Big K.R.I.T.

Last year, Big K.R.I.T. (King Remembered in Time) became ruler of the free online mixtape era when his Return of 4Eva gathered acclaim from bloggers and Pitchfork reviewers alike. The 25-year-old Meridian, Miss. rapper born Justin Scott delivers top-quality Southern hip-hop with strong hooks, samples and the requisite rattling hi-hats that please both the underground beathead and casual Top 40 listener. He deserves better than his current rotation on the marijuana-themed rap festival circuit; unlike most of his peers, his masterful bars have an authenticity that actually feels authentic.