Glenn Waco’s “NorthBound” is truly an experience if you love and appreciate well thought out hip hop. “Interstate” spits out a story while bringing the feel of the streets but with a sense of class. The way the words come through have a great structure to them. The same can be said for “Bottle N’ A Sac” featuring Blakk Soul and produced nicely bu Lunch Time Legends. When you get to “Gutterball” is gets a little weird. This one verged on weird mixed with scary. Things pick back up with “Third Eye” and continues to do so with Tiara Monique and their “Summer Madness.” This track takes it slow, but it’s creamy delivery cannot be touched. What’s great about “Paradise” featuring the Nate Dogg sounding Mic Capes is that it has a social message to it and really reaches high to be heard loud and clear. If you’re into hip hop that has a backbone and brain, check out Glenn Waco’s “NorthBound.” (https://glennwaco101.bandcamp.com/)
Reality Zay’s “The Reality Show” demo is for fans of good, clean hip hop. “Dreams I” has a great R&B flare at the start and then it goes into a clean cut rap delivery. You can find good messages in “Our Future” and can see the light with it. Get a little romantic with “I Wanna Marry You.” It’s possibly the best you’ll find on “The Reality Show.” Everything falls into place with this one and it shines. Well. that song is great but it may be outdone by the hook in “Ready to Live.” Wrapping things up and rouding out the record is “Heaven or Hell.” It has a very ’90s vibe to it, like something you’d hear musically from an artist like Mos Def - based on the beat. All in all you’ll get a realistic outlook on life with Reality Zay’s “The Reality Show,” so rightfully titled this one. So check it out today because it’s been out since June, so stop waiting and go for it. (https://realityzay.bandcamp.com/album/the-reality-show-demo)
White Noise’s “Gravity” is chalked full of fine tuned hip hop. “Paint My Picture In Blood” is a graphic mental picture, and a great track. It’s strong and doesn’t let up. The same can be said of “Bran New” as well. Only this one brings it at a different pace. It’s more sensual with the delivery while still being street. Things slow way down, understandably, with “Smoke On.” That sentiment plays on with the Cheech and Chong shout out in “We Gone Rally.” Then White Noise gets deep questioning almost everything with “Whats The Reason.” It’s a song that really makes you think, while “All They Count Iz Ones” rounds out the record on a high note. If you like hip hop that gets deep, but also keeps thing entertaining, then check out “Gravity” now by White Noise. (https://www.nimbitmusic.com/whitenoyz)
Joe Phuz’s “Compressed Audio” is a hip hop EP that features the antics from B. Zip. “Stop Frontin’” is a slow and steady track that takes its time to actually get to the action. I think the pace of “Now Tha World” actually works in Joe Phuz and Zip’s favor. The music and the lyrics actually play better together than the first track. Then wrapping things up is “Hunger Painz.” It’s the most energetic of the bunch and has a bit of a club vibe to it with all the different sound elements heard throughout. It was definitely a good note to end on. If you are a fan of artists like Chance the Rapper, check out Joe Phuz and his boy B. Zip on “Compressed Audio.” (https://soundcloud.com/joeberry-1/sets/compressed-audio)
Identity Crisis’ “The Passion of the Crisis” puts actual thought to the hip hop genre. “Air Raid” is definitely a different take on hip hop. It’s not about the typical topics you’d find in that genre. It has a more world news aspect to it. That one was a bit intense as far as content and delivery, but “Kill Em With Kindness” comes across more laid back in the sense that you don’t feel under musical attack. It’s about living in “harmony” so it makes sense. Somewhere between those two sits “House of Pain.” It’s not abrasive nor is it demure. It serves up something that feels just right. When it comes to the best of the best on “The Passion of the Crisis,” it might just be “Win or Lose” thanks to the feminine hook. If you’re in the market for conscience hip hop, look no further because you’ve found your new favorite with Identity Crisis. (https://weareidentitycrisis.bandcamp.com/)
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)
Let’s get into what Esquire The Great has going on with “The Book of Esquire.” “Get My Piece” sets things up for a hip hop filled time, but on serious side of things. He has Reeno on “They Don’t Know Me” and it’s a good one, but then you also have “D.B.D.” on two great joints - “Hands On Your Knees” and “Diamonds In My Rims.” Back to his solo stuff though. “I’m On It” showcases some of Esquire The Great’s high points and biggest strengths, as does “I’m A Warrior.” When it comes to the best of the best on this one though, it has got to be “Top Of The Globe.” It was that hook and the whole package that really made this one the crowning jewel of this record. It could be on the radio yesterday. If you’re into artists like T.I. and Drake, check out Esquire The Great’s “The Book of Esquire” today. (https://soundcloud.com/bernard-esquire-lee)
