2015/02 on Da Hip Hop Place

Louie Bang Blasts Onto the Airwaves

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

One thing people don’t know about radio is that you have to capture listeners within 2-3 seconds or they’ll change the station. That’s what makes Louie Bang a strong contender for airwave domination. What’s great about introducing yourself to the music world with a song like “Partition” is that you guarantee yourself a spot in the back of their head. It’s not catchy in the way a pop song is, but the beat allows you to at least hum along. “My Lady” though has a more old school, ‘90s hip hop feel like something you’d head on the west coast then. By now I can tell the best thing about Louie Bang is that he doesn’t waste your time with long intros that lead nowhere. He jumps right into things like with “Hip Hop (I Don’t Love You)” and the freestyle from “Elevators.” We get a little intimidation from “Let Me Fly.” Up until now it’s been more lighthearted but here he brings some aggression to shake things up. If you’re a fan of emcees who won’t waste your time, check out Louie Bang today. (https://soundcloud.com/jacob-vinson-jr)

Wise Up with Nick Wise

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

A lot of artists intertwine hip hop and pop - Chris Brown is one and Nick Wise is another. We kick things off with a remix of “All She Wrote.” It starts off like a pop song and them the rhymes are laid down and it transforms the song as a whole. “Believe In Me” starts like last and grabs you with a great vocal and then the rhymes come in once again. This time they carry a sense of positivity in their spirit. Lastly, “For the First Time” begins unlike the previous ones. This time things begin with a monologue but is like the last in that it speaks volumes about this guys character as an artist. Nick Wise creates an uplifting atmosphere with his music that’s a grand mix of mature pop and hip hop. Check him out today and take him all in. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdNy0ZBsH9IUxqzKf7Ps7UA/videos)

Black Out: Throughell4wealth

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Black Out’s “Throughell4wealth” is a healthy dose of rap, rap and more rap. “Sanctuary” starts out in an eerie way with a childlike intro but as soon as Black Out comes in, all that is pushed aside and his audacity takes over. It takes a second for “You Playing” to get underway but it’s worth the wait. It doesn’t go hard, but it has this very easygoing pace that has a chilled feel to it but it keeps the swag high. Smacks hops on for a double dose of hits on “All This Hell” and “Never Stop.” Things take an aggressive turn with “My Future” but it’s welcomed. It showcases that this is an artist who doesn’t mess around and won’t be pushed around. We close out with a great start on “The End.” That feminine touch at the start is way better than where this mixtape started with that horror movie like children chorus. “The End” is the perfect well, end to the record. If you like artists like Kendrick Lamar, check out Black Out’s “Throughell4wealth,” out now. (https://www.datpiff.com/-blackout-Throughell4wealth-mixtape.659132.html)

Bow Down for Prince Canon

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

When you want to know where the next big thing in hip hop is, head to Richmond, Virginia and ask for Prince Canon. We kick off our trip with Canon’s music with “Inception.” It has this very ‘70s heading into “Sesame Street” feel to it. It sounds distant but then that classic, smooth hip hop beat drops in and that intro takes a tiny backseat. Smooth, it’s clear that’s what this emcee is all about as we trek on into “Benjamin.” We head a little more towards the beat with “Plot Twist.” That was ironic but moving on, “Into the Mind of Will” sounds like a music box opened at the start of a scary movie to build suspense. Then Canon comes in and takes over but not enough to ignore the spine tingling feel of the music in the background. Ending on a high note, “Versace” flows hard and comes out of the gate strong. It’s the icing on the cake and you should take a bite and check out Prince Canon today. (https://soundcloud.com/princecanon)

