He starts out slow but gets to it, that’s what you get with RODD CROOK$. “Wiz Khalifa - On My Level” is a chilled track that doesn’t really over do anything at any point. It’s about kicking back, lighting one up and delivering a beat. We get a little more energy from the California emcee with “Pass My Way.” There’s more life to feel in this one compared to the last, making it stand up taller. Speaking of energy, that’s all you get in a mild mannered way with “Nicki Minaj.” You could hear this one’s opening beat being a part of a dance crew’s routine. If you’re a fan of artists like Waka Flocka and Gucci Mane, then you’ll want to check out RODD CROOK$ today. (https://www.jango.com/music/RODD+CROOK+HOODY+ENT?l=0)

Sounding like something from the Harlem Renaissance when it starts, K.o’s “Snakes” welcomes you in with a throwback sound but then takes things into today with his rapid fire rhymes that are mellowed out by the chorus. We don’t get that interesting welcome with “More What They Want.” Instead K.o gets right to the action and starts spitting his take on reality as soon as things get rolling. In “Gone” it’s like he’s coming from a different record as the sound doesn’t really match up stylistically with the other tracks to come before it. Last up, “Tryna Fuck Me Over” let’s us end on a high note. The lighthearted tings really take you away from the subject matter for a second. Then you’re pulled back in as soon as K.o starts laying things out. If you’re a fan of rappers who come hard, check out New York’s K.o. (https://soundcloud.com/kaydoto/tracks)

Coming from Fairbanks, this is a man who is all about serving for the greater good. Our time with Mike Otey starts out with “Stop The Violence.” A PSA of sorts, he takes this opportunity to spread a great message in a time where every other day on the news we’re bombarded with stories of people losing their lives to guns. Flipping the script and heading more towards the traditional hip hop, “Drank In Ya Cup” and “Maker Her Dance” featuring Franchi$e Corleone take us from the soap box and straight to the dance floor. Flipping once again, Mike Otey then goes for some romance with “Treat Her Good.” It’s not everyday you hear a rap song like this and it’s refreshing. While Mike Otey can make you want to hit the club, he also can make you think. He’s a balanced act, so check him out now! (https://soundcloud.com/mike-otey)

When you want things to start and never stop, dive into Shawty Wee’s latest mixtape, “Da Re-Up.” It comes at you fast with the first track, “Just Cooling.” There’s nothing chill about this track. It’s an intense look at the emcee’s start and what he’s all about today. Speaking about what he’s all about…”All Bout Money” is a throwback to when rap started to be about the Benjamins, but it has this modern sound to it. In “Dice Game” Shawty sets things up for a party vibe, but it actually remains a laid back trip through the end. Rolling into “My Dayz” we hear a maturation of the rhymes. It goes from the money and the streets to something with a little more substance. If you’re a fan of artists like Lil Wayne and Tyga, check out Shawty Wee’s latest, “Da Re-Up,” out now. (https://www.datpiff.com/SHAWTY-WEE-Da-Re-up-mixtape.744956.html)

Geli Makaveli makes his presence known in a big way right off the bat with “Crown Royal with Cheese.” He’s got this captivating way with words and along with the beat, it’s quite invigorating. Being from the Golden State, this emcee goes in on with and shows his love while flying his flag high in “California Player.” In “Camel Crush” he continues on his laid back path. It’s clear that when it comes to laying down rhymes, this emcee doesn’t have to hit you with the hoots and whistles. His power sits within the confines of fine lines and chilled demeanors. If that’s how you like your rhymes, check out Geli Makaveli today. (https://soundcloud.com/gelimakaveli94)

Era Tha Kidd’s “G.R.I.N.D” is his latest and it’s making some waves in the hip hop scene. The intro goes for longer than expected, but it sets the tone for the rest of the record. We then head into “Nothing Was The Same” and it’s a little slow at first with a skit but then Era Tha Kidd comes in and he tells his tale in a chilled manner. We keep that laid back demeanor going strong with “Like Me.” In which it sounds a little like if Akon went into actual rap and not mainstream hip-pop. We then head into something that has more bite with “I’m On It.” If you’re a fan of hip hop that’s on the same level as the likes of Tyga and Wiz Khalifa, check out Era Tha Kidd’s “G.R.I.N.D,” out now. (https://www.datpiff.com/Era-Tha-Kidd-GRIND-mixtape.598244.html)

