The thing people assume about hip hop is that it’s all the same, but real fans know that’s not the case. When it comes to Ghalil Einstein, he doesn’t play by some of the rules but overall has a great balance of beats. What better way to get introduced to an artist than by a song that shares his name? Well that’s where we’re beginning today with “Ghalil Einstein.” It gives us an overall idea of what to expect and that is a laid back emcee who seems to have a flare for the dramatics to him. Then with “Hankerin’” that chilled mentality continues on. No matter the beat, his words come out in a way that don’t allow for a lot of hype. That is until “Gun Sideways” comes through. Here he picks up his pace a bit and gives us something different and new. With that, “Chainsaw” is a mix of the two. The beat offers up some aggression, while the lyrics come across as a bit slower. If you’re a fan of Gucci Mane, check out Ghalil Einstein today. (https://www.youtube.com/user/Ensteinsmith/videos)
Down in the south, music comes through with a signature style. And Son Of Ice is all dressed up with everywhere to go with his track “Light Years.” It starts with the intention that it’s going to be this sort of kickback track. It remains chill, but Son of Ice’s flow has this swag to it that takes it a notch above a laid back time. It has a steady pace to it with a little bounce in its step that allows for some shoulder shimmy action. You can see yourself getting down to this one at the club without turning it up too much. It’s the right amount of fast and slow; balanced cool. If you’re a fan of Chris Brown and Big Sean, check out Son of Ice’s “Light Years,” available now. (https://soundcloud.com/son-of-ice-music)
Connor Cassidy gives his listeners a dose of reality in his rhymes. We start things off with a “Getaway.” Unlike a lot of hip hop tracks on there, this one begins with a solid guitar intro. Then the lyrics start to flow and it’s transformed into a whole new song. It has a sense of reality to it with a relaxed flow. “Hijack” continues on that same path with a similar musical mentality. The truth is that “Lies” comes across chiller than the last two. What’s to be noted about Cassidy is that he’s able to captivate with his rhymes because they carry a lot of heart and emotion. You can hear that he puts his all into every word his spits. Another note about “Lies” is that it has this R&B flavor mixed in a bit. Last up, “All of You” switches it up and gives us a lot of energy from this emerging emcee. If you’re a fan of Wiz Khalifa and Faboulous, check out Connor Cassidy’s music today. (https://www.connorcassidy.com/#base)
Not even old enough to buy a beer, Young Rizz is doing big things in the MN. “Who Want It” starts off very dramatic. It’s as if a fight is about to begin. The build up softens as he gets into the song, but the delivery still has a sense of intimidation. Moving on to “Bloomin’” has that same feel as the last in the intro but I think gets more run of the mill once the lyrics are laid out. His girl Angel helps him out on “Greater Later” and gives this track a R&B flare. We get back to the tricked out hip hop with “Blindfolded” and continue on that path as we head into “Not Gon’ Stop Us.” One of the best of the batch is “Strive.” It doesn’t do anything like the rest. It doesn’t have that intimidating feel, nor does it have anyone on it. It’s just Young Rizz doing what he does best. It seems the most personal too. It’s always nice to be able to get a real feel for the emcee. If you like artists like Wiz Khalifa and Tyga, check out Young Rizz. (https://www.facebook.com/Mryoungrizz)
SoHusky’s “LoneWolf” takes the idea of being alone and gives it a hip hop twist. The title track has a slow build up and when it starts, you’re not sure what you’re in for. What you get it a chilled stack of rhymes. That relaxed vibe continues on with “Loner.” It’s clear that there’s a running theme with this emcee - he’s not one for company. “No Love” questions society while “Hooked” is titled very well as you won’t be able to get it out of your head for a long time after thanks to the well, hook. This whole time you get the sense that SoHusky doesn’t play well with others, but alas he has a guest on the album. OnlySin hops on to do his thing on “Break the Law.” Rounding out this relaxed record is the very real “Why” and “Myself,” which is fitting and caps off things nicely. If you’re a fan of hip hop that isn’t all about that crunk mentality, but more so reality - then check out SoHusky’s “LoneWolf,” out now. (https://soundcloud.com/sohusky)
Out in Maryland Erie Ave does his thing and is ready for the prime time action. “Blessing” doesn’t do a lot to really capture you, but that’s not the case with “10 Bands.” This one hits you like a train right off the bat and continues that momentum throughout. That calms down a bit with the quick “Ready or Not.” It’s a short track that leaves you wanting more. Then in walks “Hustle” and there is the “more” you wanted. It has a swag to it that makes it a party starter. Things smooth out with the chilled ways of “Alright” and keep on with the vibe as “Prime Time” takes charge. With each track, you can hear a steady rise for Erie Ave. He’s got a style that fans of artists like Faboulous would appreciate. If you’re a fan of hip hop that’s been chilled like wine, check out Erie Ave. (https://soundcloud.com/ErieAve)
