Impaq is a hip hop group from Ohio that goes hard, but can soften up when need be. “For My Brother” has a really low key beat to it. It’s more about letting the force of the story behind the lyrics come through, and they do. The message is loud and clear - you don’t want to mess with the family. In “Thunder” the mood sounds like it’s lightened just a bit, but once things really get started you’re introduced to music that sounds otherworldly and there is a sense of aggression. It really is like a thunderstorm of sound coming at you. With “All My Life,” it’s not a cover of the classic K-Ci & JoJo track but this one doesn’t have that fierceness that’s come from the other two. Impaq has taken a break from the intimidation just a bit but keeps up their guard with a shark attack pace throughout. Speaking of letting down the guard, we have the more romantic and easygoing Impaq in “Lil’ Mama.” It’s definitely a different side of the emcee and it’s well received. If you’re a fan of hip hop that has a hard shell but has bits and pieces that are softer, check out Impaq now. (https://soundcloud.com/impaqinc)
Motivation knows what he’s doing as he takes the serious side of hip hop to the forefront. “Fame X Nobody” has a captivating hook to it right off the bat. It’s mesmerizing as the rest of the track like the lyrics have an edge to them. It’s a good balance of nice and spice. In “Trenches” he’s serving up some Kanye-like realness with the seriousness of how he delivers the lyrics. It’s more like a monologue than a song. Speaking of talking, “No Talking” as a great, quick intro that brings some drama to the table but then what he serves after is a track that relies heavily on a kickback hook. Last up, “Killed It” is a nice cap for our time with Motivation as it gives us him as an artist. There’s no hooks or gimmicks - just a man and his rhyme. If you’re into acts like Kanye and Nas, check out Motivation today. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1gCribQnP0)
Zoe Savage is a Haitian rapper who puts his heritage into his rhymes time after time. “Boz Mwen” has a great beat, but it is hard to understand when it starts as he and J.D. High seem to be standing on top of one another. Once things get started though, it’s much more audible and a great track - it’s just that intro that causes some confusion. WIth “What You Think About Me,” things come out of the gate strong. It has this drama to it that makes it sound like it could be in a hip hop production on Broadway. Then it kicks in and it isn’t in English, but it still packs a punch for those who don’t speak the language. With “High I Be,” it’s clear that those into the herbal refreshments will have a great time with this one as they’re always looking for new anthems for their smoking times. Lastly, “It’s Party Time” doesn’t disappoint. It lives up to the title and really gives you a lot of non-stop energy throughout. If you’re a fan of hip hop with a touch of world flare, check out Zoe Savage now. (https://soundcloud.com/zoesavage17)
Big Rob isn’t what you’d expect. “Put In Work” sounds like what Cash Money was doing at the end of the millennium. It has this to-the-point delivery style that doesn’t really mess around. It’s simple but has this captivating hook to it. With “Ride,” things are slowed down a bit in the intro and what we heard initially has taken a turn. Now he sounds like someone who would garner comparisons to R. Kelly. In “Dark Side” Big Rob gives us elegance from the street with the beat. “The Rain” intertwines the feel of “Dark Side” but also has that thug feel from “Put In Work.” He knows how to balance the class with the street and deliver a heightened way. If you’re a fan of music that’s a little Juvenile and a little metropolitan, check out Big Rob. (https://soundcloud.com/big-rob-325)
K.R.W’s “Where They Do That At?” doesn’t waste time getting down to business. The first verse comes through with a clear shot of aggression, precision and speed. Then the chorus does what all good ones do - keeps the hook going. The second verse really sits on the opposite side of the table from the first as it’s calmer. The up and down, back and forth of the pace of the track really keeps listeners on their toes and gives it versatility. If you’re a fan of hip hop that’s about entertaining, check out K.R.W’s “Where They Do That At?” now. (https://youtu.be/Xy3hk_-bstw)
SOL4RSYST3M has three sides to show you today “Selling Dream$” lyrically showcases what people go through when they fall on hard times. It’s a true sentiment to the reality that people face on an everyday basis; not everyone is born with luck on their side. It’s like a new, more hip hop version of that one City High track from back in the day - “What Would You Do?” With “Boulevard,” that universal feel isn’t as present as the last, but what is there is the chilled factor. The beat is calm, but the rhymes are rapid. Lastly, “D33P Inside” comes across a little hostile but in a low key way. He sounds as aggressive as one could be with a slowed down track. If you’re a fan of Dizzy Wright and Young Jeezy, check out SOL4RSYST3M today. (https://soundcloud.com/sol4rsyst3m)