Dillin Ickes Proves Himself

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

We got a rough start with Dillin Ickes, but he was able to turn it around and make us fans. With the help of J-Real, “The Risk” does very little at the start to get you interested with the tinkle of some keys and an inviting monologue. It has a very slow beat and could be picked up just a bit. He steps it up for “I Can’t Rap” and proves the title wrong. He spits it fast and this is what you want to hear from a young emcee. You want that fire under them in a blaze. That continues on with “East to West.” It’s great that he really stepped it up from where we began and showcased a drive to make it. What’s sick about Ickes and should also be highlighted are his beats as well. Like the ones found on “I Got Swag” and “My Way” featuring Young Frost.” If you’re in the mood for new music in your possession, check out Altoona’s Dillin Ickes. (https://soundcloud.com/icko187)

I AM's D.Holder

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

D.Holder is one part of I AM. Together they’re a force to be reckoned with, but they’re also highlights on their own. We kick this off with his “Hyyer.” It comes across vocally like Lil Wayne taking a R&B pill and giving us a dose of singing and losing the rap ways. With “My Soul” he has that singing thing going on a bit but it really has more of a hip hop feel thanks to the hook and beat. After his soul, we get into his tale with “My Story.” It was like a slow and steady race to get to this point, but here - this is the song where D.Holder goes full on hip hop and it was worth the wait. He’s on point from start to finish and truly embraces himself as an artist. Lastly, we end with “She Say She Love Me.” In this one we go back to the finish line a bit with that Lil Wayne like vibe. If you like that Cash Money flow check out D.Holder’s jams today. (https://soundcloud.com/independentartistmovement)

Wisdom's Passionate Reality

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

It’s not every day that you hear the types of subjects Wisdom puts to song but he takes them and brings a courageous take on music and spoken word. “Molestation” is pretty to the point and doesn’t sugarcoat anything for one second. It’s a tough one to get through as there’s no symbolism - just the basic, clear cut facts of what happened to a young boy. That was more a song, while “Single Mother” has more of that spoken word vibe that Wisdom does from time to time and just as well. A wonderful drum intro welcomes us to the powerful world of “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.” Lastly, “Son” really pulls at anyone and everyone’s heart strings with its honesty. Losing a loved one is never easy but to hear a father speak about it - that’s rough. If you’re a fan of passion and reality, then please - by all means, do yourself a favor and check out Wisdom’s music and spoken word today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/mauricewisdombishop)

Movie's Big Screen Debut

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

It’s always something different from your main man Movie. “I Would Neva” has a dark feel to it. The music has a hood vibe and the delivery bursts with intimidation. A movie scene, very appropriate for this artists name, starts out “Mad Huh.” This one has more of a mainstream feel of the last thanks to the hook like part after the monologue. The energy is high with “Medicated,” ironic when you think about it but it works. This one really showcases a different side of Movie. We started out with a very intimidating artist but this one has his guards down and makes you want to get to know him more. Every track takes on a new persona and that continues on with “Rules.” With Smuve on deck we head more towards R&B with “Motion Picture.” This one goes into the pop realm a bit. If you want variety from an emcee, check out Movie now. (https://makeemmad.com/movie/)

HotLanta Gets Hotter with KooZie the #SWEP_R

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

In the sea of hopefuls KooZie the #SWEP_R rises above with well made R&B and hip hop fusions. “Killin’ Spree” has a very aggressive name but when it starts, that’s not the case at all. It’s more sensual and about a girl and not a street game. LND joins KooZie for “So Sincere” and this one isn’t as sweet at the last and has a more hip hop base but really has a chilled beat. With “Replay” you finally get the sense that KooZie is an artist bred on artists like Usher but with an edge. He can surely sing but can incorporate some street wise to it. That’s more apparent in the fun ways of “Hang Time.” This one shows off the energy that comes with a KooZie track. Then we slow it back down a bit with “Shadow.” Like Usher and Ne-Yo, KooZie the #SWEP_R has managed to find the balance between doing R&B and hip hop and doing them both well. If that’s what you like, that mix, check out Atlanta’s boy now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/koozietheswepr?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav)

