Promise: Game Time

Toronto MC Promise hasn't even released a debut album yet, but not only does he have a track on NBA 2K11, he's featured as a playable character. Signed to venerable NY hip-hop label Duck Down, Promise joins other MCs on the soundtrack and on the court, but Drake is the only other Canadian. Promise's hardwood character draws on the attributes of the shooting guard position he played back in the day, but he stresses that he demurred on enabling his virtual court self with Jordan-esque abilities. "I wanted it to be realistic, but still be a good player," says Promise. "I want to miss some shots." Freely admitting the shot clock on his real-life basketball days expired long ago, Promise is focusing on releasing debut full-length Awakening, due out in late February.