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We may be more than halfway through 2015 but it’s never too late for people outside to check out new artists. Dallas’ own Post Malone is one of “20 Rappers to Watch In 2015” according to Hip-Hop Lifestyle magazine and website Complex.com. Post isn’t the only Texas representer on the list. Joining him is Kevin Abstract from Corpus Christi and Houston’s own Maxo Kream. Check out what Complex had to say below.

From: Dallas

Twitter: @PostMalone

Essential Listening: “White Iverson”

Pros: Has two bangers that have been in rotation since spring.

Cons: He might just be a derivative two-hit wonder.

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It’s true, his two bangers seem like derivative, blatant attempts to reverse-engineer today’s current rap into a ready-made hit. At least, that argument can be made. He’s also, uh, not the best, during live performances. But facts are facts: “Too Young” and especially “White Iverson” are simply undeniable. The dreamy, laid-back production and Post’s off-key crooning make for two of the best tracks of the summer—Jay Z-approved, even. It’s easy to hate on Post: He’s a white guy with fuzzy braids and a grill who seemingly came out of thin air. But, he keeps dropping heat. And he performed “White Iverson” at Kylie Jenner’s birthday. He may end up a two-hit 2015 wonder, but it also wouldn’t be a shock if Malone goes to the pros soon.

 

 

From: Corpus Christi, Texas

Twitter: @kevinabstract

Essential Listening: MTV1987

Pros: His Brockhampton collective is stamped as the next group of young artists coming up, he’s relatively seasoned before even hitting his 20s, influenced by music outside hip-hop.

Cons: His style is often compared to Childish Gambino.

Kevin Abstract’s name wasn’t buzzing a few years ago. It was actually his crew, AliveSinceForever (now called Brockhampton), a mix of up-and-coming creative types ranging from graphic designers to rappers and producers. When its 30 members reduced to a manageable 18, Abstract became the star of their sonic movement, delivering with his self-titled EP that contained a healthy dose of braggadocio over synth-driven beats. Last year’s MTV1987, his album entirely done by in-house producer Romil, was an indie rap highlight because the concept was so ambitious: how living in the Internet age and creating a fake persona online has become a safe haven for him. Songs like “Save” and “Drugs”—two perfect examples of his style that varies from aggressive to hopeless—prove he can widen his audience just by being himself.

 

https://instagram.com/p/6bnYZ7lKjc/

 

From: Houston

Twitter: @MAXOKREAM

Essential Listening: Maxo 187

Pros: Very strong rapper, good song writer, authentic Houston cadence and flow.

Cons: Music may be too gritty, he doesn’t have a “hit.”

The Texas rap scene has undergone a small resurgence lately, and most of that is thanks to Houston rapper Maxo Kream. His aggressive and haunting Maxo 187 mixtape came out of nowhere earlier this year, giving the world a cohesive project that not only defined the new Houston, but also gave new fans something to sink their teeth into. Maxo’s rapping skills bring an authentic voice back to a city that has had its sound diluted by out-of-towners. His stories of gangbanging and the gritty street life are riddled all over his music, bringing us all back to the reality that H-Town isn’t all about lean, women, and cars. The sky is the limit for Maxo, and hopefully he can spearhead the return of Houston’s musical prominence.

 

 

Congrats to all the Texas representers. See more artists at Complex.com

 

Dallas’ Own Post Malone Makes Complex Magazine’s “20 Rappers To Watch In 2015”  was originally published on thebeatdfw.com