Doing it Up with Big

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Big does things big time. “Gift” is about the present and has this very old school, almost ODB feel to it. With “Wanna Get To Know Ya” the vocals have a very audible Biz Markie vibe. It’s like he took speech classes. I’m not entirely sure what “Slab” is about but it’s a great catchy treat. Then we roll onto “Ain’t No H*** in My Blood.” This one really changes things up and lightens things with the vocal sounds in the hook. Last up, “Lot of Pain” is where it’s at. This one has a really great feminine touch to its hook that makes it stand out against the other tracks that came before it. If you’re a fan of artists like Ice Cube and Dre, check out Big today. (https://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=1371499)

Get Spent with Money Making Prince

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

You don’t hear much about the hip hop scene up in Seattle. It’s a place known mostly for it’s grunge ways in the ‘90s and coffee soon after. That is until Money Making Prince. With IVtheGreatest on the helm, Money Making Prince goes to work on “Born to Die.” Sampling Lana Del Rey’s song of the same name, this remix is both invigorating, haunting and hype as hell. The energy the rap brings to it makes it a whole new experience. Stepping away from the dark pop, we head straight towards the hip hop with “On My Grizzle.” This may be the hardest he has up his sleeve. He keeps the hits coming with “My House of Pain.” What fans will love about this artist is that there’s never a dull moment. Another sample that really makes you smile is up next with “Poison.” Really though, what he does with the original is sick. Lastly, we finish strong with “Kiss My Sass.” If you’re in the need for hip hop that don’t stop - make sure you put checking out Money Making Prince on the top of your to do list. (https://www.reverbnation.com/princerespectroyalty)

Heatho the Pharaoh: #YGSU

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Heatho the Pharaoh’s “#YGSU” is a throwback to some classic hip hop. We waste no time and jump right into things at the start of the record with “O.S.N.S.” It has this low key attitude to the delivery but one cannot deny that it’s fly as heck. For a song called “Dat Loud,” it’s not as wild as one would initially assume. It’s rapid at times, but not this overtly hype track that would turn it out. We step back into the late ‘90s with “Candy Alligators.” It sounds like something from those days of Cash Money. As the record plays on, “Get It, Got It, Good” is where that wild track comes in and makes you stand up and take notice of what Heatho the Pharaoh can really do as an artist to get the party started with a reality based jam. Closing out the album is one with a futuristic feel, “Gorilla Ballz.” The beat has a spacey vibe and it’s a good way to cap things off. If you like early Cash Money, check out Heatho the Pharaoh’s “#YGSU,” out now. (https://heathothepharaoh.bandcamp.com/album/ygsu)

The Bright Lights of HOLLYWOOD J BLACC

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

HOLLYWOOD J BLACC can do it up and do it down, the main thing to know is that he’s got all the bases covered. “Living in a Battlefield” starts off strong. It goes in with the hook and captures you in an instant. Then the beat and pace really keeps you going throughout. It has this understated energy to it. With “That’s My Shawty” BLACC does it again but with a R&B flare that really makes you want to get sensual. He can get turnt up and he can slow it down. HOLLYWOOD J BLACC is playing on both sides of the fence and winning. If you’re in the need of a winner in the hip hop realm, check out HOLLYWOOD J BLACC now. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc5MK47HGHt9rVslRAczsQQ/videos)

The City of Brotherly Love's Jmotto

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

The city of Brotherly Love just got a bit better with Jmotto. “Thoughts of the Innocence at Philadelphia, PA” is an odd one. It’s more of a weird conversation between two people instead of a song. Thankfully “No Limits” really makes up for the last one. This one showcases more of an artist instead of someone messing around with their Macbook. There is something intoxicating about “Voices.” Maybe it’s the intimidation, maybe it’s the spooktacular vocals or maybe it’s the fact that if you let it play long enough, it’ll work its way into the core of your brain stem. Speaking of spooked, “Scared” kind of does what “Voices” does but in a less menacing way. After listening to them all, “They Don’t Know” is for sure the best representation of what Jmotto can do as an emcee. He’s more laid back than a rapid spitfire, but can make beats that make you bounce in a chilled manner. If you’re into artists who are about that, check out Philly’s Jmotto today. (https://soundcloud.com/Stuntworld_347)

