Listen to Problem, “501”

You could accuse Problem of many things, but you wouldn't be caught dead calling him lazy. Compared to a decade ago, the rap scene in Los Angeles is remarkably crowded, with those at the top of the commercial hip-hop complex (Kendrick Lamar, The Game, YG), to the local stalwarts (Nipsey Hussle, Dom Kennedy) to the decidedly independent (Open Mike Eagle, Busdriver) and those who always seem on the verge of becoming the next big thing. Earlier this year, he dropped two mixtapes in just three days; the latter, Mollywood 3: The Relapse (B-Side) in particular was a compelling case for Problem to stand out among his peers. His latest single, produced by himself, Backpack, Derek and Mars, is called "501," and could be just the stimulus package the American denim industry needs. Most recently, Problem appeared alongside Bad Lucc on Talib Kweli and 9th Wonder's "Pay Ya Dues."