[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2UV5t_v9I]
Where: Springfield, Virginia
Why You Need to Listen: Michigan-born Native American rapper Angel Haze, 21, is brash, raw and seemingly ready to take on the world. Growing up in a super strict Christian community Haze wasn’t allowed to listen to hip hop until her family fled to Virginia when she was 16. Once she started rapping, her flow came out fast and furious. She packs a lot into her rapid-fire lyrics, covering intensely personal topics as well as calling out anyone and everyone, including Heavy D, just a few months after his death. The exhibitionism is fitting for a rapper rising up in the YouTube era with a popular channel on the site. Her polished, hook-filled, fast-paced debut EP, Reservation, is out now via True Panther/Noizy Cricket/Biz 3.
For Fans of: Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Azealia Banks
Essential Track: “New York”