The Many Sides of Skintay

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

It’s like Skintay couldn’t figure out where to go with his sound. The good news is that it works. He’s able to give listeners an array of styles that fall under one grand umbrella. “Yall Gotta Go” was a surprise and proved you can’t judge a book by its cover. I was expecting some gangster rap. Instead it had this funky ‘70s inspired beat teamed with rhymes that really come across like a good time. It reminded me a little of a Will Smith song. Jre Riley joins Skintay on “Hard to Get.” Here we have R&B tossed into the mix. With “Do Dat” things pick up and it sounds more like a run of the mill rap song that lives in the club. That smoothness comes back with “Boyfriend” featuring Rodney Poe. What comes to the surface here is the fact that Skintay doesn’t have one style. He went from funky to Jiggy to very Common-like here with a poetic feel. If you like artists who can really change lanes swiftly when it comes to making music you want to listen to, check out Milwaukee’s Skintay today. (https://soundcloud.com/skintay)

Introducing Gray Smoke Productions

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Gray Smoke Productions has a lot up their sleeve and it’s not tricks, but a plethora of treats. First up is “Take Them Clothes Off” by Dj TB featuring Ross Kelly. The beat of this one is okay, but it’s really the rhymes that stand out. Ross steps into the driver’s seat on “Goin In” with DJ Kellz by his side. It’s not as hype as the last, and has more of a chill factor to it. The people behind Gray Smoke bring us “Party Problems” next and it has a good bounce to it. I’m not sure who is behind it, but they have a good technical skill when it comes to delivery. We get a feminine touch with Maegen’s “Ease My Pain,” which is also the first time we hear some R&B from this camp as well. It’s clear that Gray Smoke know the ins and outs of making a great hip hop track. The proof is in the tracks they churn out like clockwork. Skills and precision are what these folks focus on and if that’s what you like in your hip hop, make sure to keep tabs on Gray Smoke Productions. (https://www.youtube.com/user/GraySmokeProductions/videos)

Street Meets the Night with P-Wonda Ooh Wee

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

P-Wonda Ooh Wee is an emcee who blends the hardness of the pavement with the beats of a night out. Odd intros can make or break a track. When it comes to “Just Sent It at The Juggathon,” it makes it. The obscure start really makes you want to stick around to see what’s next. It sounds like something you’d hear the youngest brother on Fox’s hit series “Empire,” spit out. With “Think She a Stripper” you get this very dark delivery that tells a story. One would think a subject would rely on a catchy club beat. Instead it has more of a story to it with a great hook. P-Wonda Ooh Wee is all about setting you up with the intros and that goes with “Hood Certified” too. This one comes at you like an attack. With “Dat Aintcho Girl” has a very Southern feel to it. It smells like it came from the streets of Hot-Lanta. If you like hip hop that has a very club meets street vibe, check out P-Wonda Ooh Wee today. (https://m.soundcloud.com/p-wonda-ooh-wee)

7 Solo: The Grand Incredible Mixtape

Sun, 08 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

7 Solo has an abundance of things going on when it comes to “The Grand Incredible Mixtape.” “Relocator” opens us up to an emcee who has a light beat but a fierce bite. As we head onto “We Gone Make It Jump,” the intro sounds a bit like Jay Z welcoming us in, then things stray away from that and it turns into something that sounds like a song LL Cool J may have released around the same time he did that track for “Deep Blue Sea.” We pick things up and head to the dance floor with “Write One” and then strap up for “Boot Camp.” What’s great about that one is that it sounds like something you’d hear at an actual boot camp, one that Major Payne ran. When it came to “Wild With Cheese,” it was hard to say you knew exactly what to expect. It was a little street, but a little funky - in a good way. If you were to ask the direction this mixtape had, you’d be spinning in circles. It’s all over the place but in a way that makes you want to try and navigate it. If you like rappers who never cease to come up with something interesting, check out 7 Solo’s “The Grand Incredible Mixtape.” (https://www.datpiff.com/7-SOLO-The-Grand-Incredible-Mixtape.600441.html)

