BEST INDIE HIP-HOP

Brother Ali

The blind, albino and Muslim MC raps about his life like a fiery preacher ("I saw myself as a bastard tagalong/Harassed and spat upon"), scoring a Conan appearance.

"Watcha Got"

Bass-heavy beats and effortless flow inspired by 1980s icons like EPMD earned the Chicago duo a slot on M.I.A.'s tour and a guest spot on Lil Wayne's "Gettin' It."

"Black Mags"

On his Prince of the City mixtapes, the Pittsburgh MC spits hot hyper-speed rhymes like he's not even trying, and gives his native city a rep in the rap game.

"Say Yeah"

The son of Nigerian immigrants in Washington, D.C., Wale's quick-wit raps ("So slightly passed 'em, like the letter 'n' ") impressed DJ Mark Ronson, who's producing his debut.

"W.A.L.E. D.A.N.C.E."

The Cleveland rapper with a killer sing-song flow got a major boost at South by Southwest, where he showed up higher-billed acts like Chromeo and Kid Sister.

"Day 'N' Nite"

Check out everything ruling the rock universe in 2008