The West Coast is still churns out great emcees like Jay Stubbs. “Waitin For You” tells a really great narrative and you can really hear the storyteller in him. With “Coke and a Smile” you get a song that’s a little lighter at the start, but it still has that sense of reality and you can tell this is a West Coast boy from the first line. Jay Stubbs switches it up just a bit and tosses in an old school R&B feel with “She Loves Me,” while “My Type Of Party” brings you back to the very intense hip hop realm that Jay Stubbs likes to create. We end things with a great one that samples not only a classic but Maury, “I Need Money $$$” really does it up and takes the cake when it comes to this rappers jams. If you artists like Kid Cudi and Big Sean, check out Jay Stubbs now. (https://www.jango.com/music/Jay+Stubbs?l=0)

If you had to sum up NZO’s music in two words they’d be intimidation and precision. “V For Virginia” is a very aggressive song that states where NZO stands as an artist and is really an intimidating track, which isn’t a bad thing. Then things get really cool with “Motivated.” It sounds like he has someone like Twista on the record. It’s fast, but still has that intimidation factor. Finally with “Who Run It” you lose that aggression and get a more laid back song that really follows a slower pace, but remains on top of its game. I thought of the song that states “We built this city on rock and roll,” but was not expecting the sample even if NZO titled this one “We Built This City,” so after the shock, I really dug into this one with both hands and came out with it being one of the best this rapper has to offer. If you like artists like YG and Young Thug, then you’ll definitely be feeling what NZO is dealing with his music, so check it. (https://www.jango.com/music/NZO?l=0)

Emaximus’ “Ripper” isn’t a LP, but it’s overflowing with skills. “Ripper” is a good representation of the album as a whole, and it’s not wonder why it’s the title track. With “Freeze Frame” you have a lighter feel than the last and it has more of a mainstream feel to it. Intimidation and confidence is what comes through as well as pure goodness with “So Amazing.” The same goes for “They Don’t Really Know Me,” but this one comes with a stronger hook for listeners. Don’t forget to get introduced to the man behind the rhymes with “It’s Emaximus.” All in all this EP is a strong hip hop record that plays well with those who like artists who rely on forceful beats and rhymes. Make sure to make time for Emaximus’ “Ripper,” out now. (https://www.vodrecordings.net/emaximus.html)

Trigga & Semi are a dynamic duo that is doing it up their way in the hip hop realm. “Booming” featuring Yukmouth spits out the verses like a machine gun, but then gives you a true hook in the chorus to give fans a chance to catch their breaths. Then when “Rolling” rolls in you have a song that’s more about setting a house party mood. It’s about that herbal refreshment, so bound to be a fan favorite. Landing in between those two sits “Hubba Rock.” It’s not as fast as the first, but doesn’t belong at the party. It’s more so for a cruise around town. If you like fast emcees like Twista and ones who can bring the heat like David Banner…then you have to do yourself a favor and check out Trigga & Semi. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/triggasemi)

One place that has been in the news for almost all the wrong reasons lately has been Florida. Well when it comes to that state, ODG had a lot to say as he paints an honest picture in his latest single “Trayvon And Jordan.” The lyrics are rattled off like a slam poetry session over music that gets tribal at times but overall commands attention. ODG has a lot to say and if “Trayvon and Jordan” is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what he’s capable of…we’re excited to see what’s next. So if you like honest hip hop that’s about life, check out ODG now. (https://www.audiomack.com/song/odg/trayvon-and-jordan)

Young is coming hard for you, so watch out and take notice. “H.G. Substantial” comes on strong and makes this emcee undeniable. With “The World Gone Love Me” scales it back a bit and it’s as abrupt as the last and takes an easier path from the speakers to your ears. Then he brings it back up with “Murder” and rapid shout outs to Rihanna. The best from Young has to be “The Devil Is A Lie.” It showcased the most passion from this emcee and really captures your attention from start to finish. If you like rappers like Tyga and Wiz Khalifa, check out Young today. (https://soundcloud.com/theycallmeyoung-1)

Dwayne Davis is a rap artist who has a very important question for you. “Why U Wanna Kno” is basically a straightforward track about asking why people are up in your business. It has a lot of sass, but also sounds like it could be a comical track as well. Like, you could see SNL doing a digital short to it after being tweaked a bit. If you like hip hop that gets to the point, check out Dwayne Davis, and that’s all you need to know. (https://youtu.be/sCpVQiuntaM)

D-Edge started out as a DJ on the radio and now has his sights set on having his songs spinning on the FM dials. Like a cat “9th Life” comes strong for you. You can hear the confidence in that one from the start and that plays over and out through the rest; like in the piano driven beginnings of “All Day” and the very hard “Controlled Substance.” You get a bit of a more laid back version of D-Edge with “How I Feel.” The pace and his delivery aren’t as BAM! It’s more of a chill free zone. His pal Smiley hops on “RockaBye” for a more upbeat track. It serves for a track that’d get you moving. If you like hip hop that’s chalked full of great beats and attitude, check out D-Edge ASAP. (https://www.mtv.com/artists/d-edge/)

Undeniable’s music is fact based hip hop for the purists out there. “Zero To Sixty” has a great hook that really makes you stay connected from start to finish. Napoleon Da Legend hopped on “Strap Up” to help out Undeniable. Together they take this one to the next level. The remix of “Pound Cake” reminds of me of Nas just because it’s so serious and straightforward by serving up reality realness. He worked with Joski as the producer on “There You Have It” and it’s a little intimidating but gets the point across. If you’re in the market for some real hip hop, check out Undeniable today. (https://undeniablemusic.com/home)

Tikki Famouz just made the ultimate song for those who are self-professed kids of the ’80s. “80’z Babi Anthem” is a high energy track that doesn’t dive into the decade, but more rather just offers up a quick, fast paced song for those who are ’80s babies to enjoy. Tikki Famouz is a hip hop artist, but she really dives into a new style with this one a bit, but remains fresh while doing so. So if you’re an ’80s child and like to move it, check out Tikki Famouz’s “80’z Babi Anthem.” (https://www.reverbnation.com/tikkifamouz)

A-Button is an up and coming rapper looking to you get your attention. “Chop It Off” utilizes Pac Man sounds with hip hop and it’s truly the best, and it goes well with his monkier. That one will be hard to beat but others can try. Others like “Black Out.” It’s a little fierce but didn’t quite go there. “Foul Play” on the other hand plays in an okay manner with a lot of shout outs to pop culture references. Then you have “My Homies Still” remix that is nothing but high energy from the moment you hit play. It’s sure to wake even the most tired in the group. “Born Stunna” is okay, but like “Black Out,” there could’ve been more of a punch to it. A-Button has what it takes, but just needs to go a little further with things. “Chop It Off” is where I’d like to hear all of his tracks be. (https://www.youtube.com/user/pressthatAButton/videos)

Neec and Zo got a new mixtape out and they’re ready for you to take it in. So let’s dish about “BootCamp The Mixtape.” “BootCamp” comes across strong and that’s because it is. When “Oh Boy” comes around there’s a back and forth between spitting out things fast and taking it down, so it’s like this up and down. With “Never Lose It” you get one of the best off “BootCamp The Mixtape.” “Bad Guy” comes across like a mystery at first but once things get going, you can’t help but bob your head along. There was nothing comical about “I Think Its Funny,” but it was a good song nevertheless. If you like young emcees like Drake and Tyga, check out Neec and Zo’s “BootCamp The Mixtape” right now, like right now. (https://www.audiomack.com/album/zo-3/bootcamp-the-mixtape-1)