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Rowse's Strong But Cool

Rowse called the state of Denver home and while he’s mile high, he’s doing what he does best by shaping his hip hop game. “In The Zone” has this dark feel to it that can be attributed to the eerie beat and the slow pace of the delivery. “Right Now” is all about the present and it’s clear that he’s not one to live in the past. While he’s busy living now, he also assures “They Don’t Know.” The best from Rowse probably comes in the form of “Every 27th.” That R&B twist looks good on him and sounds even better. If you’re into hip hop that come on strong or play it as cool as a cucumber, check out Denver’s Rowse. (https://soundcloud.com/rose-54)

1412 The Negro Leagues Band Together

1412 The Negro Leagues1412 The Negro Leagues is a group of emcess who complement one another every time they combine their talents and powers. “On Point” is a great title for this one because that’s exactly what it is. “So Cool” is what everyone wants to be and now those who might not be…can have an anthem that gives the impression that they are. Things get a little calm with “Cream.” Usually the crew brings about an energy that’s hard to immolate but this track allows a rap-along vibe. While “Killin It” brings a feminine touch to the table with the great R&B, “Bad Habits” kept it slow but brought that cool swag up a notch. If you’re into hip hop emcees that make things a group event, check out 1412 The Negro Leagues. (https://www.youtube.com/user/nl1412/videos)

2-Cole Lets the South Shine

2-Cole took his first steps in Louisiana and you can hear that southern influence in his hip hop. “Money Train” is a great representation of what this guy is all about. He was born for this and gets that money, and he’s proving why with this track and the rest to follow. While weed may be at the top of the conversation with “Pour up dat Purple” it’s not the title, alas it’s about having a good time with specific treats. “When U Want It” is unlike the ones already mentioned. This one could be the lead single for 2-Cole if he went to radio – that’s just a thought. If you ever wondered who did it…well he answers with “Did Dat.” If you like hip hop that reps the down south, check out 2-Cole. (https://www.reverbnation.com/2cole)

Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes Presents: #NextUp Mixtape Vol. 17

Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes Presents: #NextUp Mixtape Vol. 17 consists of a wide variety of artists from all walks of hip hop life. You have the Weezy like track from Keats Dapoet, “Head Shots” and the Keed Tha Heater’s “Mercy,” that intimidates from the start. Gu$to Grove brings Young Gill along for the ride with the dark sound of “3100.” Chozin also has a demented sound with it’s Warriors intro before he got into “Let Me Be.” The song to follow was actually light and airy. An R&B, ivory arrangement was found on Lynette Louise’s aka The Brain Broad’s “Crazy To Sane.” Then it played into the crazy aspects more with the exclamations. Sky The Trac Rippa continues on with the R&B flare with “Unfaithfully Loved.” So this mixtape not only brings together an array of artists but a buffet of sounds as well to enjoy. Those into both R&B and hip hop should make sure to check out Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes Presents: #NextUp Mixtape Vol. 17. (https://coast2coastmixtapes.com/mixtapes/mixtapedetail.aspx/nextup-mixtape-vol-17)

Craig C-Rocz Fletcher Blends Well

Craig C-Rocz Fletcher is an emcee that’s either rhyming about love, or he’s not. “Take Me There” is like a fine tuned machine with R&B and rhymes intertwined into a love song. Things get different by the time “Bruce Lee” comes around. It’s not so much about love as it is about building one’s ego and telling it like it is. It’s back to romancing the ladies with “What You Wearing.” Playing on a woman’s love of attention to detail and affection, this song is destined to be a panty dropper. “Breakfast Time Freestyle” isn’t one that’ll change your life, but it’s a funny one that’s fun to rap along to. Who doesn’t want to spit out some lines about cereal and French Toast? Going back and forth between those about girls and those that aren’t, “Looking For Me” is about the ladies but it’s not as romantic as the rest as far as the background music goes. You wouldn’t hear this one on the surface and think about love. You have to listen closely for that. If you like love in your hip hop, check out Craig C-Rocz Fletcher, but you can also check what he has going on if you don’t – because he can rhyme about that stuff too. (https://soundcloud.com/croczgitmoney)

D-kill Pens the Hits

A D-kill call Pennsylvania home and brings his hobbies to the forefront of his rhymes all the time. “Kush” pays homage to the weed culture, while “Stuck in the Game” turns emotional at the start. It’s got this classical vibe to it until the rap kicks in. The production could be better, but that’s the only note to say there. “I’m Hi” is another song that pays homage to a hobby D-kill is very proud of – herbal refreshments. Only this one sounds more like a love song thanks to the R&B music in the background. “Cash” sounds a bit dark due to the delivery. The vocals aren’t hype, but a little damp. The basic lesson is that “cash ruins everything.” If you like hip hop served with a bit of 420 madness, check out D-kill now. (https://www.jango.com/music/D+kill?l=0)

