Q. Dinero does not play around when it comes to his music. “Conscious” kicks things off on a high note as the piano welcomes us in with this classical feel, but as soon as Q. Dinero comes in he brings this sense of intimidation like Thor brings his hammer; hard. In “Hindu” he creates this bounce more with his delivery than the beat. Here I wish the music was a bit more hype. The same can be said of “Real Niggas.” Only this time around the bounce is more like a fierce rhyme attack. With “No Problem” you would think you were listening to someone who was already dominating the charts instead of an indie artist. This track really captures a clear picture of what Q. Dinero is all about as an artist. He’s fierce, fast and comes at you with his words locked and loaded, ready to get at you. He’s like a “Fast and Furious” movie compacted into one artist who is ready to make a permanent mark on the world. If you’re into hip hop that’s as intense as an action flick, check out Q. Dinero today. (https://soundcloud.com/j-skullie)
Kuul has a cascade of sides up his sleeve, each as great as the one that comes before it. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect from “Next Move.” The start sounds like it’s a club track that’s about to get things started but then when Kuul comes through, that vibe is gone and in walks his cool, calm and collected demeanor. What was a pleasant surprise was Spanish tossed in the mix. Showing some love to where he calls home, “New York, New York” gives off a lot of attitude and really gives off the impression of a true, blue New Yorker; aggressive and composed. Last up, “Rugged” showcases another side of the emcee. First we saw his heritage a bit, then his home and now this one seems to be all about his personal style. If you’re a fan of east coast rhymes, check out Kuul now. (https://soundcloud.com/KuulYork)
At only 21-years-old CBKronic has developed a sound that would fit well on stage with Wiz Khalifa. “Little City” gives off this relaxed delivery with little bursts of energy. They mention the west coast and even before hearing that, you know that’s where CBKronic hails from due to the laid back vibes. With “The Right Mood” we pick things up and take it to the beach for a track that sounds like it’d be perfect for a day on the sand. It has this ‘90s party vibe where it’s not over the top but just right. The Kidd hops on “BucketList” and together with CBKronic they create this atmosphere that makes you want to get lost in. That continues on with “Cruise Control.” Except here a sense of sensuality is played up. Tha Kidd is back with CBKronic on “LadyBuggz.” They prove again to be a perfect combination. When we started out with CBKronic, we were introduced to this California chilled music, but over the course of a handful of tracks we’ve headed towards hip hop that has more of this groove to it. From the relaxed to the refined, that’s what you get with a trip down CBKronic lane. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1KxtEGUzVsNb4w54D_TXjQ/videos)
Jackpotprince takes risks and comes out on top. “All Night” is a track that you’d hear at your local party. It has this youthful, yet aggressive sound that you would hear on a mixtape alongside the likes of Tyga. In “#like” Jackpotprinceworks well with the beat in the intro and offers up a track that could take you from the house party to the club. With “The Truth” listeners are welcomed by an intriguing intro and then tossed into a whirlwind as the lyrics come through. Last up, “Drill” has this feel that makes you think it’d be on an episode of “Empire” on Fox. When it comes to new emcees coming up, Jackpotprince is one to watch because he’s got sick beats as well as a go-get-em attitude to his rhymes. (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jackpotprince/760166227372600?sk=timeline)
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)
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/)
