NameBrand stands as a tall hopeful in West-Coast Hip-Hop. The recent Epic Records signee is preparing his debut album after a very busy and successful 2014, which included the release of The G.R.E.A.T. Tape II, and the signing of his record deal.

The Long Beach, California MC got his first big break when he was discovered by a Left Coast lyrical giant in Ras Kass, who recorded several tracks and toured with him. After Ras went to prison for violation of parole, NameBrand formed an EDM band called Electrolightz and released an EP with them called Bang With The Lightz On. They were able to do records for Lady Gaga and Mary J. Blige, and performed at festivals including South By Southwest and Coachella before the band broke up.

Now, NameBrand is back on the Hip-Hop scene with his successful mixtapes The G.R.E.A.T. Tape (2013) and The G.R.E.A.T. Tape II. The most recent mixtape has most of the production handled by Seige Monstracity and is executive produced by Sha Money XL (50 Cent, Game, Big K.R.I.T.). The project has spawned several music videos including “Suicide City,” “No Limits,” “Whips,” and “Holograms.”

NameBrand showcases strong lyrical abilities with sharp rhymes and clever punchlines. “Struggles” finds him in top form, as he runs down the hard work he’s put in as an up-and-coming MC.

Related: Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of January 2015 in One Playlist (Audio)