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.
In the second segment of Al Lindstrom's "Hip-Hop Award Season," the panelists argue over which rap act made the biggest jump in improvement in 2014. The five nominated artists are Childish Gambino, Big K.R.I.T., Run the Jewels, YG, and Troy Ave, which shows just how wide open and diverse this year has been.
Childish dropped his project, STN MTN / Kauai, which builds upon the success from his second studio album, Because the Internet, while Troy Ave added some commercial traction to his street appeal in 2014. Big K.R.I.T. advanced his name with the release of Cadillactica, and Run the Jewels certainly had everyone buzzing about their second collaborative project. Previously nominated for "Rookie of the Year," YG also fits into the category of "Most Improved" as he made everyone remember just who that "Toot It and Boot It" rapper was with the release of his debut album, My Krazy Life.
Watch the full video above to find out who the panel picks as the "Most Improved" rap act of 2014. Do you agree with their selection? Let us know in the comment section below or on Twitter with the hashtag, #ALTV. Also, check out the video below to find out who was crowned 2014's "Rookie of the Year."
