Tonn3D is an emcee from the streets of Washington DC whose style would put The Flash to shame. “Eradication” is fast, furious but void of Vin Diesel. Those aside, much luck to those who try to imitate that one. Tonn3D can’t be touched when it comes to his rapid fire pace in tracks like the aforementioned as well in “No Changes” and “Bounce.” It’s not always that Speedy Gonzalez way though. Tonn3D can slow it down while still bringing it in tracks like “Bumpen Sonar Quasar,” “It’s Alright” and the very different, almost R&B ways of “Free.” If you’re a fan of OutKast and Bone Thugs, check out Tonn3D now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/tonn3d)
Down in Dallas, Texas you’ll find Rizzo and his latest hip hop filled EP, “Exile.” “So Easy” is simple and to the point, while he starts to show some hometown pride with “My City.” People of the Lone Star state who love them some hip hop will love this one. Rizzo gets some help from a friend, Javon, on “To the Crib.” This one has an R&B taste to it. He also has another friend on “2 Cups” featuring John Doe. Between the two with features, this one sticks out more for the mere level of energy alone. Whether you’re a Texan or not, Rizzo’s “Exile” is for anyone who likes their hip hop extra big. (https://soundcloud.com/Rizzo214)
Uncle Phatt is an emcee who calls Canton home and brings variety to the forefront of his music. “Place to Go” starts off when an endearing vocal by a friend, and once Uncle Phatt comes in the mood is on the serious side. “Solid Ground” picks things up a bit, but it’s still safe to say it’s a chill song. The energy is raised even more with “Caught In,” but not by much. The beat almost sounds like that of Inspector Gadget too. From that point on you have a cascade of tracks that vary from the greatness of “Love Solider” to the eerie ways of “Fortune Teller” and back to reality of “Take Down.” When it comes to liking Uncle Phatt, it all depends on what kind of mood you’re in because his music varies from song to song, while all remaining very hip hop-centric. If you’re interested, check out Uncle Phatt. (https://soundcloud.com/uncle-phatt-of-h-o-b-z)
Southern Bliss is a new emcee from Mobile, Alabama and showcases that southern charm well in his rhymes. When you’ve ever been in a situation that’s a shame, make “It’s A Shame” your theme song. That one felt safe as “Alive” started. It had a faster pace; at least it starts that way but then eases up. He gets some help from TT on “That’s Just Me” as he rounds things out with what might be the best representation at what this young emcee is capable of. If you’re in the market for a fresh face in hip hop, check out Southern Bliss. (https://soundcloud.com/iambliss251)
Jaydashs hails from the city of Poe and has more than dough to rhyme about…although he does drop that in. “My Techno Beat (WIP) at Phoenix” isn’t the traditional beat you’d think of when it comes to techno. It’s a softer approach that’s welcoming. The same can be said of “Jhene Aiko The Worst” and “Blood Shot Red Eyes.” Both incorporate a sense of tranquility in the delivery. It’s different for hip hop, but “Blood” does bring it up a notch. When you get to “The Introcumentry” you question what that is but then forget about the definition and get into the hype beat. The energy stays up as “Countin Dough” kicks in and plays on. That one would be the one to check out first to get a taste of Jaydashs on the fly. If you like hip hop that’s easy on the ears and not overdone, check out Baltimore’s Jaydashs. (https://soundcloud.com/jaydashs-1)
If you still through Milwaukee you might find the emcee known as J.O. He brings it with a multitude of tracks and doesn’t stop. “Steadfast” featuring JJ is a bit intimidating. It’s clear this rapper feels his confidence and believes in his word. That sentiment is carried through as you hit play on “New School” featuring T3, “FanFare” featuring Dbeatz and “Prophet.” You get a familiar track with J.O’s sample of “That’s the Way.” It’s a nice homage to the original and only add to it. He takes things down a notch with “Compelling Soul” and makes a well, compelling case out of a song. Surprisingly “Put on a Show” starts off as a breakup song. That’s not that common in hip hop, and was interesting to hear. Rounding things out you have the fitting “Last Chance,” one that goes hard to bring it all home. If you like your hip hop raw, check out J.O. (https://soundcloud.com/ENTs_JO)
