2015/09 on Da Hip Hop Place

Get More with Moe Music

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Moe Music started putting up his beats only a year ago, and already has enough to make true fans out of the masses. “Lonely” has a kickback beat that’s teamed with this great use of autotune. It’s one of those songs where the hook lives long after the track is said and done. With Krazi Money by his side, the put together “Money.” It’s all about the currency at hand, but what’s notable here is that it sounds laid back but at times it has these bursts of energy. Then we go to the other side of things and slow it down immensely with “Unspoken.” What I liked about this one was the calm and easing feel of it all. Then we hope onto the train and head into a bit of darkness with “Bloody Nightmares.” Visually, I thought this one would be scarier, but instead it wasn’t too different than what we’d heard from Moe Music so far. I would’ve liked if this one delivered a chilling vibe. If you’re a fan of hip hop that takes you from one extreme to another with the push of a button, check out Moe Music now. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjFRwYs4_MODgoZ3BI9wHSw/videos)

The Finesse of Lil Izz

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Over in Ohio rappers like Machine Gun Kelly are bringing things at a rapid fire pace, but then there are emcees like Lil Izz who prove you can take it nice and slow and still get the job done. We start out the gates fast with “Run It” featuring Lotto. Here we get a radio ready track right off the bat. It plays with traditional hip hop beats and intertwines them with this light autotune. In “Blew My Mood” continues on the hot streak. It’s clear that Lil Izz has his sights set on being on the level of the Chris Browns and Big Seans out there. Heading into “That Bitch” it’s a little rough as far as wording, but the music and beat stays true to what we’ve come to establish is this rising star’s style. Then just like that, Lil Izz pulls the charm out with “Only Us.” That continues with “Hold That Down.” If you’re a fan of hip hop that comes with a sense of swagger and finesse, check out Lil Izz ASAP. (https://soundcloud.com/dinerofinesse)

Chris Sabatino - Maybe Not This Time

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Chris Sabatino - Maybe Not This Time

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Maybe-This-Time-Chris-Sabatino/dp/B00YDF981A

From small town Ohio, Chris Sabatino sounds like a man on a mission on his debut EP, Maybe Not This Time. He certainly draws a lot of inspiration from old country artists as well as blue-collar rockers like Mellencamp and Petty. The tunes are held together with acoustic guitars, electric leads, standard time-keeping and Sabatino’s rough voice and down and out lyricism. Thank goodness he’s not coming from that modern line of country where rap and pop take over the grit of the songwriting.

Getting It In with Yung Chief

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Nashville is known for making the greatest Country out there, but Yung Chief is proving they have some hip hop to share too. “Getn It In” finds a balance between a nice radio track and a gritty beat you’d hear in the hood. It’s got a great hook that won’t quit. We head more towards a Mystikal feel with “Work.” There’s a chaos found within this one’s confines that will make heads spin, in a good way. In “Bounce It” we’re still in that hectic vibe. It’s clear that Yung Chief likes to create tracks that ensure a hype time out. Just as soon as you think you’ve got a grasp on this guy, he calms it down with “Cali Life.” Being true to the Golden State, this one’s a chill zone. Lastly, “Pissed Off” ends things on a high note with a lot of rage intertwined with energy. It’s a great one that would get a club hopping. If you’re a fan of gritty hip hop from the south, check out Yung Chief today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/2thickrecordsyungchief)

Jeremy Porter and the Tucos - Above the Sweet Tea Line

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Jeremy Porter and the Tucos - Above the Sweet Tea Line

URL: https://www.thetucos.com/

As an album, it’s hard to gauge just exactly what kind of record Above the Sweet Tea Line is. Jeremy Porter and the Tucos don’t allow for easy interpretation and mix up their tunes quite frequently, maintaining a heavy emphasis on rock while allowing many other flavors to seep into and steep their specialized potion into something bewitching and alternative.