Locked and Loaded with Leathal Weapon

Sun, 08 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Leathal Weapon raps like he’s from the street and sings like a radio star. It’s all about the sick rhymes and disses with “I’m The Hottest.” It’s pretty easy for this artist to point out what someone isn’t and to declare you’re the best. At least it is for Leathal Weapon. Things don’t come across as menacing as the last on “They Just Salty.” One would expect this one to be a little more sassy just because of the title. It’s just so-so. GB and JC of the Finest hop on to help out with “In These Streetz.” It’s a departure from where we started. This one is based more on storytelling and has a great R&B hook. It’s not best for this time of year, but wait a few more months and you’ll have your hip hop Christmas classic is “All I Want.” It’s niche but not corny and actually fun with a great beat. We stick with that R&B feel with “Fantasy Man.” If one had to choose which side of Leathal Weapon was best, it’d definitely be this Chris Brown like thing he has going on when he slows it down and goes more mainstream with it. If you’re a fan of urban music that is fine tuned, check out Leathal Weapon today. (https://soundcloud.com/leathalweapon918 )

The East Coast Gets Brighter with DC Da Champ

Sat, 07 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Want a rising star? Look up and check out DC Da Champ. “Dreams” has a very east coast feel. You can always tell when you have a song from the Big Apple. Here it’s a little obvious thanks to name dropping the city, but also because of the well constructed, less thug-like appearance of the beat. With “Nuyorican” you get a new term that I’m sure 99% of the population isn’t that familiar with. This one picks it up but stays grounded and doesn’t go overboard too much. The attitude starts to rear its head with “Ready or Not” thanks to the aggression coming through at a fast pace. We slow it back down and things get really interesting with DC and “This Ain’t No Sing Along.” The intro throws you a curveball but things smooth out beautifully in a Nas-like way. Hi boy Nate Vokalz jumps on a track that has a popular term in the hip hop realm, “Ride or Die.” All in all this emcee has his cards stacked up right and can strike at any moment because it’d be right. If you like what makes the east coast hip hop scene pop, check out DC Da Champ today. (https://www.dcdachamp.com/)

Fox Isn't the Only Empire in Town, Check out AG's Empire

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

AG’s Empire is a place where hip hop talent shines. They have a tight knit group of skilled rappers and producers looking to make their Empire reign supreme. Mani feat. R.O.B. “Big Bang” has a sweet beat that people are going to attach themselves to instantly. It has this Snoop Dogg in the ’00s feel to it. With “You Already Know What It I$” starts with this beautiful lounge like piano. When the rhymes drop in, they come hard but the music stays elegant. It’s a nice contrast between the two that works out great. We circle back to Mani but stick on the elegant path as far as music in concerned. This time though the lyrics are reality based and have a great story behind them. We hear one produced by R.O.B. now with “Murder in the First.” We step away from the mentality of the previous two and head straight to the street wise ways of hip hop with this one. This guy proves to be a key asset to AG’s Empire as we hear his skills in the construction of “Time Alone” and “Let Me Get It.” If you’re looking for the next crop of artists to get into, check out who’s coming out of AG’s Empire. (https://www.hulkshare.com/AGsEmpire)

REMODY: "SWAGG"

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Appearing like T.I.’s Tiny intertwined with the skills of Da Brat, REMODY comes through as one of the up and coming female emcees in the hip hop game. Leading her game is her newest track “SWAGG” featuring Fred The Godson. The two together are flawless and seamless. They play off one another well and it comes through in the end result - which is a hot track that oozes charisma and well, swag. REMODY comes through like a clear cut rhymer but what was great was towards the end when she sang some notes and really showcased that she could do more than spit rhymes. She’s a well-rounded artist who will definitely be a must-know in 2015. If you like artists like Da Brat and Missy Elliot, check out REMODY and her “SWAGG” featuring Fred The Godson today. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8t7tMra3Lo)