THE TOP FIVE ARTISTS/GROUPS HELPING DES MOINES HIP HOP

5. Guerilla Hustle/MarKaus: F. Castle inspired this article but in all honesty, since I moved to Des Moines, he's been attempting to put in work to get showcases together and really set things off. Lately, I've seen MarKaus team up with them so I've lumped them into one.

4. Izzy Dunfore: Granted, I don't see Izzy doing so much for newer artists, he's the one I read about being in L.A. or Las Vegas really putting in work. He also does not live in the 515 anymore so that also changes the ranking as well. But can you really deny someone whose been doing shows opening for hip hop acts outside of Iowa a spot on this list? It brings attention to us if he blows up.

3. Joey Ashby: He might rank higher but in reality, he's not doing so much for hip hop. It's the fact he's allowing new clubs/spots to in the future, showcase local music. But he has done a lot to mold himself into a well-respected business man. He runs Amnezia and had Secret City Promotions doing pretty much everything for the last year or two.

2. Young Legends/Best Man E.N.T.: Eventhough I'm not a freestyle battler, their monthly Throwdown Thursdays were a really great idea. Most of the time, they didn't get the crowd it deserved, they still threw a party and had a couple dope battles. KP recently threw a beat battle and I also recently saw them chop it up on the radio with DJ Drama. Granted, Young Legendz are going home for the summer most likely, I believe Best Man E.N.T is not going anywhere. I may be wrong though...To be continued.

1. Aeon Grey: Surprise. Surprise. Anyone who knows of me from local hip hop probably knows Aeon very much dislikes "Kyd N Tre". Well, don't worry. I'm not trying to kiss ass or change sides or anything. If Aeon doesn't like one line from a single song I ever make, I'll live. But I won't ignore the fact he's opened the doors to local hip hop more than any single person. I also respect the fact he was able to take whatever so-called issue he had with me and Kyd and get back to collaborating with Ryan. I'm pretty sure he was on the front page of Juice so yeah no comparisions. So, Aeon, if you read this. Just know I'm not kissing ass to get on your good side. I'm just calling it like I see it.