So it's been a long time coming, but I have finally put together a roster for you to see. As it stands, we are about halfway through 2009, and I've been keeping my eye out for artists making themselves a name around the country. Being the amazing person I am, I figured I would give you a look at some of these little gems dotting these great lands.

Later down the line, you'll be saying I told you so when these artists make it to the top, with me always being right and all. I'm splitting this piece in three, so after reading this, keep your eyes peeled for part 2 and 3. Artists to Watch For ‘09. We runnin' this, let's go.

The CunninLynguists- Lexington, Kentucky

Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky is one of my favorite rap groups to date. The CunninLynguists (cleverly named after one of my favorite sports) have been rapping about the poor life, raising a family, deceitful women, and a little bit of Mary Jane, since their 2001 release Will Rap for Food.

Specifically, listen for the tracks Move, Don't Leave (When Winter Comes),and The Distance, to get a real feel of the groups talent, with White Guy Mind Tricks being the funniest track I've heard in a while. They are also known for their incorporation of lovely samples of Motown records, and live instruments.

Some Hear Explosions- Los Angeles, California

One of the hardest things to accept is too go to a live show of one of your favorite bands, only to learn that they are MUCH shitter upon doing so. Thankfully, this band knows how to up the ante at the live shows, and leave you with ringing ears and a smile on your face, mixed with a sore-ass neck from rocking too hard.

Los Angeles rock band Some Hear Explosions has played it quite smart in the music game since the drummer (and long time friend) Alex Duddy told me about his latest. I'm not sure exactly how (yet, as I want to do an interview hah) they did it, but the band is managed by none other than Idris Elba. You may remember him from his role as Tango in American Gangster, Charles Miner in NBC's The Office, and my favorite, Mumbles from RocknRolla. Apparently this is his first managing gig. Who knew?

Ashthon Jones- Nashville, Tennessee

Why is she a crossover diva? First, it has nothing to do with basketball, rather with her ability to bring R&B, Hip Hop, Soul, Pop, and a little bit of Funk to here arsenal for us to interpret. She's got some pretty serious people standing behind her; such as Doug Colton (head of Dee Cee records) and Yolanda Geralds (hip hop video director).

I really like creating and performing uplifting feel-good music and inspiring people to be happy and live life. I feel that my voice is a gift from God; so is my talent. There is sweetness, as well as a rawness about me that I think anybody can relate to and I hope that Introducing Ashthon Jones definitely touches lives.

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