Bum Squad's Ziggy B

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Ziggy B is part of the Bum Squad and what he brings is a mixture of chills and risks. “Wraith” has this conversational aspect to it. The flow isn’t one you’d hear in the club, or even at a party but rather on a mixtape as a hidden gem. We’ve uncovered it early in the game. Now moving onto “Friday” Ziggy brings Fat Ray and Travy onboard and together the three bring this chilled track to life. Fat Ray is back with him on “Use.” This one builds up some suspense at the start and it’s here that we hear for the first time something I would consider ready for the radio. Last up, “Sanctuary” with R-Jizzle let’s us end on a high note. That suspense from the last continues on here and we’re welcomed into a world that has a bit of a nightmarish feel. I take it back, this is the radio hit of the one. It has the most life to it. If you’re into hip hop that takes risks at times but can be chill the rest of the time, check out Ziggy B today. (https://soundcloud.com/bumsquad)

100gran Wants to Prove He's The One

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

North Carolina just got a little hotter with 100gran’s rhymes. “The One” isn’t what I expected. It’s this chill hip hop that makes you sit back and take in every ounce like water on a hot day. Then we head into “9 in My Hand.” It brings the energy levels up a bit, relying on the pace of the lyrics being spit more so than the beat. In “Queen City” 100gran takes us for a ride with this explicit journey. Like “9” this one is all about following the words - at first. Then the beat comes through strong and both flow together nicely. We take things back to the chill zone with “Lil Weezy.” As “One By One” takes us to the end with a sensual beat. If you’re a fan of hip hop that finds the balance between taking it easy and bringing it hard, check out 100gran today. (https://soundcloud.com/cuttaman100gran)

Kapitol HP: Head of State

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Kapitol HP’s “Head of State” is a hip hop record that is the soundtrack for a night out from the homie’s house to the club and back again. The title track kicks this record off with a note and then gets into the music that would be the soundtrack to any block party. “Steady Hustle” brings to life a similar vibe from the last while “2 for Me” featuring EnCrowd G is more like a song you’d hear if Chris Brown teamed up with the likes of Tyga. Kapitol HP brings what he declares a “strip club anthem” to the table, or rather stage, with Bryan Jones. Together they’ll make booties clap with “Face Down.” From the ladies on the stage to “Diamond Girl,” this song sounds like it could still be be the perfect fit for a gentlemen’s club down in Atlanta. Last up is “Looking in the Mirror.” Here we’re given a more in your face approach to hip hop. Kapitol HP is on the hunt in this one. If you’re a fan of the St. Louis rap scene, check out its rising Kapitol HP’s “Head of State,” out now. (https://kapitolhp.bandcamp.com/album/head-of-state-3)

Jackson Myers: Underprivileged

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Jackson Myers’ “Underprivileged” is not what I expected, but it definitely exceeded expectations. “Lyons Square Park” starts with this ominous intro that goes straight into a reality charged outlook on life. You don’t get the artist but the man Myers really is with this. With “Jordans On A Saturday” featuring aReJay Ella, it’s not what I expected. I thought based solely on the title that this would be a lighthearted track about some kicks. Instead it is a passion fueled piece broken apart by Ella’s bursts of soul. The music takes a break with “Taking Names” as it’s a well spoken track. Then we’re back with the chilling “Heavy Metal Rally,” while we close out with “Villania/In My Time Of Dying.” The last track brings us full circle with a sense of elegance throughout. Those into social hip hop will want to check out Jackson Myers’ “Underprivileged,” out now. (https://soundcloud.com/jacksonmyerslives)

Miami's Own Ms. Keshion

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Ms. Keshion may call Miami home, but her sound sounds like it’s coming from the streets of New York. “Girl to Woman” is a coming of age tale done in a hip hop manner. Every little girl is going to grow up and this is an anthem for that. From Barbies to being grown. The hook shouting out the popular doll is on point. In “Breaking Down” we’re far from where we started. While the first could be likened to something Lil Mama would push out, this one really does sound like the woman of the equation from the first. This track showcases a sense of maturity. Lastly, “Nobody Had Faith” kind of takes the girl and the woman and meets in the middle. The beat has a hint of a youthful presence but Ms. Keshion’s vocals are coming through like a grown woman should. If you’re a fan of artists like Lil Kim and Trina, check out Ms. Keshion. (https://www.reverbnation.com/mskeshion)

