Liam Jackson, Michigan State University

This year’s list of nominees has a few familiar faces, and a few promising newcomers as well.

Kirk Chamberlain, Marist College

Fourteen years after its release, the artist’s debut mixtape will finally be available to those who stream their music. The record itself would establish many of the themes that would recur throughout Kid Cudi’s career.

Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

Two of the largest rappers have entered a new chapter in their long war of words, and while many fans are grabbing popcorn, the battle is already stagnating.