Complex TV has teamed with radio and digital entrepreneur Al Lindstrom to present his annual "Hip-Hop Award Season." The series features a panel of well-respected journalists and experts alike weighing in on four different categories: "Rookie of the Year," "Most Improved," "6th Man of the Year," and "MVP." This year's panelists include Joe La Puma (Director of Content Strategy, Complex), Brian "B.Dot" Miller (Content Director, Rap Radar), Reggie Ossé a.k.a. Combat Jack (Host, The Combat Jack Show), Charlamagne Tha God (Host, Power 105's The Breakfast Club), Jeff Sledge (A&R Executive; Host, Pop Life Podcast), as well as Jayson Rodriguez (Editorial Director, REVOLT TV), who also handles moderator duties. Stay tuned as we unveil their round table debate for each category this week.
The crew is back to debate who left their fingerprint all over the rap game in 2014. In the opening segment for Al Lindstrom's "Hip-Hop Award Season," they start with "Rookie of the Year," a category that comes with a lot disagreement from each panelist as they spend as much time vying for their picks as they do defining what a rookie is.
The clear front runners for the category are Young Thug, Bobby Shmurda, Dej Loaf, YG, and Iggy Azalea. YG and Iggy are interesting choices, as they've been bubbling for a few years before finally breaking out in 2014. On the other hand, Thugger is riding a wave that began at the tail end of 2013, while Bobby Shmurda and Dej Loaf were completely off the radar 365 days ago. Watch the full video above to find out who the panel picks for 2014's "Rookie of the Year." Do you agree with their selection? Let us know in the comment section below or on Twitter with the hashtag, #ALTV.