S$treetz (On Da Beatz) Shows A Lot of Heart

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Out in the Midwest S$treetz (On Da Beatz) is doing his best with his rhymes. “Wave 2 Me” featuring Kabrina is where we start off and it’s on this slow ride that this journey gets going. The lead in is long and sounds like you’re floating down a hall of smoke, like in a dream. Things don’t pick up when S$treetz comes in but his vocals are crisp and intertwined with the effects, this is one stellar track. “Once We Leave the Bar” could go in a number of directions but the one we traveled is a hype track that makes you move in an instant. It’s definitely a hook up anthem. From hooking up to breaking up, “Words from a Broken Heart” really flips the script from the last. It’s clear he’s lost a love, but he’s not taking the woe-is-me route, but instead staying strong in this track that intertwines spoken word with hip hop well. With “I Care About You” we’re welcomed by a faint vocal performance that grows in strength as the track plays on. When S$treetz (On Da Beatz) comes in, he really tells a tale you’d want to hear on repeat. If you’re a fan of hip hop that has heart, check out Ohio’s S$treetz (On Da Beatz) now. (https://soundcloud.com/StrzBtz).

Emily Gold – Recluse

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Emily Gold – Recluse

I-TUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/recluse/id1004052092

You can count Emily Gold as the most enticing new artist you haven’t heard in 2015. Okay, maybe somehow through some social channel you’ve stumbled upon her music, but the chances are low with the only release to date being an EP. Emily is on the cusp of releasing her first full-length, Recluse, and this is real music with real feeling and emotion. It’s not orthodox, though it does owe somewhat of a debt to many great bands of yore (Low, My Bloody Valentine, Swervedriver, Pink Floyd, Portishead), but it’s completely original even when stacked up against those legendary artists.

Attacking Rhymes with That boi Cross

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Having performed in Miami this month, That boi Cross is an emcee who comes at you like a shark attack. His boy DJones acts as the Nate Dogg like anchor in his “Stand Up In It” as he gives you line after line of a hit in the making. He sounds a bit like a young Ice Cube. In “Free Fall” DJones is back again and this time the two are giving a sense of hope as That boi tells his tale of where he’s been and where he plans on heading in his career. On his own, this emcee can still kill it. “And Then I” gives a song dudes will love and try to recreate. If you’re a fan of Cube, make sure to check out what That boi Cross is working with now. He’s a rising star that’s about to break. (https://www.thatboicross.com/home-1.html)

Hiigh Society: "Finesser"

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Hiigh Society’s track “Finesser” has blockbuster written all over it. “Finesser” sounds like a song you’d hear at the start of a movie like “Fast and Furious.” It has this strong grasp right at the start with a haunting overtone. Honestly, that intro is the best part, but as the song continues on - you can see how movie makers would be able to break it apart and use different aspects at different parts of the film, be it a party, a meeting and the climactic parts. If this is just the start of what Hiigh Society is capable of, then stay tuned for more - most definitely. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umN31jLE_f8)

All the Feels with Bunka Loyalty

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Alabama has a lot of history running through it, but it’s time to focus on the present with Bunka Loyalty. “Patience” takes its time and comes through very stern. It’s like the father of the bunch. It commands your attention with very little effort. You’ll be drawn to it in an instant. In “Thank Ya” Bunk still takes him time, but there is a little more pep in this one’s step. It sounds like if you took Busta Rhymes down a notch. Fly Guy comes through with him on “It Hurts” and together these two raise the bar. It continues to rise as “No Feelins” comes through hard as hell. Whenever an emcee has a vibe that makes you think you’d be committing a crime if you were turn the track - that’s when you know that artist has complete control over what they’re doing. If you’re into rappers like Busta and The Game, check out Bunka Loyalty now. (https://www.facebook.com/bunka5150)

B.u.D. Brings Reality to the Burbs

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

B.u.D. comes from the mean streets of Santa Clarita. No, that is a beautiful area north of LA that is void of graffiti, but this emcee is bringing a sense of reality to the place that looks like a scene out of “Leave it to Beaver” with his rhymes. “Stranger In My Hood” starts off in a way that one would think this ambient rock song was going to start - something on the lines of Muse. Instead that theatrical intro continues as the backdrop to a clear cut hip hop track. Now that we know what is expected, “Hypocrite (Waves)” comes through with some ease. This time the delivery it taken down a notch. While in “Bottles” the beat strays away from that drama and is like club music, but the lyrics are laid back. The imagery set with just the first seconds of “Rainy Streets” cools the mind and puts you at ease. Last up, “Ocean Floor Kisses” continues to create this elegant imagery, and the music is easygoing while B.u.D. comes across with a bit of urgency in his words. If you’re a fan of artists like Mac Miller and Tyga, check out B.u.D. now. (https://soundcloud.com/b_u_d23)