TRU-G’s “Crown Me” is a record that belongs on the frontline of Atlanta’s scene. From the start “Suppose To Be Real” brings the controlled chaos to the forfront. It’s a bit aggressive but at the same time has catchiness to it. Lucky for you, there’s bonus tracks a plenty throughout “Crown Me.” The heavy “I’m A Savage,” and a couple that offer up some serious swag - “Let My Hairr Swang” and “Swaggtastic” featuring B.Jayy. Along with B, you have other guests like J. Frank on “Liquor In My System” and Lil Boxx helping out on “Dirty Ass Dude.” The record plays like one from the dirty south because it has that grit to it and ironically makes it shine. If you like that style when it comes to your hip hop, check out TRU-G ASAP. (https://bjayyandtrug.bandcamp.com/)
Blue-Shakespeare is a power player when it comes to mainstream radio with his hip hop flavor. “Ecstasy” is a hit from the start. This guy knows what do to to make a song pop and with a style that’d garner the attention of Jason Derulo fans, he’s on the right track. It’s a nonstop party as “Aroma” takes over the room and gives it a feeling of good times. Blue-Shakespeare then lifts your energy levels and takes them through the roof with “Millions,” then he really showcases his flow skills a bit with a hip hop influenced R&B track called “Feel My Pain.” Indie artists can be questionable but the only question you should have about Blue-Shakespeare is, why isn’t he dominating radio yet? Check him out now! (https://blue-shakespeare.com/)
Stan Zedler does it all, he writes books, slams poetry and even busts out some rhymes. So let’s focus on his musical aspects now. “Zedler” is a beat laid over talking with some rhymes. It sounds scary at times, like something a bit intimidating from Zedler’s end. “Wanted” isn’t as harsh as the last, but it still packs a punch and doesn’t play games. Once you get to “Audition” you’ve found a steady footing with this emcees style and you can expect rapid fire lyrics coming at you with a sense of anger. After all that, the “Grey” comes through like a misfit. It’s demure and has none of the aforementioned elements. Then things pick back up and get to normal with “Derelict” featuring Tenski. It’s one of the best ones with a shout out to “American Horror Story.” Then we go back to that weird, experimental place with “Sunflowers & Roses.” It sounds like something from “American Horror Story.” It has a horror/suspense feel to it. If you’re into hip hop that can get a little obscure but still has that true blue base, check out Stan Zedler now. (https://www.stanzedler.com/)
Mista McFly’s “Fat Fly & Fresh Vol. 2” is a record chalked full of hits ready to fill a hip hop void in your life. This guy has seen and done some things and he reflects on the hype “Crazy Life.” When it comes to “Pretty Girl” it doesn’t have a pretty base, but it does get the point across as a sort of love song. Then you get the polar opposite with “Pole Patrol” featuring Breeze. It’s actually one of the most fun tracks on the record. The energy never quits and it’s got this exciting factor to it. There are a lot of elements involved that it causes you to always hear something new. While that one’s possibly the go-to, “Hustle All Day” comes close as the anthem of the record. If you’re into hip hop that doesn’t stop, then you have to check out Mista McFly’s “Fat Fly & Fresh Vol. 2.” (https://www.mistamcfly.com/#!home/c1wp0)
Slim’s “MNM: Money x Motives” is a record all about chilling with those herbal refreshments set to superb beats. In case you were wondering, Slim is “Official.” It’s a very radio ready track that’d do well thanks to the lyrics that come through crystal and sets the tone for the rest of the record. This is a guy who thinks highly of what he can do, and it’s that confidence that’ll play a part in getting him to where he wants to be. “Smoke My Trees” has an unexpected start, especially after you come out of a hype track like “Official.” I guess if you’re going to have a smoke session, you’d want this more laid back song as your soundtrack. When you come to “Chillin’” you get another chill track - which is obvious by the title. One thing is for sure with Slim and “MNM: Money x Motives,” it’s a well produced piece of work and if you appreciate attention to detail in your hip hop, check him and the record out. (https://www.audiomack.com/album/livin-da-life-records/mnm-money-x-motives)
