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/)
Stranga The Great comes straight to you from Fayetteville, North Carolina and brings along a lot of skills. “Bonkers” comes out of the gate with a wild force and then it settles into its groove just right. Ford Tough came through for his boy by doing his thing producing and putting a good spin on “Crime Scene Ugly.” One of the best to roll out of Stranga The Great is “Mayback Massacre.” It is like a mixture of the intellectuality of Common and the streets of gangsta’ rap. That best of mentality continues as “Time Is Money” comes through with a fresh vibe, and as you’re getting comfortable with that…You can hop on and enjoy “The Highway” well. If you’re into music that’s like Redman and Pharoah Monche, check out Stranga The Great. (https://www.reverbnation.com/strangathegreat)
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/)
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)
ATM is an emcee who with a lot under his belt who just wants you to dig in. “Macho Man” starts out with a conversation, but then drops into a song that has a beat like an old school track, but the lyrics come through with a modern likeness to it. His vocals are great and never let you down. Then you have “Last One” featuring Kallay and Rasta Kelly. It starts with this almost reggae feel but then that quickly dies down and it has a very hip hop feel that is strong. You can live out your fantasies with ATM and Dame Vegas’ “Hit the Lotto,” while adopting “Player of the Year” as your own - if you feel you deserve that title. “Lotto” sounds like a darker, less radio friendly Ludacris. ATM brings forth a force to be reckoned with his music and it’s great for those who like hip hop that’s harder than most. (https://www.yungatm.com/)