Page and Powers’ “The Sky is Where You Fly” has more heart than a cardiologists office. The record opens up with the title track. It’s a positive message surrounded by a chill beat. It’s not uncommon to hear a love song in hip hop, but it’s not the norm on every album. That’s where Page and Powers differs with “Beautiful You Face.” It’s sweet and sentimental and a new side to get to know. That sentiment continues out throughout and then there’s a special shout out to the parents out there. “Remembered Always” stands out for the subject matter - most definitely. It’s interesting to hear a song about mothers and fathers. Usually it’s one or the other, or neither. All in all, this is now a hip hop record that has street cred in mind. There’s a lack of club hits, curse words and aggression - but it’s hip hop - just on a different page. It’s written with heart and is a delight. if you like your rap with some feelings, check out Page and Powers’s “The Sky is Where You Fly,” out now. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/pageandpowers1)
When it comes to emcees offering all they can, look no further than Fullspin. “Hope The Past Don’t Show” featuring Rika has a relaxed, and realized beat to it. It doesn’t go overboard and has an honesty to it. Plus, it’s one of those songs that everyone can relate to. Who doesn’t have something in their past that they aren’t too proud of, something they’d like to forget. Then with Rika you get that Rihanna-like hook. Things take a west coast sound turn with “Pimp C Dedication.” It sounds like it would be played in a Cadillac cruising down the street in the summertime. Clark Make hops on “Go Girl” and “You Don’t Know.” They both liven up things and bring a party vibe to the mix. Fullspin can take you from the hood to the club at the turn of a dial. It’s that versatility that some rappers lack - but not this guy. If you like variety from an artist, check out Fullspin now. (https://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=1377909&ogID=13102670)
A.I. otherwise known as Addict The Infamous starts one way and ends on a completely different page. “Forget” sounds like something you’d hear in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. It has this light dance feel that has a dark side. Like a bit Right Said Fred. With “Strange” A.I. gives us something completely different. We go from the dance floor to the hip hop stage. He comes across as a seasoned emcee with a fresh beat. The same can be said of “Victim of Myself.” This one really has a great story to tell and is relatable on multiple levels. His strong rhymes continue on with “Animal I Am.” Last up, “I Guess I’m Crazy” says what we all think about ourselves at times. Because of the title, I wish the beat was a bit more insane, but instead it’s as calm as could be but calls for attention with its intimidation. If you’re a fan of Machine Gun Kelly, check out Addict The Infamous now. (https://www.musicbyai.com/)
Rich So Fresh is a mad man with a heart. Rich himself says that “My Only Option” says a lot without thinking too much and is about a beef he had in his life. You can hear his anger in it and it sounds like he got some peace of mind writing out the lyrics to this one. In the snippet mix on his site you can hear the variety that’s about to come through on the EP he’s currently working on. He has a lot of aggression in the way he comes across but it appears to come from a place of serenity - like making music has been a saving grace. If you’re into redeptiontional music, check out Rich So Fresh. Also, keep an eye and ear out because his EP is about ready to drop and the best part if that he’s offering it up for free on various sites when it’s all wrapped. (https://www.richsofresh.com/)
Deep dish pizza, wind and Oprah. That basically covers the basics when it comes to Chicago. Well it’s time to add M.A.x. She’s got a bag full of swag and is coming with her new single, “Vibe.” This track has a laid back beat but her bit comes in her delivery. Usually it’s the chorus that kills, but here it’s really the verses that stand out - each one making you fall more and more for the track as a whole. In the end, it’s one of those songs that doesn’t appear to be a favorite right off the bat - but then grows on you after a couple more listens. So hit repeat and fall for M.A.x.’s “Vibe.” (https://soundcloud.com/maxmusicc)
Milwaukee’s Comondabeat isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind as he relays his life to a stellar set of beats. “Karma” is all about the chilled, relaxed feel. The lyrics tell a story a lot can relate to about a girl, but overall it’s one of those songs you can just kick back to. With “Hippieish” the intro takes you on a worldly trip. It has this Indian feel to it that really stands out even though it remains in the background. That paired with the more aggressive pace of Comondabeat’s flow pairs nicely. There’s a clear connection with that track and “I’m Rollin.” He starts with a shout out to the hippies, but that’s where it stops because this seems to be the most real track coming from this emcee. Creative minds can totally relate to this one. Those who choose to take that path rather than college or a nine to five. Lastly, “Nuthin Changed” kind of takes us back to where we started in the case of wanting to sit back and relax with the beat. However, what’s clear as glass is that Comondabeat is a storyteller and does it well. if you’re into hip hop that has a base in reality, check out Comondabeat - he has a lot in his back pocket to discover. (https://soundcloud.com/comondabeat)
