The Sliktron Select vs. Radioshaq Rap Royalties: Top 5 Freshmen in Louisiana

Like it or not, voting for XXL's Freshmen list has began. 10 artist that have gained noticeable attention and a promising future in the music industry have a chance to cover one of hip hop's most prestigious magazines along with short bios, what songs you should be familiar with, and what projects are to come from those artist. Fellow hip hop connoisseur Shaq C. (@TheRadioShaq) of The Rouge Collection in Baton Rouge, LA & I have decided to make our own lists of who we think Louisiana's strongest talents are. Who do you think got it right?

@RenaissanceSlik's Top 5

(No Particular Order) 

Marz The Superior (New Orleans)
One of the Crescent City's best kept secrets. Marz The Superior's rapid fire delivery, and unapologetic bars are making waves throughout Louisiana. His storytelling abilities and scenarios raps paint a vivid picture of life in New Orleans.

Must Hear: "Getcha Mind Right"

Luke St. John (Baton Rouge)
Although Luke St. John and been said to be the "Jay Electronica of BR", he is hard to compare to many artist. His intellect shines farther than your average lyrics. Many times I've found myself researching his metaphors and hinted symbolism of Ancient Egyptian culture, Supreme Mathematics, and self empowerment. As musician with story to tell, St. John will rhyme circles around you if you're not careful

Must Hear: "Rites Of Passage"

James Jackson (Baton Rouge)
James Jackson is among the BR elite. Small World Ent. front runner, Jackson lyricism, wordplay, and delivery is at a pro level. If the tracks alone don't win you over as a fan, his boss demeanor and crowd control will leave you in amazement. James Jackson is the next up in BR.

Must Hear: "Pop Me Off"

Joe Fnkoo (Leesville)
Joe Fnkoo is MC of all trades. Koo track selection varies from turnt posse cuts to growing pains the industry has created for up and coming artist in Louisiana. Joe Fnkoo can flip his flow with ease, twisting words and bringing a complexity most wouldn't expect from the South.

Must Hear: "Symphony in C-Murder"

Sol Galeano (New Orleans)
Female MC's are hard to come by these days. Don't let Galeano's songs of love and peace fool you, her content is deep and multi-layered. Her ear for music is the perfect accompaniment to her boom-bap lyrics.

Must Hear: "Breathe, Relax"

Honorable Mentions:

A.R. (Baton Rouge)

MidCityAB (New Orleans)

King Haley (New Orleans)

@TheRadioShaq's Top 5

Daniel Heartless (New Orleans)
 West Bank of New Orleans' Golden Child Daniel Heartless combines an aggressive lyrical approach with mind boggling metaphors to create what has become an extremely popular style. Daniel has fans worldwide joining the #foreverheartless movement, and has been opening the eyes of new fans daily. He is the captain of a strong team in IMF that also includes other rappers, and producers.

Must Hear: "STFU"



Wade (New Orleans)
Wade is a combination artist, bringing both high quality rap lyrics to the table, as well as an above average singing voice. Wade has the kind of sound industry execs rave over, and he's surely on his way to much bigger things. Like Daniel Heartless he's the face of a growing brand in HHP, that includes another up & coming MC, Tarantino and a mastermind producer/DJ, DJ Hennessy.

Must Hear: "Seven"



Mid City AB (New Orleans)
Conscious Lyrics, impeccable flow, and music that depicts his cool demeanor, all of these things describe one of New Orleans' most talented artist, Mid City AB. With projects that you can just put on and let run, AB always delivers top shelf material.

Must Hear: "Asthma"



Boo Milton (Baton Rouge)
 Baton Rouge Native Boo Milton has that kind of music that you play before a big game, high energy, charismatic lyrics, and production that's second to none. Boo Milton's music embodies the kind of confidence it takes to survive in the growing Baton Rouge Hip Hop scene, and I personally think it's only the beginning for him.

Must Hear: "Start The Line ft. Lee Banks & Percy Keith"



Snug (Baton Rouge)
Another Baton Rouge native, Snug has an aggressive flow, deep lyrics, and hard hitting, trunk rattling beats. He's worked with a lot of big names in Baton Rouge, and his name and buzz has been growing rapidly. Even tho his music has a Baton Rouge flavor to it, it's still unique, and still shows that Snug has created his own lane, and is becoming a real problem in the game.

Must Hear: "Baton Rouge ft. Percy Keith"



Honorable Mentions:

Tarantino (New Orleans)
Corleone (Baton Rouge)
Luke St. John (Baton Rouge)