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)
California has so much talent, it’s hard to know where to start. So here’s some help. J-Kal is a young emcee that knows his way around not only a slick beat, but also has an immense way with words. “Lose Control” doesn’t waste any time getting the party started. It starts with a sample lyrically of Will Smith’s “Fresh Prince.” He flips the script though and tosses his tale in it and makes it about his life in California. It’s only his first single, so there’s no telling where he’ll go from here. Our guess is up though. So if you want to be on top of the latest rappers making waves, check out J-Kal’s “Lose Control.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQv6G9jTK8Q)
Being from California, I had a particular taste when it comes to rap but I can’t help but give major props to the rhymes that come from the east, and the artists like Em Crysis. “I Don’t Know Why” has a killer hook that sounds like something Michael Jackson would’ve been a part of. That falsetto is on point. That teamed with the masculinity of Em’s rhymes, makes way for a perfectly balanced track. In “Feel So High” we’re introduced to another great hook. It’s clear that this emcee has a signature style. However, this one doesn’t flow as freely as the last. If you’re a fan of east coast rap, check out Em Crysis. He’s coming straight out of Brooklyn and to your stereo’s now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/emcrysis1)
There are so many roads to walk when it comes to hip hop. Some go for a chilled zone like Wiz Khalifa and some take a more aggressive root like Rick Ross. Then there are those who like to reflect on life like Nas, Kanye West and newcomer Ghazi Akeem. His fresh single “Lost” is anything but. It’s as focused as could as he relays a clear cut message in his rhymes and makes you feel every word that escapes his lips. It lacks a club beat and has more of reality to it. You really get wrapped up in the lyrics, the story they tell - the story that Ghazi Akeem tells with such a passion. If you’re into hip hop that has a message, check him out now and get lost in his ways. (https://soundcloud.com/ghaziakeem)
When it comes to kick backs, King Cupid is well, the king. “All Bad” comes to us in a very chill manner. It picks up towards the end, but overall it’s one of those songs you put on when you’re kicking back and don’t want to do much - but relax. With “Wait On It” it’s clear that King Cupid is a laid back guy. His rhymes don’t come out at a rapid pace, but this one’s pace gives us a bit more to move to. With that said, “He Can’t” really does the trick. It’s like we get more and more from this emcee as we continue to press play. It was a slow start, but here we are with a track that has a fresh beat as well as a great performance from King. Smooth with a few bumps is how one can best describe “Google Me.” The music gives off this velvet feel, but the lyrics have a ton of edge. If you’re a fan of chilled beats, check out King Cupid now. (https://www.audiomack.com/artist/king-cupid)
Baltimore has a lot on their plate with an act like Bodymore Banga$. “In My Living Room” has a sinister feel to it. The deep delivery verges on evil in the beginning and sends a chill down the spine, but then it lightens up and becomes a welcoming experience with a great beat. While listening to “Eastside” you’re introduced to the track with a very elegant start. The keys play well and balance out the rhymes that come through with a menacing vibe. In “Shit Cool” we’re given a similar sweet sounding intro, only this time we’re not scared when the lyrics come through, but rather given a great bounce. All in all, this one sits best with everyone. It’s middle of the road, but plays well with all. With “Fight” that club style comes through as we’re bouncing right out the gate. Then it gets thuggish and we head from the dance floor to the streets in an instant. When it comes to creating music that covers all the bases, Bodymore Banga$ does it right. We have intimidation, club beats and sweet sounds all encased in one area. That’s not easy to do, so if you’re a fan of variety, check out Bodymore Banga$ now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/Bodymorebangas)
Rap music has always had a story to tell, so pull up a chair and get down with what BiG T has to say. “Hell and Back” gives us a slow start in getting to know this emcee. Vocally, he sounds like he could be in the same class as DMX, but with less barking and rage. As we move along, we hit “Sells” and we pick up the energy a bit. This one has a cool beat to it that has a bit of a pop feel to it, but the lyrics come through as a full on thug performance. What’s great about “Action” is that it doesn’t let down. The title says it all and that’s what you get. We continue to flow on that level with “Thuggin.” It was a slow start, but once we get into the depths of BiG T, we found out what he can really do. He’s a master of taking his aggression and putting it to use in his rhymes in ways that welcome listeners in and keep them going along with him. If you’re a fan of DMX and Juvenile, check out BiG T today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/bigt70)
Out of Fontana comes Babyzav. He’s got a bag full of tricks to share. “Impala” has a very SoCal vibe in its sound. You can hear a little Snoop Dogg influence in this one as it has this “Gin and Juice” bounce to it. In “Missing You,” we go from one end of the spectrum to the other as things get a little sensitive as there is this beautiful vocal performance and the rhymes come across with a nice flow. That feel continues with “My Everything,” but then we hit the party scene with “Run This Party.” It’s got this pop-crossover mentality. Last up is “The Ones We Love” and we return to that sensitive state of mind. Where we started with “Impala” is not where we ended and it was quite the surprise. However, while it’s a shock - it shows the range that Babyzav has and because of his versatility - that’s why he’s one to check out. So give him some of your time today. (https://soundcloud.com/babyzav)
It’s hard to keep your cool and have a heart in hip hop, but somehow Lamar McNair does it. “I Ain’t Trippin” has a lot of layers to it soundwise. With that, it will never fail to keep listeners’ attentions. In “Young King” cools it down a bit and comes through with a nice demeanor that doesn’t do much to grab you. It’s fairly balanced as it has this sweet base but on the surface has attitude. It’s pretty much the greatest from Lamar McNair, but moving on we have “My Niggas.” This one surprisingly has a lot of heart to it, as does “On the Run for the Money.” What I like about this emcee is that he has this strong backbone and delivers music that has this thug appeal, but at the same time is able to balance it out with some depth and emotion. He’s created this nice mixture of the two and should be checked out if you’re a fan of Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne. So with that, make sure to put Lamar McNair on your to do list. (https://soundcloud.com/lamarmcnair)
It’s hard to find the balance in life, but somehow Shaheed404 has mastered it. “Homecoming” starts out a little odd, but shakes that off to get into a song that’s strong. It has a very neo-soul meets hip hop feel that’s a little more street than Common but not as wild as something Lil Wayne would put out. It’s like street smarts, emphasis on the smarts. The same can be said of “Do It Again.” Only this one comes through a little harder than the last. It has a rapid approach to the lyrics and showcases the real emcee skills of Shaheed404. This is an artist that manages to find the happy medium between being having something that holds substance, and keeping his cool demeanor. If you’re a fan of artists like Kendrick Lamar, check out Shaheed404 now. (https://www.shaheed404.com/)
