rugz D. Bewler is a Harlem native, one that carries on the rich tradition of flourishing talent and influencing the landscape of popular culture. Rugz D. Bewler got his start after previewing a few songs for Jim Jones, causing a call to Dame Dash on behalf of the newcomer. This ultimately lead to a visit to Dash's DD172 establishment, where the upstart emcee met notable producer Ski Beatz. This is how “Super Bad,” subsequently placed on Ski Beatz’s 24 Hour Karate School compilation album, came to be.

D. Bewler released his debut project, Bewler’s Day Off (March 2010), earning favorable responses from fans. While Bewler’s Day Off got the attention of some individuals, Rugz D. Bewler set out to gain more recognition with the release of his second project, Save Bewler: The Memoirs of Muhammad Mc’Fly (October 2010).
Not the type of artist to rest on his laurels, Rugz D. Bewler followed up with the romantic, specialty project All I Need Is 20: The Lover's Rock Edition.

Mr. Mecca is a former battle rapper straight out of Jamaica, Queens. Mr. Mecca is tied (albeit unexpectedly) to Saigon's Abandoned Nation organization as well as QN5 record label. The emcee boasts a catalog of music that runs the gamut from braggadocios battle raps to witty metaphors. Mr. Mecca's sharp wordplay and poetic nature and powerful presence make for an ideal live stage performance.

In 2005, during his very first live performance on the Source Tour, Sonnie began his essence of stardom performing on tour with Hip Hop greats such as Nappy Roots, Akon, Memphis Bleek and Black Moon.

Recently, Sonnie signed to Scream Entertainment, where Sonnie has worked with famed producers such as Buckwild, D.R. Period, Kwame, and Neo Da Matrix. In 2011, Sonnie released The Leak mixtape followed by Flight#2012 hosted by Don Cannon. Sonnnie Carson has garnered attention as of late from collabs with the Dipset capo himself, Jim Jones, on "We Own The Night" and MOP's Billy Danze on "Hood".