Here at Royal Columbus, we feel we have a fairly good hold on whats happening in the city of Columbus' hip hop scene. We have been told many times before that we even know it the best. Since the early years of Schoolboy Productions, we have always been on the look out for new up and coming talent. This continually puts us in venues and concerts that are outside of the norm for some people. Thanks to great coverage from our local papers like the Columbus Alive and The Other Paper, as well as local blogs such as DoneWaiting.com, some of these worthy acts get recognized on an even more public level. Even one of our local writers Wes Flexner has been recognized as such an authority on Hip Hop that he was contacted by BET's The Deal.
With the knowledge gained from attending countless local concerts over the years, combined with reading every local publication ever printed, we are going to list our nominees for the possible top 16. This in no way means that any of these acts will make it to the final qualifiers. In fact, for reasons beyond me, some of these artists may not even sign up. We also feel that the winner of this competition could actually be a complete unknown. It is unlikely since they will have to show strong stage presence once reaching the final 16, but completely possible. In this article, we'll name the 16 contestants that we feel are the top vote getters in the city.

Predictions:
The Columbus hip hop scene has been rapidly changing for the past 5-6 years. On one side, you have the scene that started it all. Columbus music scene legend Blueprint, is the hip hop music figurehead behind Weightless Recordings for a time when Columbus was a center hub of upcoming hip hop talent. A scene that can only be described by those that witnessed it. Blueprint is also surrounded by others from that area in Illogic, Copywrite, and Envelope. The lyricist Catalyst and battle MC Meta4ce should also enter and make waves. Then we have the side from the streets. RNS Ent will be a force to be reconed with. Unruly Rec has also been putting in a strong local support hand with recent monthly shows where anybody can perform at the Scarlet and Grey. Nobody should dismiss promotion giant Wallabe either. The next category is a little bit more hard to define. These artists surround themselves with the latest trends and fashions. A group that could be defined as both solidified from the days of old, and the days of new is The 3rd. Their leader Rashaad has been around since the glory days of Columbus hip hop, but that doesn't mean he's not making new and recent headway. Also at the top of this pack is Fly Union, with recent departure L.e. for the Uncool. Then you have P. Blackk who has been making recent news. Trying to remain ubiased we are definitely adding Meechie Nelson into this mix, who has been packing venues with over 600 people strong. A feat not to be taken lightly. NiQ has made some strong headway with my favorite Columbus hip hop club track of all time, Rocker. There are also groups that can not be defined that round out our nominations. AllEyes Path are just great dudes in general, and also put fans through the doors to see them on stage. L.E.S. Crew has a sound that I could never grow tired of watching perform live. Midas Touch could push for votes from promotion through local promoter Grant Gatsby. If Bottom Brick is still around they could make a push, if not artist Adjust won "So You Think You Can Rap" last year and has to be taken seriously this year. D.O.B. has put together a new album that is untouchable with star power, and D Rob has an entire clothing line and promotion team behind him as well. What if Kim Joyce enters the competition? She's an ex OSU women's basketball player, and has gained the respect of nearly everyone in the local music scene. Searius Add has a very serious following that could bring him plenty of votes.
So we went a little over 16. That makes this competition that much more interesting. All of the names listed are staples in our local music scene. Not to mention, we had to leave plenty of names off of the list could easily take a top 16 place like Jai Carey, Dominique Larue, J Osceola, C10, Dynamik, Ill Poetik, Debonair, One Hood, Hodgie Street, Young Wise, Cridie Mac, Blaze, Sinatra, Problem Child, Kid Money, and Dre Fire. This competition will prove to be a highly comepetive attempt at finally breaking into the rotation of our largest local radio source of Hip Hop music.

Voting Link -
Voting Page

Sign Up Predictions -
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Artist Reviews -
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Week 1 Results -
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Week 2 Results -
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Week 3 Results -
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Week 4 Results -
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Final 1st Round Results -
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Qualifyer Results -
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