Who knew Canadians could sound this some straight up West Coast swag? Poppy Seed, that’s who. “Westcoast Hustler” follows a real cool flow, with an intro that almost sounds like the intro to a daytime court show and a pace that’s reminiscent of Nate Dogg. “Send Me To My Grave” is vastly different in that it incorporates old soul as he lays out a playing field that’s all about shouting out other artists. It actually gives off this almost country feel - which is interesting for hip hop. Speaking of country, “Johnny Cash” isn’t what I expected at all. I thought it be this rebellious ditty, instead it was almost sensual with just the mention of being in all black like Cash. Do you remember Everlast? Well that’s what the vocals in “Micky vs Mallory” sound like, as Kristen Biegel helps out on “Castle In The Sand” and gives a superb performance. Things finally pick up with the Flo Rida like “One Night.” The one thing to take away from Poppy Seed is that he’s precise and well done. He doesn’t make music that makes you question why he does what he does, for it’s done so well - you know exactly why he’s in the rap game. Check Poppy Seed out for yourself and agree or agree even more. (https://therealpoppyseed.com/)
Young Gunnah his thing, his way all the way from his home state of Illinois to your stereo. “#100 (Jay Z ‘I Got It’ Remix)” comes at you like a shark attack. The lyrics aren’t for the prudes of the world. While it comes fast first, it doesn’t necessarily calm down but Gunnah does take it down a notch. All the while it’s still intimidating. Things are a bit slow with “#Drillin Freestyle, Keep Hatin.” The way he puts out the lyrics are a little awkward in comparison to the beat on this one…Then things get sensitive with “#B Don’t Kill Me High.” It’s not as sensitive as one would think since the “B” stands for you know what, but it’s still a nice, different side of Gunnah. If you’re into artists who are self-motivated and determined to make it with their own style and way, then check out Young Gunnah today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/WAMACWRECKORDZ)
New Jersey’s Big Proph has the means to make it, so be there when he does. “Swagg” was kind of what I expected it to be. The title was looped throughout and that’s all you got on top of a beat that was meant for consumption at a club. Laprophecy & Kos help out on “Slo Down.” This one really sets the bar for the rest of what Proph has in store. It had the hip hop thing going on, but it was that R&B flavor that made it simmer. Laprophecy is back for “Black Ice.” It does its thing, but doesn’t outshine the other. However, it does get major points for shouting out “Clueless.” Then in walks “Hustle Hard” and its flow really stands out among the others. If you were to dissect all Big Proph has to offer, this one would come out the victor for the music alone. He’s hustling and it’ll definitely pay off in the long run, so join Big Proph on his journey to the top and get on him today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/bigproph)
What’s that they say about Texas? Everything is bigger? Well then that would most definitely include its talent. Speaking of, let’s introduce you to a rapper who hails from Houston…Caloso. There’s a little grit in Caloso’s voice as he brings “Shawty Look Good” to the table. It’s masculine and takes control. “Say That” has that same feel, but is more upbeat about it. It’s full of swagger and has a southern style to it. “In the Air” keeps that feel going, while “Need You” slows the party down. Things still move at a good pace, but with less vigor as the rest. When it boils down to it though, you have to give it up for “All I Gotta Say” for being the anchor of what Caloso has going on. It had all the elements to make it pop; great beat, fantastic hook and was in your face about it. If you’re in the market for an emcee who brings forth that southern swag, check out Caloso now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/caloso)
If you haven’t heard of Bastop down in Texas, that’s going to change right now because that’s where Yarbrough calls home. He brings a game to the table that’s all about scaring the crap out of the competition. “I’m Not a Doctor” sounds a bit raw and has a bit of a menacing and a little on the scary side. The same can be said of “Yarbrough.” It starts with sirens and the idea of lurking - kind of creepy. That seems to be the overall theme of his music though because then walks in “Murder Yo Ass.” It’s clear that Yarbrough is an intimating emcee that puts that forth in his music. It kind of lightens up with “3rd Dawn-WE ON.” It’s less menacing that the others but then it gets to it and that sound you’ve gotten used to hearing comes back. So if you’re into being a little freaked out while listening to hip hop, Yarbrough is your guy. (https://www.reverbnation.com/yarbrough)
