Nipsey Hussle vs. Ab-Soul – Underground Kings, Round 1

It's Crenshaw versus Carson in this clash of Cali titans.

They don't call him "Nipsey Hu$$le" for nothing. After his deal with Epic Records went south this Crenshaw rapper took matters into his own hands and started putting out his own music. Hu$$le made headlines recently when he sold his 'Crenshaw' project for a whopping $100 a pop. Having a loyal fanbase will do wonders for an artist though, as the initial pressing of 1,000 CDs sold out in 24 hours. Even Jay Z got in on the action, copping 100 copies himself. You can't knock the Hu$$le.

While the world goes gaga over Kendrick, and ScHoolBoy Q is next up on the Top Dawg Entertainment/Interscope agenda, Ab-Soul is steadily killing s--- under the radar. Only signed to indie TDE, the "Black Lipped Bastard" has formed alliances with singer/producer JMSN, Mac Miller, Danny Brown and has been carpet-bombing guest verses all the while. He's even touring with Joey Bada$$ this fall. All that underground exposure will make for a ground swell of support when he drops the sequel to the excellent 'Control System.'

Who should advance to the next round? Cast your vote for the Greatest Indie Rapper Ever in the poll below.