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From comedian and actor to internet rap sensation,
Donald Glover's circle of avid fans and celebrity pals has rapidly expanded since he made the often-precarious transition under his rhyming alter-ego,
Childish Gambino. Less than a year since the
30 Rock contributor officially graced the studio for his solid debut album
Camp -- a project full of zany, oddball humour and self-aware reflection -- Gambino returns to the studio to produce
Royalty, his most sought-after mixtape to date.
With Compton emcee Kendrick Lamar’s new album, good kid m.A.A.d city, due for release shortly there’s absolutely no question that all eyes are on Top Dawg Entertainment. Currently without doubt one of the hottest cliques in hip-hop - alongside the likes of MMG, G.O.O.D. Music, and Roc Nation - TDE are a powerhouse full of talent. Reminiscent of early G-Unit, when 50 Cent steered a small team - Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck - to the top of the charts, Top Dawg have their own small but incredibly deadly unit.
Macklemore arguably carried the most mystery out of all the rappers highlighted in XXL magazine's 2012 Freshman campaign, but with a quietly building back-catalog of mixtapes and singles to his credit, the 29 year old Seattle native had become a hit with independent blogs and radio stations for his now established mature, soulful productions and thoughtful verses. Fast forward some months later and the enigmatic man born Ben Haggerty produces his biggest challenge to date with his debut album, The Heist, crafted with longtime friend and producer Ryan Lewis. 
Without question, Hip Hop from the West Coast has really taken a hold of this year's summer. From Dom Kennedy's fun mix of street smart party outings to the critically lauded Section 80 from Compton wordsmith Kendrick Lamar. Even with Mann's crossover appeal, there's still space for some more from the sunnier side of the USA and Watts resider Jay Rock looks to fill that void. Bringing vintage gangster tales and heavy piano-injected productions, Follow Me Home aims to strike accordingly with fans of the no-nonsense brand of cold cuts and hard hitting rhymes.
The new West Coast movement looks to be in full swing in 2011. With Kendrick Lamar becoming the talk of Compton, upcoming acts such as Nipsey Hussle and Jay Rock remaining consistent and the enriched Hip Hop circuit stronger than ever, the days of wondering where the West had gone are soon to be over. So it can only strengthen the coasts brand by having another hungry starlet add his name to the contingent from the sunnier sides of the US.
Dom Kennedy of Leimert Park, LA, has been doing the rounds on the coast with some dope free mixtapes not to mention some high profiled collaborations with the likes of Curren$y, Kendrick and more. Kennedy's From the Westside, With Love II hopes to add further weight behind the current wave of Westsiders currently on the brink of fully dominating this summer.
The collective appreciation of an emerging new rapper will forever remain present. Whether the hysteria remains after their first album or if it dissolves into a pool of hate will always differ depending on material, their ego or their authenticity. Kendrick Lamar for the last few years has predominantly been a name referenced in the California regions. But since his much lauded Kendrick Lamar EP, O(verly) D(edicated) release and a co-sign by XXL Magazine, the Lamar mentions have travelled far beyond his Compton hometown and now anticipation for a new product is shared by more. Section 80 for the time being, currently remains as the rappers greatest test. Dropping an independent album which rather adds a spike to his peak rather than denting it has proven to be a task too tough for many.