Jay Rock, Reason

Watts rapper Johnny McKinzie Jr., 32, was Top Dawg Entertainment’s initial experiment before Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q arrived. His no-nonsense, street-smart flows hid lyricism only just getting its due. 2015’s 90059 made everyone aware. This year’s critically acclaimed Redemption solidified his spot as one of the best of the West. – Kahron Spearman