I am C4 comes at you with a familiar sound from St. Petersburg. “Over Here” started off like something from Lil Wayne. He’s got that same style and sound and fans of Cash Money will definitely like this one’s flow. With “I’m the Truth” things get picked up and it comes at you like a radio hit from the likes of TI. I’m not sure what “ODMFW” means but I can tell you that this chill track shouts out Martin Lawrence and does its job at making you stand up and listen. It has a more serious tone as well. In “Zone” you have a mid-tempo track that relies on a hook. Wrapping things up is a beautiful intro in “Way Too Gone” and an eerie feeling with “My City.” All in all you’ll definitely want to check out all the paces this emcee can run and you better keep up. So check out I am C4 today. (https://soundcloud.com/i-am-c4-1)

Pretty Blaxx starts one way but then flips the script and does it up. “Put Your Hands Up” starts out cool and then when he comes in it sounds a little manic but at the same time composed. The vocals remind me a little of Eminem in “Stan” while the music is demure. We go a completely different route with “Move to the Dance Floor.” It’s a club anthem in the making. Definitely a different side of the artist shines here. With “If You Love It” we keep up that energy and things don’t stop. “Get It Lit” sounds like a fun time and it is. So it appears that first track was just a base to hop off and the rest of Pretty Blaxx’s music is definitely geared towards those who like their hip hop hype. If that’s you, check out Pretty Blaxx now. (https://soundcloud.com/pretty-blaxx)

TheWorldInKaos is an emcee who has a lot of backbone. “Can’t Tell” is a song for young people because it’s really how that mentality is. It doesn’t matter what someone says, you can’t tell them anything. It’s a great theme for a young demographic. With “Too Far” he goes the distance with a sick delivery style. That continues with “Still.” Then the beat and tone changes with “Yeah2.” The intro has this R&B feel but TheWorldInKaos is still hitting you with the rhymes, only they’re a less aggressive than the previous tracks. It’s a nice break, but you can’t but love that attitude he gives and that’s why it’s good to end with “I Gaurantee” for that. If you like hip hop that comes at you as hard as the streets, check out TheWorldInKaos now. (https://www.hulkshare.com/theworldinkaos)

When you get into Gemini Rick’s “Versace Vision” mixtape, you’re in for a good time. “Versace Vision” has a great beat to it and the lyrics are telling you what this guy is about. Then he asks a very important question in “Who Can U Trust.” This one has a very upbeat delivery compared to the last. It has more energy and more potential to grab listeners in an instant. Gemini Rick is full of questions as he then gets into “How Can You Judge Me.” Then he rebels and gives us “I Do What I Wanna.” This one starts out wish what sounds like heavy breathing and then the breath is caught and the song comes through and is sick. This one is definitely on top of the must-listen list. Finally, “There She Go” comes through as smooth as could be. It has a very Drake, Cash Money feel. If you like your hip hop fine tuned, check out Gemini Rick’s mixtape “Versace Vision” out now. (https://www.datpiff.com/Gemini-Rick-Versace-Vision-mixtape.554018.html)

Phelo The Great is a well polished rapper who has fine lines but still brings that edge. “The Thrill of It” is what life is all about for this artist. What’s the point of doing things if there isn’t a thrill that comes with it, right? The bridge at the start is great and straddles that R&B line, but then the rhymes come in string and hard. “Back 2 Da Hood” is another one that brings it. Right away you’re tossed in the mix and it has this great bounce to its beat. Once you get to “Life Goes On” you get a softer approach at the start. It sounds very ’70s and sweet. Then you get back to the Phelo The Great you’ve come to expect with “From the Block,” and then end things with a “Night Stand” and it is great. The sample they used is very striking and you can’t help but be taken aback by it. Phelo The Great is a emcee you cannot ignore if you tried, so check him out now. (https://soundcloud.com/phillip-driskell)

Quise is an emcee who doesn’t come lightly. “Oh My Goodness” featuring Bugzy is kind of an intimidating track. It’s got a lot of force behind the lyrics in the verses. You’d imagine any song that mentioned twerking would be like and airy, but this one’s comes across hard and it’s a different pace that pays off well. With “Grind Mode” you still get that aggressive delivery. You know what? He makes you pay attention. Lil Mook hops on and slays this one, that’s something to mention. If you like your hip hop with a lot of attitude and balls, check out Quise today. (https://soundcloud.com/quise_nam)

