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Official G.A.R.: Mr. Altamirano

Official G.A.R. has a lot to offer but we’re going to focus on his record “Mr. Altamirano.” “Run This City” breaks down what it takes to have a firm grasp on your city. It comes at you with a rapid fire delivery at times but there is a fair balance. I like how “Versace Control” grabs your attention in the intro and then how it comes to a halt and transforms into a song that sounds anew. It was hard to get into “In The Cut” because the beat just wasn’t as attention holding as some of the others. The lyrics were tight but the beat, no so much. I’d like to hear this spit out freestyle. With “Thomas Aquinas” you get a little experimental side from Official G.A.R. It sounds weird and out of character, ironically enough it sounds like he is playing someone else. Stepping away from that we got “3AM In Dallas.” This track takes us back to why we like this emcee. It has a fast approach and comes across as fresh. If you need some new hip hop in your collection, check out Official G.A.R.’s “Mr. .Altamirano,” out now. (https://soundcloud.com/official_gar)

Pace Yourself for Dubbstyle

Dubbstyle comes at you from College Station and does it so at his own pace. “Take a Chance” kicks things off for us nice and slow. The flow is not over the top and it actually sounds like it could be a R&B track due to the music but you can hear that hip hop flow just fine in the delivery. This style seems to just be how Dubbstyle rolls because you get the same thing more or less with “Life on Hold.” Although it sounds similar, the story is different than the last. I do like that we got something a with a little more energy with “Thugs Repent” but it wasn’t too much. He keeps true to who he is while switching it up just a bit. But then we get to “Do It 2 ‘Em” and here something out of the ordinary we’ve come to know as Dubbstyle. This one is more aggressive and in your face than the others. The same can be said of “Smash on Em.” Then we head out on “Fadin.’” This song takes us back to the point where we started; chilled hip hop. In the end I have to say that I like when he keeps things relaxed. It helps you really hear the lyrics and take them in. If you’re a fan of rappers who know how to really tell a story, check out Dubbstyle today. (https://soundcloud.com/dubbstyle)

Hood Ninjas: “Infinite Sphere”

Hood Ninjas’ “Infinite Sphere” is a great collection of artists showcasing a particular skill and bringing that to the forefront to create a captivating hip hop track. It’s a story of where they came from and it’s one worth telling. I must admit the imagery of the video is a bit intimidating but it only helps fuel the fire behind the lyrics and makes for an all-around good time. The style is very cool, calm and collected but it has a great impact. I’m not sure what hood the Hood Ninjas represent but their style reminds of me of the chilled feel of the west coast seen. If that’s what you’re into, check out “Infinite Sphere” from Hood Ninjas. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEMfmnZwXe8&index=1&list=PL799664EA3884AAA5)

Brokenglazz: Ear Candy

Brokenglazz’s “Ear Candy” is smooth and sweet rap music. So you have a song called “My Chickens.” This raises eyebrows and you can do nothing but dive in with an open mind. It’s like hip hop took a drive with sensual beat. That sentiment continues on with “Somebody Prey.” Brokenglazz is all about the rhymes but it’s clear that sexy time is on the table and mind as well with these tracks. Again, the delivery and tone just scream sensuality. Why? Well Brokenglazz doesn’t rely on super street beats but rather a more sophisticated sound in songs like “Honey Pot” and “Hater.” Rounding out the record Brokenglazz gets a little dirty with “U Nasty.” It has that sexuality but in a more abrupt and in your face sort of way. Finally “Marias Hot” caps off the record with a little Latin flare but not too much with a very catchy chorus. If you like your hip hop with a side of sex then check out Brokenglazz’s “Ear Candy,” available now. ((https://www.brokenglazz.webs.com/)

L.X.G.'s a Non-Stop Pro

L.X.G. is all about letting you know what’s what and does it in a professional manner. “Re Up” featuring Bluntz is a very raw track. It sounds like one of those songs that came to mind and was instantly scribbled down and was born to be a stand out for the artist. It’s so full of life that you can’t help but like it. L.X.G. gets a little more constructed with “Creative Minds.” This one slows it down a bit from the last in the verses at first but then the beat speeds up and so does his delivery a bit. In the mix and at the end of our time together we’re getting to know a little more about L.X.G. by presenting his well, you know. “This My Shit” has a repetitive nature and isn’t about getting some deep message across but rather getting stuck in listeners’ heads on a loop. It’s like that Wiz Khalifa song that just said black and yellow for four minutes straight - and that was a hit, right? That method isn’t broke, it works. So let’s see if you like artists in the hip hop game that come across put together and aren’t wasting your time, check out L.X.G. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtlSAyTy4J9WfvaEFg41HZA/videos)

V12 Gets Nasty

V12 comes at you from the streets of Raleigh. “T.N.O.” translates to “trust no one” and it’s a message that’s not delivered loud and clear but rather in a way that plays it kind of low key. The atmosphere changes a lot with “Drop.” The last song has this dark feel to it, while this one sounds like a life of the party and it is. It sounds like V12 is trying to start a movement, well some sort of dance move with it. Attitude comes back in full force with the intimidation of “What Dey Say.” The lyrics in the verse have anger to them, but the chorus is more sing-song in nature. One of the best coming from V12 is “Lil Mama Bad.” Why? Well this joint has what makes a hip hop track stand out - good beat, catchy feel and it makes you bounce. Another mom centric song is “Yeah Mama” and it could do without the crying at the start. Ending on a different note, we have “Streets Nasty.” It’s definitely not one you’d want your mama to hear, but you and your boys? You can be sure you’ll be singing along to this one together. If you’re into hip hop that has a lot of fire behind it, check out V12. (https://soundcloud.com/yung-12-1)

