By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Among the crop of new artists to emerge over the past year is Future, an XXL Freshman. At a time when the Atlanta hip hop scene needed new life, Future helped them return to prominence in the rap game. From 2008 through 2011, Ludacris, Outkast, and T.I. were noticably abscent from the hip hop landscape.
Released late in the spring of 2011, Future delivered his “Tony Montana” single, which quickly became an anthem. Already one of the biggest mixtape singles out, “Tony Montana” gained a large celebrity following. Drake added a verse to the song, asking Future to turn it into the official remix and Lil Wayne even asked to be on the song.
Business-wise, things did not quite work out with Future and Drake, but the “Tony Montana” track continued to gain more followers. While fans, and other rappers, were still listening to “Tony Montana,” Future returned to the lab, releasing his next single, “Magic.” When working with DJ Drama, T.I. asked him of the hottest single from a new artist, DJ Drama replied Future’s “Magic.”
After hearing the verse T.I. added to “Magic,” Future made the T.I. version the official single. With this, Future’s popularity at an all-time high, as L.A. Reid had just signed him to Epic Records. More mixtapes came from Future, but his focus was now on putting together his debut album, Pluto. Future has been working on the new album since late September, since he signed with Epic Records and the release date is less than two weeks away.
For a year, fans have been given samples of what Future has to offer. While criticized for his vocals, Future is undeniably popular. The rising rapper is taking things to the next album and the fans appear ready for their trip to Pluto.
