Maino

The Big Apple is stuck in a rut of monotony, and most New Yorkers are convinced that the game isn't what it used to be. Maino is here to change that, raised on Nostrand Ave. in the heart of Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, the swagger-rich MC is poised to present a brand-new look to hip-hop with his debut Hustle Hard/Atlantic album, If Tomorrow Comes... "It's time to breathe new life into the New York hip-hop scene," says Maino, and he does so by blending gritty lyricism with riveting street flair. Combine this with a magnetic confidence that's both hard enough for the fellas and appealing to the ladies and you have a proven formula for success.

Maino garnered a ground swell of attention via various mixtape appearances. Dubbing himself "Brooklyn's Future," the determined upstart proved he wasn't afraid to put his neck on the line to get results - or a nice buzz. With a drive as aggressive as his music and with a vital ally in T.I. - who saw some of himself in the self-assured New York rapper - Maino landed a deal with Atlantic Records, "Being at Atlantic I feel like I can go to another level."

Before Maino gets his opportunity to ascend to hip-hop's elite echelon, If Tomorrow Comes... is going to have to acquaint him with the masses that might not be familiar with the hard work he put in under the radar. One listen to the vibrant club banger "Hi Hater" and you'll see why it's easy to root for the bad guy. Produced by newbie Mista Raja and Maino, with a classic Jimmy Spicer sample, the track is the quintessential anthem that'll help Maino crack the repetitive rotation on hip-hop radio. "You got to make records that compete," he says. To ensure that Maino makes a serious push to become the "new life" in hip-hop, If Tomorrow Comes... is stacked with a broad spectrum of bangers. Along with collaborations with B.G., T.I., and Cool & Dre, Maino's debut leaves an indelible mark on first impression. "Now that I got it, I want to make it work."