Name: Charles Hamilton
Resides: Harlem, NY
Reason to Listen: Charles Hamilton hails from Harlem via Cleveland. He makes beats, raps with a style that is reminiscent of Lupe Fiasco and Wale, and plays multiple instruments. He identifies with Sonic the Hedgehog, blogs about his love for Pokemon cards and lists Modest Mouse, NIN, Aerosmith and Korn as some of his influences. He also has an upcoming mixtape with Green Lantern, gets props from Eminem and Pharrell, more lyrics than any of the other young rappers around and an album (allegedly) dropping on Interscope in 2009. If you're confused, we're not surprised, but he might be worth figuring out.
Bottom Line: The NYC rapper most likely to be the next big thing. Charles Hamilton can rhyme his ass off.

Download: 'Brooklyn Girls'(MP3)