F.A.M.M, The Duo to Beat

F.A.M.M (Fly Ambitious Money Motive) are made up of two young men working together for the sake of hip hop. Meechie B and Spida 1000 work together great to make music that pops. “Turn Me Up” gets right to business and doesn’t let up. They prove that once it’s up, there’s no going down from there. The two complement one another well, showcasing a strong sense of working as a team. This is especially true as the songs continue to roll out like “Stuntin” and “Shawty Bad.” Once it’s time for “Night Fall” things get serious and the reality of what these two are all about sinks in. If you think two emcees are better than one, check out F.A.M.M. (https://www.reverbnation.com/fammkamp/songs)

G5 UnMarc Keeps on Keeping On

G5 UnMarc is an emcee from North Carolina who should pride himself on continuously delivering great tracks, one right after the other. “Never Seen” comes through like a Top 40 hip hop track. It’s well produced thanks to KwesDaBeast; props to that guy for making this one seamless. The same goes for “Sick & Tired.” It’s faster than the last but still does the trick. You really get a consistent feel with G5. He doesn’t switch things up too much as you go from one song to the next. His vocals are always crisp and clean as you listen to everything from “The Matrix” to “Amazing” and right back to “Centerfold.” If you like hip hop artists who never let up and are always on point, check out G5. (https://soundcloud.com/g5unmarc)

Jroc and drow: The Come Up

Jamal and Dajuan Curtis’ aka Jroc and drow “The Come Up” mixtape is overflowing with great tracks to adopt as yours to spin time and time again. “Get Rich or Die Tryin” is a sentiment that has been present in the hip hop community for decades but not it’s time for Jroc and drow to put their spin on it. Then you have “Its Nuffin” is a hype song that might say it’s nothing, but to listeners it’ll be a big piece of something. The pair does it up with “Brush’em All,” their freestyle “Dreams and Nightmares” great piano intro, and the simply titled but well crafted “Work.” An album’s worth of tracks on this mixtape and the amount of fresh beats is reason enough to check out Jroc and drow’s “The Come Up” mix. (https://www.datpiff.com/Jamal-Curtis-The-Come-Up-mixtape.554349.html)

Lil-Mayhem Walks the Extra Mile

Lil-Mayhem is a 24-year-old emcee from Texas who’s now calling Oklahoma City, Oklahoma home. “Nature” is a neo-soul delight that takes huge hip hop turn. “Miami Vice” has the rhymes but the best part of is if that there are actual vocals involved and the rapping doesn’t override it. They play well together. “I Gotta” is fresh while “Off Tha Liquor” brings the energy and sounds like a radio ready single. Speaking off, he also offers a remix of the Owl City “Fireflies” track. He remixes the hook and adds his sense of style taking the pop hit into a hip hop piece. If you’re into young emcees working extra to make their presence known, check out Lil-Mayhem. (https://www.jango.com/music/Lil+Mayhem?l=0)

Mr Stinky Smells Fresh

Mr Stinky is an artist who has shared the stage with some of the best in the business including Ice Cube, Twista and Biggie. Now he’s ready to make his name more known. “30 Grand” asks a lot of questions and it’s so good you’ll want to find the answers ASAP. There’s a lot before you get into “Fallin’ Down,” but it’s worth the wait as is “Gone Digital.” When it comes to “I’m a Playa,” things go into hyper drive thanks to a very intense demonstration of Rasta infused hip hop. It’s a nostalgic trip with “Keep On Hustlin’” as well as the “Michael Jackson Tribute.” Because of the title of “Shot Di Police,” one would assume the Rasta would be back, but it wasn’t. Ending on a high note, we get the in your face “Video Light” and the adamant “You Can’t Stop Me.” If you like hip hop that’s insanely involved, check out Mr Stinky right this second. (https://mrstinky.org/index/)

ONIN TR3 Makes the Desert Hotter

Down in the desert of California you’ll find ONIN TR3 in Palm Springs doing what he does best; rapping. “Paracusia” sounds a bit like that rock song “Barracuda” but only because they sound similar when said. From that point out no real likeness was found. Songs like “Pass it Round,” “I’m Dream’n” and “Who’s Him?” all stood on their own. One of the best songs from ONIN TR3 comes in “Get Out!” It’s like a break-up song gone realistically right. Things get in the slow lane for “Love Music” where ONIN TR3 delivers a more demure track amongst his more popping tracks. He picks it up just a little for “Name in the Sky,” but it’s not the most energetic of the bunch. If you like hip hop that’s somewhere between classic fast paced tracks and softer sounds like Drake, check out ONIN TR3 now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/onintr3)