Andy Mineo, KB, Bizzle, Swoope, Canon, Eshon Burgundy and S.O. are some of the most important artists in Christian hip hop, and they all were members of Rapzilla’s inaugural Freshman class in 2011.
With each of its Freshman classes since, Rapzilla has continued its tradition of highlighting top artists before they become top artists. This year’s selections are as promising as ever.
The list of talented nominees was long, but Rapzilla’s staff fought through the pain and trimmed it to 15. These 15 fulfill the only two qualifications to be honored: They have yet to release more than one retail LP (solo or group), and they make dope music.
Here are the Rapzilla Freshman of 2016, which will be introduced five at a time this week.
Aaron Cole
Of the 15 members of the 2016 Freshman class, Aaron Cole has been the quietest this year, but few may make as much noise as him over the next 12 months.
Christian hip-hop legend Da’ T.R.U.T.H. signed a 15-year-old Cole to his record label, Mixed Bag Entertainment, in 2014, but they have since agreed to part ways. Other than a feature on new Gotee Records artist Hollyn’s self-titled EP in October, the now 16-year-old Cole has dropped little music during the label shuffle.
As soon as he is “back,” though, the hype around him from a year ago will return.
Follow him on Twitter @IAmAaronCole.
(Cole raps the last verse of "Run It Back")
When did you decide that you wanted to pursue music?
Well, I started rapping when I was three, and I started singing at seven and was actually doing Christian music because my dad and my uncle had got saved and were writing me rhymes at three. But, you know, as a kid that young, you don't really know what you're doing. You just do what you're taught, so the first time I decided for myself that this is what I wanted to do with my life was in 7th grade, and I was about 12.
I would go to school and get picked on because I was the pretty much good kid — didn't smoke, drink or anything like that, and I made Christian music, so majority of the kids would just single me out. And I spent many nights at home while all my friends were at parties and games and hanging out and, being totally honest, that would get to me. I remember coming home to my parents wanting to quit doing everything. But that's when I started really seeking God for myself, and He told me this was my purpose and why I was put here — to make music to glorify him and inspire others to live their dreams.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career thus far?
I think my most memorable moment of my career so far is probably going to be shocking because it's not a big show or a chart or anything like that. It was probably being in the studio with Dirty Rice and Derek Minor. I looked up to these guys when I was just doing music in my house as a young buck, and for me to be in a studio with them, and they're excited about working with little old me, I'm just grateful for an opportunity like that. The vibe was just right, and they were both just dropping knowledge to me and giving me the game.
What should fans be on the lookout for musically from you in 2016?
A lot of people have been asking me what's taking me so long to release, and all I can say is I have a lot of stuff coming up, and I'm just getting it all in order! But MAN! All I can say is be ready. I'm thinking bigger. The stuff that I'm making is not like anything out or like I've done before; and definitely more singing. A lot of people have been asking me to sing more, and with this new stuff, I have a very good balance of both. I'm really excited. Stay tuned!
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