Shawn Jackson

In an era where everyone appears to be a rapper, it takes more than a dollar and a dream to be respected as a new artist. Enter the cocky and brilliant Shawn Jackson, the California bred MC who openly knows his role: "I’m not really tryin’ to bring hip-hop back — that ain’t my responsibility.” Instead, he raps like he doesn’t need the credibility and it works. "Strategies” featuring Guilty Simpson is a huge boom-bap track and lead single "Feelin’ Jack” is a banger. First Of All has the perfect variety of lyrical content, humour and production. This is easily one of the best entrances I have witnessed from a hip-hop artist. It’s refreshing to know he has the best kind of talent — so raw he doesn’t even have to try.