The West Coast is still churns out great emcees like Jay Stubbs. “Waitin For You” tells a really great narrative and you can really hear the storyteller in him. With “Coke and a Smile” you get a song that’s a little lighter at the start, but it still has that sense of reality and you can tell this is a West Coast boy from the first line. Jay Stubbs switches it up just a bit and tosses in an old school R&B feel with “She Loves Me,” while “My Type Of Party” brings you back to the very intense hip hop realm that Jay Stubbs likes to create. We end things with a great one that samples not only a classic but Maury, “I Need Money $$$” really does it up and takes the cake when it comes to this rappers jams. If you artists like Kid Cudi and Big Sean, check out Jay Stubbs now. (https://www.jango.com/music/Jay+Stubbs?l=0)
If you had to sum up NZO’s music in two words they’d be intimidation and precision. “V For Virginia” is a very aggressive song that states where NZO stands as an artist and is really an intimidating track, which isn’t a bad thing. Then things get really cool with “Motivated.” It sounds like he has someone like Twista on the record. It’s fast, but still has that intimidation factor. Finally with “Who Run It” you lose that aggression and get a more laid back song that really follows a slower pace, but remains on top of its game. I thought of the song that states “We built this city on rock and roll,” but was not expecting the sample even if NZO titled this one “We Built This City,” so after the shock, I really dug into this one with both hands and came out with it being one of the best this rapper has to offer. If you like artists like YG and Young Thug, then you’ll definitely be feeling what NZO is dealing with his music, so check it. (https://www.jango.com/music/NZO?l=0)
Emaximus’ “Ripper” isn’t a LP, but it’s overflowing with skills. “Ripper” is a good representation of the album as a whole, and it’s not wonder why it’s the title track. With “Freeze Frame” you have a lighter feel than the last and it has more of a mainstream feel to it. Intimidation and confidence is what comes through as well as pure goodness with “So Amazing.” The same goes for “They Don’t Really Know Me,” but this one comes with a stronger hook for listeners. Don’t forget to get introduced to the man behind the rhymes with “It’s Emaximus.” All in all this EP is a strong hip hop record that plays well with those who like artists who rely on forceful beats and rhymes. Make sure to make time for Emaximus’ “Ripper,” out now. (https://www.vodrecordings.net/emaximus.html)
Trigga & Semi are a dynamic duo that is doing it up their way in the hip hop realm. “Booming” featuring Yukmouth spits out the verses like a machine gun, but then gives you a true hook in the chorus to give fans a chance to catch their breaths. Then when “Rolling” rolls in you have a song that’s more about setting a house party mood. It’s about that herbal refreshment, so bound to be a fan favorite. Landing in between those two sits “Hubba Rock.” It’s not as fast as the first, but doesn’t belong at the party. It’s more so for a cruise around town. If you like fast emcees like Twista and ones who can bring the heat like David Banner…then you have to do yourself a favor and check out Trigga & Semi. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/triggasemi)
One place that has been in the news for almost all the wrong reasons lately has been Florida. Well when it comes to that state, ODG had a lot to say as he paints an honest picture in his latest single “Trayvon And Jordan.” The lyrics are rattled off like a slam poetry session over music that gets tribal at times but overall commands attention. ODG has a lot to say and if “Trayvon and Jordan” is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what he’s capable of…we’re excited to see what’s next. So if you like honest hip hop that’s about life, check out ODG now. (https://www.audiomack.com/song/odg/trayvon-and-jordan)
