Mike Jones

Fellow writer, Modi, touched on what rappers deserved to be on the controversial XXL’s Freshman Class of 2010. If you haven’t read that article make sure you do. Put simply, we are all fans of up and coming artists and believe that the next year will be their year. But let’s take a step back, because although we would love to see many artists like J. Cole, Big Sean, XV, and more make a splash in 2010, we should also want some of our current rappers who have taken a break to come back in the limelight. Well I came up with my own list of these rappers so let’s get right to it.

There is no order of preference.

1. Mike Jones

Who?! Mike Jones. Who? Before twitter, saying your name 50 times on a track was the best way to connect with your fans. Just in case they forgot whom they were listening to, a constant reminder was given. Let’s face it, Mike Jones jumped on the scene with the album Who Is Mike Jones? that had everyone in a frenzy in 2005. The singles “Back Then” and “Still Tippin” put Houston back on the map again. Screwed and chopped was a new term introduced to me as well as slabs, 4’s, candy paint, and the turning lane. Second album didn’t see much success but I want to see Mike with a new marketing plan that does not involve giving out his number. (Note: I know three telephone numbers by heart, home phone number, cell phone, and Mike Jones’)

2.DMX

After many run ins with the law and a lot of jail time, DMX is finally out and clean. I hope. Some of today’s rappers have soft adlibs but I knew when I heard that “Grrrrrrrrr” and infamous bark that Earl was back on his grind. I know we all loved it when DMX spit a verse on Jadakiss’ remix track of “Who’s Real.” It was that gritty and revealed the aggressiveness that we’ve been waiting on. I really do think it’s the year of the dog with the right records. Let’s hope Swizz Beatz has some crazy beats for him for the album. The rap album though not the gospel album.

3.Lil Flip

The Leprechaun. The Clover G. Another Houston native that came on to the scene proclaiming that his crib was big like a football field and took 15 minutes to drop a track. Well I know Lil Flip had some trouble with the T.I beef and maybe since he went to jail I would have figured he would have jumped at that chance to make a name for himself again. Bun B can’t be the only one putting in work for the lone star state. Flip needs to give us another U Gotta Feel Me, appear on tracks with Beyonce, and make some serious moves in 2010. I’ll be waiting because I know who they want. Flip! Flip! Flip! Flip! Flip!

4. Dr. Dre

Since 2002 we’ve been waiting for Detox. I don’t even have any more words.

5. Andre 3000

3 Stacks?!! Where has he been?! I can tell he loves the acting gigs but come on now! He is deemed as one of the top lyricist in the nation of Hip Hop and we can only get verses on a John Legend track. No shots. It was a great verse. But we want more. I want more. Put the scripts down and pick up the pen & pad. Or juggle both like some of your peers have done. An album in 2010 along with a movie would bring in some dollars and euros so I don’t see the reasons for not getting back to the music.

6. Murphy Lee

What the hook gon’ be on your next song man?! He is the most lyrical one out of the St. Lunatics. The solo album was very solid with a strong single that had everyone shaking his or her tail feathers. Even those without tails. To be honest I expected to see some more production after the first album because it was so good but nothing came. We have waited and Murphy Lee has not blessed us with that second solo album. Nelly had time to form Ocean’s 7, so what were you, Ali, Kyjuan and City Spud doing?

7. Cassidy

Cassidy has been through a lot of trials and tribulations in his life. But still no excuse for one of the freestyle, punchline legends not to give us an album executively produced by Swizzy. Three good albums under your belt, a classic freestyle win over Freeway aka Mr. Put A Beat On, and we have not seen enough of him. I remember when girls were getting their drink and their two step on and then flocking to come to your hotel because you were a hustla. (See what I did right there) Every album he has put out has had a strong single and club feel. I am very confident in Cassidy’s ability to regroup, get past his trials & tribulations and come even stronger in 2010.

8. Chingy

Ching-a-ling was the reason I became so good at doing the chickenhead. Don’t sit there and tell me you never practiced dancing in front of the mirror making sure your chickenhead was better than the next person’s. Anyways, the first time I heard Chingy was on Ludacris’ Chicken-n-Beer when he had a strong, solid verse for ”We Got.” He’s had powerful singles, great songs, powerful club songs that stay in rotation. Yes, it’s sad that he first signed to DTP, got dropped, then picked up again by DTP, then dropped one more time for ol’ times sake. Even more sad when Ludacris rapped over a Rich Kids beat and said “Ching-a-ling was DTP, but we had to end up dropping him.” I think that he can come back from all of those pit stops, team up with a new artist for a feature and be back with an album.

That’s my list. But what about yours? Do you agree with some of my choices? Who else has a comeback in store for them? What’s your list? Who are you waiting for to show up again in 2010? Leave it the comment section and let’s get to talking.

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