JT aka Face comes to you from Houston and does it up. “Roll Up” featuring K Dog is on point and doesn’t miss a beat from the start. This guy has kind of a harder sounding Ludacris vibe to him overall and that came to be realized with “Mind Yo Business.” It’s not as theatrical as a Luda song but it’s got more of a realness to it. For those who like to shake it, please turn your attention to “Drop.” It’s one of those songs that come on and the whole room turns it up. He goes from party mode to attitude driven in “Lookin For Me.” All in all JT aka Face is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to underground hip hop because he won’t be there for long. He’s destined to make it out there. So check him out sooner than later. (https://www.reverbnation.com/jtakaface)

Vino hustle is perfectly named because he hustles them rhymes for days. “Rap Fanatic” has a good beat while the lyrics sort of ramble out and you have a wide range of thoughts on one plain. With “Pull My Card” the start sounds like it’s working its way up to something but the song plays in chill mode, which was cool to hear. Loung helps out on “Loud Grind.” Again, great beat and the lyrics come at you in a chill pace but you can hear the intimidation in what they’re saying. When I was younger it didn’t matter what you had wrong with you, our town’s pediatrician would give you Robitussin. I’m not sure if that’s the case for Vino hustle, but his “Robitussin Bussin’” definitely struck a personal chord with me. If you like rap that has street cred but can play it cool, check out Vino hustle today. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3BNKajZjqgeD4w2XgzO9bg/videos)

Mr. Adams is an emcee with some major tricks up his sleeve. “Inspiration” starts like a nightmare in a house of horrors with Gollum coming through. Then Mr. Adams comes in and keeps things pretty serious. With a song that mentions the King of Pop you have to expect something a little upbeat. That’s what you kind of get with “Dance Like MJ.” He lets his hair down a bit for this one, but not too much. “Sunsets” is completely out of left field. Mr. Adams sings on it, like really sings - like singer/songwriter. Then it’s less surprising when you hear other tracks like it like “Tip of My Tongue.” Then he gets back into the swag of things with “Dance Floor Illusions.” We end kind of where we started with the serious tone of “Plight of Thomas.” If you like hop hop, but are also a fan of singing and being a little surprised, check out Mr. Adams. (https://www.youtube.com/user/adams3722/videos)

You’d think Bottles Belafonte was from the ATL or even NYC but he actually called the Sunshine state home. “King of My World” is like a declaration song. It showcases that Bottles Belafonte isn’t messing around and that he is here to stay. The words ooze confidence and that really makes you want to stay attentive. With “For Mankind” he comes across a little softer than that first one and notes the King of Pop and has a great girl on the hook. That hook makes it likely to be a crossover hit. “Show Love” has a very raw sound to it that makes you think you’re listening to it from years ago. Remember a second ago when I mentioned that crossover thing, well “No Worries” is another example. Bottles Belafonte sounds a bit like Pac and the feminine touch has an Ashanti feel. If you like hip hop that comes across like mainstream but keeps the integreity, check out Bottles Belafonte ASAP. (https://www.reverbnation.com/bottlesbelafonte)

Astro Jones is just one facet of Krew Muzak but on his own he’s doing his thing just fine. “Referal” sounds like something you’d hear on the radio right now. It has a calm beat and the flow is great. It’s a little more street than Drake but still has that feel. That professionalism comes through again in “Ambition!” Then with “Moolah!” is has this music at the start that is a little old school detective show. You feel as if things are in black and white but then when he comes in it fast forwards to 2014. “Plasma” plays well with others, while “Swag” sounds very neo-soul hip hop thanks to the music guiding it along. If you’re looking for one of hip hop’s next big things, check out Astro Jones right away. (www.krewmuzak.com)

Merk Da Artist is an emcee doing it up down south. “Space Barz” comes out the gate strong. It has this Lil Wayne feel in that it really has a party vibe but remains street. With “Under Fxckin Rated” you get a faster delivery than the last. It is actually a really relatable song because who doesn’t feel underrated from day to day for all they do? I know I do. Merk Da Artist sounds a little distant and futuristic with “Ya I Kno” while “Done W/ Yesterday” featuring Diz’e was a real treat. The delivery is on point and showcases a big boom of confidence. “Them Hoes Out There” is a freestyle that’s quick and to the point, also it shouts out DMX - you don’t hear that guy’s name enough today. KingKobra teams up with Merk to bring “Make It” to the masses and their effort pays off. It’s one of the best coming from this New Orleans emcee. If you like artists like Lil Wayne and ASAP Rocky, check out Merk Da Artist now. (https://soundcloud.com/derick-remains-merkadel)