RandiVision Claims Greatness

It does not matter who stepped onto the court before or who has after, there will never be someone as significant in the sport of basketball as Michael Jordan. From his shots to his shoes, the hip hop community has really taking a liking to him over the years and RandiVision is no different. That is why it is not surprising that he made a song about the greatest player of all time called “MJ23.” Well it’s not about him, but more a comparison to the basketball player. When you view yourself as the top dog - who else is there to compare yourself to? Exactly. As for the song, the beat is good but it’s the delivery of the lyrics that really send this one home. That’s not all this emcee has up his sleeve though. The real root of what makes this artist stand out sits within the rest. “Quantum” has this interesting element that makes it memorable. It doesn’t do it the whole time, but when RandiVision goes up at the end of each line at the end of one of the earlier verses, it makes an impression that’s lasting. What is good about “Comput3d” is that it’s slow enough that those who aren’t quick with their tongue can rap along. “Purple Cloudz” isn’t the strongest of the batch. This one fell a little flat to what came before it. Keeping with the colorful titles, we’ll wrap this up with “Blue Dolpinz.” This is a great note to end on. It’s got a pace that is radio ready and sounds like something Drake would push out. If you’re into Top 40 hip hop, check out RandiVision. (https://www.randivision.com/home) (https://www.randivision.com/)

Dope District is Well, Dope

Dope District is an emcee from Columbia who does it his way. “Camera On Me” has a chill beat and is really for those who crave the spotlight. Rolling into “Gold Moulf Athem” you get another track that doesn’t come too hard. “Trap Story” has a great story to it - which is not surprising thanks to the title but we still have to point out that storytelling element that comes across strong with this one. “Club Bangers” steps it up a bit in the energy department but not by much. What’s great about Dope District is that he delivers a consistent vibe with his music. If you like chilled out hip hop, check him out now. (https://soundcloud.com/jamir-keitt)

Durt Road Camp: Welcome 2 Da South

Durt Road Camp’s “Welcome 2 Da South” mixtape is jammed packed of fierce beats and sensitive moments. “100 Barz Or Beta” is a great song based mainly on the beat. I love that it sounds like some AC song intertwined with hip hop. What isn’t that great is that is clocks in at almost six minutes. It definitely needs a radio edit. When you finally get to “You Ain’t Gon Stop This” you have another great beat and a very ferocious delivery from Durt Road Camp. Okay, so if you thought “Lion King” was an ode to the highly successful Disney movie, it’s not. Although that’s the reality of the situation, it comes at you as fierce as the king of the jungle. “He Telling You” calms things down with a spurt of R&B tossed into the mix. Let’s end on a sassy and sexy note though. “Fuck Me Good” is one of those songs that you instantly want to learn all the words to and declare as your own. It’s a little dirty but fun. If you like southern style hip hop, check out Durt Road Camp’s “Welcome 2 Da South,” available now. (https://www.datpiff.com/Durt-Road-Camp-Welcome-2-Da-South-mixtape.646951.html)

Sam Phresh, The Safe Bet

Sam Phresh is an emcee who plays it safe. “Buy The World” is a cool and calm beat that really soothes. Then you have “Hatin” comes slow while “Reckless Pt. 2” picks it up but still has this cool demeanor. I like that Phresh never over does it. Finally Sam Phresh gets a little more push with “Beware” but still doesn’t go hard as some emcees. If you like hip hop that plays it chill and real, check out Sam Phresh today. (https://soundcloud.com/samphresh)

Phade: "Flashin'"

Phade is an emcee from Brockton, Massachusetts with a new joint for the taking. This New England rapper has teamed up with Olay for “Flashin.’” This track starts out strong and follows a simple flow the whole way through. It never really goes overboard at any point. It’s a song that you can definitely get into within one listen. If you like hip hop that’s got a little swag but definitely has that radio quality, check out “Flashin’” by Phade featuring Olay. (https://www.audiomack.com/artist/phadebeatz)

Lady Queet: No Makeup

Lady Queet’s “No Makeup” mixtape is chalked full of hype tracks. “New Money” is a great way to start out the mixtape. It really sets the tone for the rest of it - one that’s lined with fine things. Then we get to “Stop Hatin” and the beat seems the same as before. It’s a very energetic time with Lady Queet. “Do It For Da Camera” lays it out of why this emcee does her thing - for the camera. This one has a good beat but it’s not as strong as the previous. “B.L.B. (Body Like Buffy)” sounds like one of those songs that catch on like a cold and you can’t shake it. We’re going to round this out with that and leave you with the notion that if you’re looking for a female emcee who does her thing on her own then Lady Queet is the one you’ve been on the hunt for. So get in tune and check her out now. (https://indy.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/18353/lady_queet_no_make_up.html)