*Ed. Note: "New Houston Collective" is (as far as we know) a term coined by our own Shea Serrano to refer to the current wave of Houston rappers who have little interest in syrup, candy paint, wood grain, etc.
Some rappers happen to be thoughtful, intelligent people. Every Monday that isn't a national holiday, Rocks Off will have some of them here discussing issues relevant to their culture.
This Week's Panel: Iceberg Slim, Fat Tony, Dante Higgins, Show, hasHBrown, Young Sensation, H-Kane, Kyle Hubbard, FLOSS, etc.
Not Invited: The old guard. Actually, they were invited, but nobody bothered to respond.
This Week's Prompt: Cut and simple this week: Here's what everyone wants to know: Who are the five best rappers from the New Houston Collective?
Iceberg Slim*: I'mma go with Propain, Eskabel, Delo, Le$ and Yves (The Niceguys), with Jon Dope up next in 2011. I'm callin' it now.
* Slim is, in fact, not a rapper, but he knows his shit, so he gets included in this discussion when he feels compelled to participate.
Fat Tony: Fat Tony, B L A C K I E, A.D.D., Yves (The Niceguys). I also like iLL LiaD and Danny Wattz. They all got appeal and personality and versatile flows.
Dante Higgins: Top 5 Best New Rappers in Houston: Delo [is] twice on my list, Undergravity, O.N.E. and Propain.
Rocks Off: Delo is on your list twice?
DH: Delo took my spot on my list, so yeah, twice.
Show: Me, Beltway Krit, Killa Cal-Wayne, Yung Quis of ABN and Mug of SDS**. Those are my personal choices, i.e. who I listen to the most. Those artists rarely get acknowledged.
** Show's list is, without question, the most physically intimidating lineup that got offered up for this discussion.