Down in the South Side of Providence, Rhode Island is BLackDaGod, a rapper who brings it and gives you a healthy taste of reality. “Raheem Story” has a beautiful piano driven intro and was produced by DoubleJay Muzik. That great piano playing transforms into a beat that complements the aggressive delivery of the lyrics that come to settle in. That aggression continues to play on and to be a vital component to BLackDaGod’s overall style in “Heaven of Hell.” There’s not a lot of humor to “Ha” but it’s not a laughing matter, but more a serious track brought to life with fast pace delivery and a look at reality. Speaking of reality, you can’t help but gravitate towards “Hoodie On.” It’s an obvious ode to the late Trayvon Martin, the young boy from Florida who lost his life to senselessness. BLackDaGod is an aggressive rapper who makes his point clear and precise in every track he lays out. If that’s what you’re looking for in your hip hop, check him out now! (https://soundcloud.com/blackdagodisri)
Kingtay brings the heat of love and the wisdom of the streets all the way from St. Louis, Missouri to listeners that span the globe. “What They Say” relies heavily on the female guest star giving you the hook that keeps you attached. Things get a little scandalous with the lyrical content of “Stilo.” The summer months are a good fit for “Hit Em Like.” It’s got a cool flow that isn’t overdone but keeps spirits as high as the temperature. “Eyes” gets personal on the love side, while “Hustlin” picks it up and gets a little thug. If you’re into hip hop that’s a mix of street and romance, check out Kingtay today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/kingfontay)
504Gully is definitely one to watch when it comes to the hip hop scene. Have you been looking for a song to turn your partner on? Look no further than “Celebrate Your Body.” It had this great pace to it that was sensual and clean all at the same time. One of the best to come from 504Gully is “Slick Talk.” This guy knows his way around a hot track. He takes a step away from his usual subject manner, well at least the kind from the aforementioned, when he dives into the sentimental ways of “Farewell.” The hook is what makes “Love Don’t Live Here” pop, as is the case with “Hollywood.” If you’re into artists like Drake and August Alsina, then you need to do yourself a favor and check out 504Gully. (https://www.reverbnation.com/504gully)
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/)
Samtheoriginal is a young emcee from Richmond, Virginia who has a good grasp on things. “Money” is straight to the point in the hook, they got money. The choruses give audiences more to chew on. It’s quick and easy and has a youthful demeanor like something you’d hear from Tyga. Samtheoriginal brings something new to the table with “Cold Winter.” This one follows an interesting pace, but it seems to stop abruptly at a weird point. Is that to keep listeners wanting more? The best of the bunch is “DayDream.” It holds your attention from the starting line and doesn’t let up until it comes to a grand finale. If you like young emcees like Tyga and Wiz Khalifa, check out Samtheoriginal. (https://www.reverbnation.com/samtheoriginal)
J-RIGGG showcases the soft and hard side of himself. “Special” is a hardcore love song. It sounds like this aggressive piece, but listen to the lyrics and you’ll find heart underneath it all. With “Music Is My Medicine” the mood lightens just a bit in the beat but J-RIGGG still comes at you harder than ever. You feel like you’re a part of the crowd with “It’s Still My Time” as it’s got the live element going on. The ivory intro really adds a sense of class to the whole piece and what follows is on point. If you were to ask J-RIGGG what you needed, he’d probably just lay down “What You Need.” This one comes at you with a little R&B feel tossed in. If you like artists who can encompass professionalism, street smarts and beats, then you have to check out J-RIGGG. (https://www.jriggg.com/)
Shneal is a hip hop artist who is all about the revolution. Tellingbeatz helped out behind the scenes of “Howl” and was smart to incorporate the natural sounds of wolves on the track. When Shneal kicks in after the moon loving creatures it follows this slowed down beat that’s as serene as a night sky. That same idea translates over to “Don’t You Forget” as well. Drama AKA Treason hops on “Dangerous,” which starts out with a monologue by neither of the emcees. Then it busts into a track that steps it up a bit from the last two as far as the pace goes. It’s clear that Shneal has a real message behind his music as that isn’t the only track that starts with words with a higher meaning and intellect. You can find that on “Bird’s Eye View” as well. Drama AKA Treason is back for “Freedom” and they go after the man in this one. If you like hip hop that really has something to say, then you have to check out Shneal today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/shneal)