Blac Seed is a Christian rapper from Texas who believes in his Lord and word. In Track 5 Blac Seed lets the man upstairs he’s talking to him, with his friends Tat the Ambassador by his side. This Christian rapper also takes on the hits of others. He’s remixed the best from Drake, “Worst Behavior” as well as another from Drake, a hit featuring Big Sean and 2 Chainz. It’s when he sticks to his own thing that he shines though, like with “Zero and Tray.” He says it all with this one track - the difference between him and other rappers is “that he’s a happy one.” That speaks volumes about what Blac Seed’s all about, so if you’re into positive rap, check him out. (https://soundcloud.com/blac-seed)
Big Slim is a Gospel musician who takes on hip hop for the Lord. “Jesus Blessed Us” comes on strong and sounds like a sermon put to song. The words are like that of a powerful sermon that’d make a congregation stand and say hallelujah. Then you have “Trump is Going to Sound.” That one is more upbeat and plays like a nice R&B track. At first you’d assume it was a secular song but then Big Slim’s beliefs come through crystal clear. If you’re into Gospel hip hop, and artists like Blac Seed, check out Big Slim now. (https://www.bigslimgospel.com/)
Baker Boy comes hard from Charlotte, North Carolina and asks who’s bad. Baker Boy teams up with Reina for “Don’t Blow My High.” It’s a song that writes the wrongs of rumors that girls don’t enjoy a smoke. “Prey 4 Me” is a great track and can be put on repeat. You almost forget to listen to the rest, so make sure to remind yourself that Baker Boy has more to offer. More like the ways of “She Badd,” the similar “Who’s Bad” featuring Blue Marley and gritty “Hood Shit.” If you like a hit, check out what Baker Boy has in the oven. (https://soundcloud.com/bakerboy-trae)
Down in New Orleans, Louisiana is Tullis Trouble, an emcee that is different at every turn. “Kissing You” takes almost a minute to get into things, but the lead in is this captivating, soft approach but once Trouble starts, he doesn’t stop. His flow is smooth but has a gritty feel to it too. The energy goes up a bit with “Swag 101” featuring Drastik. It’s a lesson that runs a little longer but then you get into “Overdose” and everything else fades. It’s the fastest you’ll get from Trouble and it’s definitely the best side of his. If you’re into that down south hip hop, check out Tullis Trouble. (https://www.loakermusic.com/)
Kaby’s record “Just Because” is totally unlike anything in the hip hop realm right now and should be appreciated. “Tea Time At The Apollo” has this omnipresent start that sends chills down the spine and then the cool delivery sets in and it plays like a person who knows they have got that it factor and it goes into a sample of Mariah Carey’s “Make It Last” which was unexpected but a delight. “I Don’t Know” follows that same cool beat but this one doesn’t have as much swag as the last. You come to expect a calm demeanor from Kaby but “Crazy, Happy Times with You” sounds more like the start of a black and white foreign film with its melancholy intro, rather than a rap song. It’s quite beautiful and the difference makes you only appreciate this record more. Others in the game could learn a lot from the song structure found on “Just Because.” If you’re into hip hop that goes the extra mile and makes something worth listening, check out Kaby’s “Just Because.” (https://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2014/02/kaby-pa-lit-just-because-ep)
Ne Ne Goon’s “Welcome2Gooniversity: Goonin 101” is a hip hop record that showcases the skills of a young emcee that has a tight handle on things. The first two songs are an introduction of to the artist “#Goon In” and “#NeNeGoon.” Their purpose is to let you know NeNe is here and ready to play. Then a lot of the other songs play like a guide into the “Gooniverse” as they incorporate the name…“Gooninterminology,” a spoken word lesson, and “Goonin.” They aren’t all about that Goon life though. You also have club tracks like “GetIt” and “SwaggJackin.” If you’re a fan of hip hop and adopting a lifestyle along wioth your music, check out Ne Ne Goon and that Goon life with “Welcome2Gooniversity: Goonin 101.” (https://www.datpiff.com/NE-NE-GOON-WELCOME2GOONIVERSITY-GOONIN-101-mixtape.434503.html)
