9. Isaiah Rashad – Cilvia Demo (Top Dawg Entertainment)
Unlike the other rappers signed to California-based rap label Top Dawg Entertainment (a group that includes Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock), Isaiah Rashad hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee and wears his influences proudly on his sleeve. While the others were listening to Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, Rashad was busy listening to Outkast and Scarface. He may still be young, but on Cilvia Demo Rashad fully embraced his southern roots and managed to craft one of the best albums of the year.