“Cookin Circles” is the latest from Franso Mafio. It starts with a hook and then gets into the emcee’s past. You really get a feel for where this rapper came up from and while it never pops off into this hype track, it remains solid in its sense of reality and that’s to be respected. His sound is reminiscent of those artists who come with more bark in their delivery like Ice Cube and Nate Dogg. If you have those guys n your music library already, then add Franso Mafio’s “Cookin Circles” into the mix too. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UQKmoh4p_A)

When you read about a Christian rapper, you really don’t know what to expect and that was the case with Ga’briel. He’s got this aggression to him that makes you stand with your full attention to him. This is especially true with “Blessings Came Out.” It’s this dynamic track that takes you for a ride and is top notch. With “On My Own” he’s joined by Brittany Friday. On this one, the emcee doesn’t let up but the sound is soothed by the presence of his friend. That energy level is still high, ironically with “Fly High.” It’s clear that when it comes to Christian rap, things have changed from when it first emerged and it sounds more mainstream than anything, but has lyrics that make you think. Check out Ga’briel now if you’re into hearing some great music, from a talented emcee. Regardless of your beliefs, this is great stuff. (https://www.gabrielcartermusic.com/)

Kaper is back with a new track and it’s a good one. “B.I.B.L.E” is the name and it means, “basic instructions before leaving earth.” With that, you know that this is a song coming from a gospel background, but overall - this is full on hip hop. Actually, you could find it crossing over because it sounds like something you’d hear alongside T.I. on the radio. If you’re a fan of hip hop that comes from a deeper place than the rest, check out Kaper’s new one, “B.I.B.L.E,” out now. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kaper4)

Fred J’s “Addicts Like ME” is perfect from start to finish. Kicking off with “Cleantime Celebration,” we get this hype beat that sounds like it could kick off any night down at the club. The title track takes it down a notch, with clean lines - this one sounds like something you’d hear on the radio today. We get some inspiration with “Be Somebody” and “Nobody Like Jesus,” while get a sense of romance in “My Girl” and find a little of an Ice Cube sound towards the end of “Gotta Find My Way Out.” Fred J has a well-rounded record on his hands with “Addicts Like ME.” He brings modern day hip hop and intertwines it with some throwback west coast sounds, while building and creating a reality with his lyrics. Check out Fred J’s “Addicts Like ME,” out now. (https://www.cleantimerecords.com/)

Down in the Bluegrass state Fresco_letsgo is working hard to make his name a household one across the world. “Can’t Sleep” is an ironic one to start off with since the rain is falling hard outside my window and I could curl up into a ball, but alas I have this banging track playing and cannot. The beat sounds like something sort of industrial, but the lyrics are a little lost in between. With “Saint” we get a cleaner sound. “Shine” has a daunting vibe that sounds a little like the start of a horror movie involving ghosts. Then it never really picks up. When all’s said and done, Fresco_letsgo has gotten a great grasp on making beats, but needs to work on making the rhymes pop just as much. You can check out Kentucky’s own Fresco_letsgo now. (https://soundcloud.com/Fresco_story)

Today we got Geez straight out of the city of Brotherly Love. With Luchini by his side on “I Want You,” we start off on a good foot. Sounding like something that Jason Derulo would put out, this mix of hip hop, R&B and a little pop for good measure is just what the musical doctor ordered. I could hear this on the radio right now. We change the page and come across a new side as “All My Niggas” shows a harder side of the artist. We find the middle ground in “Really Not Really.” It’s not as smooth as the first but not as rough as the last, but just right. When it comes to having everything in a row, lined up perfectly - Geez knows what he’s doing and has it all planned out right. He’s a young emcee who’s ready to show what he has to the world. So let him and check him out today! (https://soundcloud.com/2freakygeez)