Chill with TDH

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Over in Ohio, TDH is doing it up for the world. “Sometimes” starts this off and it has great lyrics and a beat that gets you hyped quick. With all that’s going on in the news with “Black Lives Matter,” this is a great track to hear. Things are more or less the same with “Something Has to Be Done.” Instead of being energetic though, this one plays on the drama of the operatic vibe that starts it out and can be heard throughout. The topic continues to be talked about in “Venting” and this one sits between the two. It’s not as theatrical as the last, but not as upbeat and the first. We step back into some older tracks and get away from the social issues with “Cold Summer.” In this one, you just have a track that would get you riled up because it sounds like something a NFL player would hear to get pumped for his game. Note, that Hannah Montana reference that does through you for a loop. If you’re a fan of hip hop that can let loose, but also has something to say about what’s going on in this world - check out TDH ASAP. (https://soundcloud.com/TDH_CTMG)

Staxkz: Separation Anxiety

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Staxkz’s “Separation Anxiety” mixtape is jam packed. “Educated Ignorance” starts the record off with a blast. Without seeing what this emcee looks like, you can hear a since of youth in his voice. Not in a way that he is all about fun, but just he has a young sound like he’s in the same game as Tyga and Drake. The title track starts off a little funky, but in a good way. It kind of just sits in the middle, but “I Know” gives off an energy that’s electric. In a way that Drake would kickstart a track, Staxkz plays on a laid back club feel to get this party started. This one has radio written all over it. He’d be smart to take this one to the masses. The same can be said of “The Long Way” and “Gone Ham” featuring his boy B Lanes. As the record progresses, you hear highs and lows from Staxkz and get into some aggression here and there, like with “Who With Me.” “Separation Anxiety” is a versatile hip hop record that should be on your “must listen” list at the top. So note that and check out Staxkz now. (https://www.datpiff.com/StaXkZ-Seperation-Anxiety-mixtape.450855.html)

Tito Glenn's Anger Management

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Tito Glenn is a man with a chip on his shoulder and he’s getting it off through sound. “I Like That” kicks off this journey with exact precision. Tito wastes no time getting to business. He comes in hard, but eases up to delivery a mid-tempo track that stays in the middle lane. He then slows it down with “What I Do.” Lyrically this guy comes through with a realistic approach, never relying on a fantasy, but what he’s experienced like in “Like You.” He sounds like a young Eminem in “I Know You Hate Me” not only because of the vocals but because of the anger present in the delivery. Music is often a release for those who make it, and it’s clear that Tito is a man with a lot bottled up inside. So open up and check out Tito Glenn if you’re into hip hop that has a lot of angst inside. (https://soundcloud.com/titoglenn)

Frankie Pyro Sets a Fire

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Frankie Pyro is all about the balancing act. “Nietzsche (Interlude)” is where we begin and it’s this monologue of sorts that’s short and to the point, not delivered by the artist at hand. Then we get into “Sour Patches.” This one has a Common feel to it. The lyrics and beat have a mission, one that’s more about informing than entertaining. In “Phoenix” things take an aggressive turn. It’s not a harsh beat, but rather the lyrical delivery. You can hear the anger in every line. We head back to the laid back ways with “European Poverty” while “Thoughts at 5am” sounds like such. When it’s that early, or late depending on how you look at it, thoughts are random and come out in a bit of a ramble. That’s what this song sounds like, so it’s perfectly titled. If you’re a fan of Common but also have a love for the harder stuff, check out Frankie Pyro now. (https://soundcloud.com/frankie-pyro)

Get Busy with King Bizzie

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

King Bizzie sounds like a man with a plan. “All These Problems” has an epic intro that makes you sit on the edge of your seat - like what’s about to start. What comes through is an intense delivery of strong words and imagery. D. Blake comes on and out for “Still I Rise.” Together they make a song that’s a great balance of R&B and hip hop. It sounds a little like Sisqo on a rap track. With “Be the Man” Bizzie is as aggressive as where we started, but there’s a life lesson within these walls. In “Gettin’ Benjamins” he sounds a little like DMX on a chill pill - no barking, just a gruff delivery. Lastly, “Unwind the Twine” ends on a high note. The beat here is like one you’d hear in the club, but not in some mainstream Pitbull - this one remains street without crossing into the mainstream. If you’re a fan of hip hop that’s all meat with a lot of heat, check out King Bizzie right now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/kingbizzie7)

