Mac Miller vs. Problem – Underground Kings, Round 1
Back then they didn't want Mac Miller, now that he's hot they're all on Mac Miller. Adored by his fans but panned by critics in the past, Miller reinvented himself in 2013, and has struck a sweet balance between critical acclaim and pop accessibility. His 'Watching Movies With the Sound Off' album showed growth, maturity and lyrical dexterity -- it was for the heads. And while he was hanging out with Earl Sweatshirt, Flying Lotus and becoming a fixture on L.A.'s vibrant underground hip-hop scene, he was sitting at the top of the pop charts alongside Ariana Grande with his guest verse on her hit 'The Way.' Not enough indie cred for you? Let's talks about how 'Watching Movies With the Sound Off' debuted at No. 3 on the charts selling over 100,000 records... independently.
There were some false starts in the past but it seems like the Compton renaissance is truly upon us. Of course there's that K-Dot guy but you must know Problem. A slick spitter with an incredible flow and gangster appeal, "Chachi" has been making a lot of noise lately and incited a bidding war for Comp-Town's next big thing.
Who should advance to the next round? Cast your vote for the Greatest Indie Rapper Ever in the poll below.