Young Gunz

Last week we talked about Fred the Godson, an upcoming MC from NY who is starting to make some noise on the internets, but is relatively unknown outside NY at the present. Of course there are lots of MCs who fit that description, but some shine brighter than others, and The Highest Grade aims to help elevate some of the greatest MCs you might not be aware of. Keep in mind, we are not trying to be the first to mention an artist or movement, but take pride in being selective about those artists we choose to discuss, with the hopes that this selection can help others discover the best that hip hop has to offer.

With that being said, every hip hop fan should be aware of Cory Gunz, one of the most talented MCs, of any age, out there today. This young spitter was literally born into hip hop, introduced to the rap game at an early age by his father, Peter Gunz ( a NY mixtape and radio favorite in the golden era of hip hop with his cohort Lord Tariq, and their classic Uptown Baby).

The first time you hear Cory Gunz run through a verse or two, you can't help but think he was born with a silver mic in his mouth. Being born into the rap world can only get you so far, and Cory has been showing and proving that he won't rest on nepotism to get by in the music industry. With multiple mixtapes, including the Apprentice series, as well as several SMACK and other street DVD appearances, Cory has been making a name for himself regardless of his legacy, for many years now.

The young'n literally made jaws drop and records stop on Shade45 earlier this year when he flowed so ridiculous they made him back up and repeat his verse live on the air, for anyone who missed the intricacies that bubbled out the first time around. This may not have been completely unrehearsed verse, but even being able to put together rhymes like this puts Cory in a class of artists, most accomplished MCs can only dream of...and he's still a young buck.

If anyone needs further convincing, watch Gunz demolish the BET cypher; no disrespect to legends (Bun B, QTip, Jadakiss) who went before or after, but Gunz is at the top of his game, and gets the better of everyone in this circle. If you still need more proof, there are enough videos of Gunz online to keep your head spinning for hours, or cop one of the mixtapes. We're looking forward to his newest project with DJ Drama, which Cory recently spoke about with Mixtape Daily. Be on the lookout for that project, as well as his debut album, coming soon.