Stack It Up with So Wavy TB

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

So Wavy TB comes from the east coast, but his style sounds a little west with some Florida in it. “We Stack It” has a great beat. It’s one you’d hear at a kickback, one that makes everyone sing along in a way that’s not too hype, but keeps things light and fun. Speaking of fun, “Don’t Need Wings to Fly” really takes us to another place with So Wavy TB. Here the island feel is strong and that gangsta’ vibe from where we started floats away with ease. We head back to the street with “Like Me.” It’s interesting to see how versatile this emcee is. With “100 Million Miles” he lays it down slow and the pace plays like a sing-song version of a hip hop track. It’s clear that So Wavy TB knows his way around a rhyme, but he just needs to settle on where he wants to be, the street, the island or both. If he’s going to spit out some Sean Kingston, he needs to put more into it and offer up more like that. If you’re into this, check out So Wavy TB today. (https://soundcloud.com/so-wavy-tb)

Come Towards the J. Light

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

J. Light is an emcee who illuminates with sweet sounds. We’re kicking this off right with “Where the Party At” featuring D. Cannons. Instead of this over the top party anthem, this one is more laid back and chill. It’s got a sensual feel to it. Vidal Garcia hops on “Bad Behavior” to help out with the track that will have all the ladies on the dance floor dancing and shaking in a manner that will leave men weak in the knees. “Keep It On the Real” has this old school R&B feel to it right off the bat that is welcoming, while “Showcase” gives us a real hip hop laced track. While the rest up until this point have has this laid back feel, this one goes street on us. If you’re a fan of emcees who give it to you with a bit of sensual thuggery, check out J. Light ASAP. (https://www.youtube.com/user/carlos102395/videos)

Jillian Speer – Daggers & Suede

Fri, 04 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Jillian Speer – Daggers & Suede

URL: https://www.jillianspeer.com/

From Los Angeles (originally from Seattle) comes a fresh female artist known as Jillian Speer who just released her latest 6 track EP release “Daggers & Suede” I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the artist has selected to hit your ears first and foremost. The opening Tracy Chapman remake “Fast Car” sets the stage rather well for a gripping/polarizing CD like this. I happen to love dark and slow moving melancholy music that doesn’t try to hard to win you over. That’s how I would describe the title track. It was an emotionally gripping intro piece that stuck in my head and had me eager for what was ahead. All in all the whole EP is brilliantly delivered with a richly woven textures with songs that go far deeper than the next artist. Music will remind you of Tracy Chapman, Mary Black, Joan Osborne and Paula Cole. To be honest I can’t say enough about Speer and her overall appeal (visual and vocal) and sound. Here’s a few lines from her bio: Originally hailing from north of Seattle, the singer-songwriter Jillian Speer grew up with music as an integral part in of her life from an early age. Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern Dance classes that started at three years old instilled the work ethic for perfection. At nine years old she began vocal lessons and at ten years old she began training in classical guitar. Writing songs, dance class, competitions, guitar recitals, intensive summer arts camps, and performing in local musicals best describes her school years until she turned 16 and spent a school year in India. That year was an experience that would deeply affect her life as well as influence her music. Upon her return to the states, the then 17 year-old began recording with world music producers and finished schooling. But the Pacific Northwest could only contain Jillian for so long and she moved to Los Angeles. She began performing solo shows and recording her first album. As she continued building her fan base in LA, a great amount of buzz was growing about this new arrival to the city of angels.

Jupiter in Velvet - The World Didn’t Start With U

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Jupiter in Velvet - The World Didn’t Start With U

URL: https://www.jupiterinvelvet.com/

No clichés. It’s too easy to say that youth will have its way and point to Jupiter in Velvet as yet another swaggering young artist empowered by his temporary alliance with time to make great music. After a thorough listen to his album The World Didn’t Start With U, it’s difficult to imagine him flaming out five minutes after his thirtieth or fortieth birthday. This is songwriting with legs and boundless flexibility to change with an artist’s ever-evolving vision. The twelve tracks comprising The World Didn’t Start With U are kinetic, irrepressible testimony to the enduring power of great guitar players and melody. More than that, however, the songs ripple and churn with vital energies that transcend the current. The World Didn’t Start With U is aiming high.