Not every artist starts out knowing the ins and outs. In our musical journey with Dizzie D, we start with an emcee who lets the music guide and then takes the reins and powers through to be the boss man. “Hard Knock” sounds like the start of a movie when it starts. You can see a camera following a winding road and landing on a shot of a haunted house. Then when the rhymes come through, it doesn’t have that same feel. It’s a little less dramatic than the music. With “It’s Good” the rhymes come through very chill for the most part, getting some energy as it goes along but again - it’s the beat that really helps this track glide on. Overall this one is a killer track. As we head into “Bounce” it’s like Dizzie D finally found his footing and comes through strong as an emcee and the music no longer has the upperhand. He shines as the star. That streak continues on with “Fame” and we finally hear him and it’s a stunning performance. His confidence oozes from each line. If you’re a fan of artists like Kendrick Lamar, check out Dizzie D now. (https://soundcloud.com/dizzie_d)
When you get together with your boys and all can spit rhymes, you have to make something happen. That’s what the guys behind 24Gang did. “Whippin” has a very repetitive manner. It’s easy to learn, but doesn’t have a beat that makes it memorable. It might be better if the tempo was sped up just a bit. With “Reckless” we improve and have a slick beat that comes with a sick flow. This one is the shining star of the bunch thanks to it being a full package. Then you have “Gang” and here 24Gang brings it hard. This one sounds more aggressive than the previous but has a clear cut mission to entertain. You’ll want to take a big drink of “Juice.” It has an interesting flow and it’s kind of all over the place and that makes you pay attention even more. With “How I’m Livin’” that’s a great place to cap things. It’s a fresh track that really pulls everything together and showcases what 24Gang is all about. If you’re a fan 50 Cent and Eminem, check out 24Gang now. (https://www.jango.com/music/24Gang?l=0)
Coming straight to you from Hotlanta is Maverick with his EP “Prosperous Psyche." We kick things off with “Only Tonight.” This joint has a hip hop backbone, but the skin of a R&B track. It’s smooth but has those rhymes laid out clean. We get that same smoothness with what sounds like a little Asian influence in the music. It’s a great east meets west fusion. Reality sets in with “Pain and Pleasure.” Those who like to keep it real will gravitate towards this one, for sure. Last up on this EP is “On The Move.” Here Maverick stays positive and offers some advice while keeping it cool. If you like hip hop that has been baked in the oven with an R&B glaze, make sure that Maverick’s “Prosperous Psyche” is put in your iTunes cue. (https://soundcloud.com/maverickworld)
If you’re in Florida and need to give some hometown love to a rapper, make sure it’s BiG Quezzy. “Picasso Plates” has a very classic sound when it starts. Classic in the sense that you could hear it at an art show. Then it’s intertwined with this street sound. It makes for an interesting listening experience. With “Quick Entrance” comes fast, but not as snappy as one would assume. It also has parts that drift off and create a sense of drama and give the song a backbone. In “Translation” is the first one where the lyrics stood out more than the beat construction. That’s also the case with “Reverse Me” thanks to the ear catching Rihanna line.” With “Let’s Go,” that’s when the reality of what BiG Quezzy has been through and what he’ll do to ensure that he makes it far from the bad. It’s the best because it shows the man behind the lyrics. If you’re a fan of well constructed beats and heartfelt rhymes, check out BiG Quezzy today. (https://soundcloud.com/amicoe)
When it comes to making music, Ghetto Glory Family AKA GGF has a lot under their belt and they’re ready to share it with the world. So prepare. “Lovin Music” isn’t what one would expect. It’s crystal clear and has a more mainstream vibe to it with some R&B tossed in the mix thanks to the hook. As we move on, “Look at Us Shawty” has a more club feel than the last. It sounds like a song that would catch on like a trend. With “I Know You Do” we take a little step back into where we started. It’s a back and forth dance between two styles and that’s great because it keeps you on your toes and you’ll never be bored with Ghetto Glory Family. Whether you’re being emotional with “All I Think About Is You” or getting wild with “We Ain’t On That Bullshit.” If you’re a fan of hip hop that can get you going both in a feel good way and set you into party mode, check out Ghetto Glory Family’s plethora of sound now. (https://soundcloud.com/gemini-4)
One might assume that Obie Won currently resides beachside on an island near Florida. Instead he calls Ohio home, but has that tropical feel in his heart. “Dancehall Nice Again” kicks things off and has a nice overall sound. It’s perfect for kicking back and relaxing. The same goes for “Forever.” It transports you from wherever you are to the sandy beaches of Jamaica. Then in a turn of events, “Baad Up” is unlike the rest. You can still hear that reggae style in the vocals, but it’s a clear cut hip hop track. It’s also harder sounding than the others - like the bad boy of the bunch. Overall, if you’re a fan of reggae and dabble in hip hop, Obie Won is the perfect artist for you. So check him out! (https://soundcloud.com/obiewonmusic)
