Ab-Soul

Twitter: @AbSoul

From: Los Angeles, CA

Pros: Conscious, thought-provoking lyrics

Cons: At times, preachy and boring

Odds of blowing up: 30:1

Complex says: Ab-Soul is the first rapper on our list representing an impressive crop of L.A. emcees that have come to prominence this year. A close collaborator of Kendrick Lamar (who’s already too established to make this list), Ab-Soul can hold his own with the most nimble lyricists in the game. He can rap over virtually any beat while also keeping his subject matter varied and interesting.