News

New York rapper Mims is causing quite a stir, not only in his hometown but across the country, with his underground hit single, "This Is Why I'm Hot." Released independently, the track is generating 1,000 spins per week nationwide, and a radio-listening audience well above 59 million. Not bad for a Jamaican-American hustler from the predominantly Dominican enclave of Washington Heights in Manhattan, right up the street from Harlem. "Coming up my whole life I always had the Harlem influence around me," Mims explains. "But when it comes to hustling and making money, I've had that Washington Heights influence. Many Dominicans, who've come into the country, have come with their first instinct to hustle."

Here, Mims shares his favorite "legendary tracks"—songs that have influenced both him and countless other artists. Click the song titles to listen to clips if you don't already know 'em and love 'em.

1. Al Green - "Let's Stay Together"

2. Biggie Smalls (a.k.a. Notorious B.I.G.) - "Juicy"

3. Bob Marley - "Get Up Stand Up"

4. Boyz II Men - "End of the Road"

5. 2Pac - "Dear Mama"

6. Michael Jackson - "I'm Bad"

7. Prince - "Purple Rain"

8. Sam Cooke - "Change is Gonna Come"

9. Marvin Gaye - "Let's Get It On"

Mims' debut album, Music is My Savior, will be released on April 3rd (Capitol).