Skittles isn’t just a rapper, but a singer and performer. “The Best Song Ever” isn’t a cover of that One Direction chart topper, but you’ll soon forget that pop tune once this one enters your life. It comes at you like a shark attack - fast and unexpected. With “Nobody Ever Gives a Fuck” the intro definitely doesn’t add up to the f-bomb in the title as it comes across like an elegant piece on piano. Then when he drops that first line, things align. “She’s Not a Virgin Mary” didn’t really stick out like the rock infused “Something Bad You’ve Made” did. It samples a Linkin Park track from their first, and best, album “Hybrid Theory.” This one gets an A+, as does the other rock infused “I Can’t Find a Reason.” Much like the thought that ran through my head with the first track, I was like…Is this “Delilah” a cover of that Plain White Ts’ track? It isn’t and it proves to be good on its own path. If you like rappers who can rock it out and sing about, check out Skittles now. (https://soundcloud.com/skittles28)
’s “Hot Potato” is a play on the classic children’s game with the hook “drop it like it’s hot.” It’s a clever play on words and the music makes you want to well, drop it. It kind of reminds me of something the Ying Yang twins might put out. It has a similar feel to their chilled hits while still keeping that swag factor. If you need a new club hit to keep the party flowing when you still want to move it but not too much - head towards P.GWOPO “Hot Potato.” (https://soundcloud.com/mehden-ave/p-gwopo-hot-potato-prod-by)
When it comes to keeping it real Coinz does it right. “The Vow” is a promise to himself to keep on keeping on no matter what happens. This past year one of the most said phrases has been “Let It Go” thanks to Disney’s powerhouse hit “Frozen.” Well thankfully Coinz song by the same name is not a version of that - because all these months later, I for one am over that princess track. So his version was welcomed with wide arms. J. Floyd steps in to take “I’m On It” to the next level. It’s a chilled track that does a great job at doing the job just right. Then things pick up a little with “Got a Problem.” Then you have a song of celebration on making it to where they are in life, “Bottles” featuring King Cashes. It’s one of those feel good tracks that make you have a sense of pride if you can relate. If you like your hip hop with a sense of humanity then check out Coinz today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/coinzmusic)
Phokus might sound hard as nails, but he’s a good guy and an even better emcee. Well, when it comes to Phokus’ newest - “Oh Well” has this old school feel to it with the soulful element heard throughout that adds a sense of maturity to the song. Then you have “Smiling Faces” which he claims is for all the emcees out there. It comes through like a hardcore freestyle and raw. A few years ago he released some other must-listens like the catchy “Back at It Again” and the smooth city ways of “Time to Let You Know.” That one sounds like a night out in the Big Apple but mixed with the hip hop feel of the streets. So uptown meets downtown. His oldest track you’ll find is the positive message of “Keep Shinin.” That one is just an upbeat lesson in life set to song. So if you like hip hop that has good vibes but still keeps it hustling, check out Phokus. (https://www.youtube.com/user/MrPhokus/videos)
Canary Kaine is one smooth operator. “Street Love” has a cool laid back feel to it and has a great hook in it. The verses are laid out a little faster than the chorus, but it adds a dynamic. “Her Addiction” is like an R&B track with some swag attached. Then you have “Let Her See It” which is another slow hip hop track - more sensual than anything. Plus, the video really adds a stimulating visual to the lyrics. Things pick up a bit once ladies are the subject matter with “King Shit.” Then we get back to sexy with “Fire.” A good one to wrap things up with Canary Kaine is “Ladies Night.” It seems like that’s the case with this guys life seven days a week. So can we assume this is his anthem? While we say yes to that, you should check out Canary Kaine if you’re into hip hop that’s chilled with a side of seduction. (https://www.facebook.com/khirykaine)
Samattick is a fresh emcee that’s all about keeping it cool. N.i. hops on “Dear Diary” and both bring it with the swag and even a Bob Barker shout out. Only they could make that dude sound street. One perfect for this time of year is rightfully titled “Summertime.” It sounds like something you’d hear with Brooklyn summer days as the backdrop; hydrants getting turnt up. “FML” is a song all of us can connect to because we’ve all been there saying that statement at one point in our lives. What I liked about “Ciggs and Vapors” was that it was a bit quirky like Childish Gambino. Then he gets that street mentality back with “Gangsta.” We’ll end where we started with one from Samattick and N.i. “What You Know.” It’s hype and comes for you from the second you hit play. So watch out and check out Samattick if you’re into the new school of hip hop coming out. (https://soundcloud.com/Beast2893)
SBX2A comes straight to you from the big PA. “Not Around Here” is a quick one. It’s hard to really grasp it and only those with a special skill set will be able to actually rap along to it. Things slow down as far as pace is concerned with “Reflections.” It is a great song even though it doesn’t come at you at Outkast speeds. “My Energy” is like the middle child between those last two. It comes a little faster but not like a cheetah but packs a healthy punch. It was short and sweet, but “Close UR Eyes” is more a slow jam from SBX2A. I thought “Honey Love” would be a tinder love song, but it was quick and hype. That same hype thing can be said of some that follow like “P’s Font” and “No Matter How Hard.” That one actually sounds like a pop crossover hit right there. All in all though if you’re a fan of well versed emcees, then you will dig what SBX2A has in store. So make sure to make time for SBX2A today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/sbx2a)
Chipz Vuitton shows off his southern ways with his feel good music. “Shake Dat Ass For Me” definitely has the southern charm. Even when he’s telling you to shake it, it comes across great. It’s a hype track that will get you moving for sure. Then you have “She Gone Make It.” This one slows it down, and showcases a more demure side of Chipz Vuitton. Then we round it out with “Emotional.” This one has the best beat of the three and has this little hook that will get stuck in the heads of anyone who listens. Like the previous, this one isn’t as abrasive as the first but it’s still a good time. If you’re into that hip hop that’s designed to make listeners move in the club, check out Chipz Vuitton now. (https://soundcloud.com/chipzsavealot)
C-Blaque’s an emcee who gets to the point fast. “Made To Sin” starts off right away with a pop. The energy is fresh and there is never a dull moment with it. With “It Ain’t Workin” you get this hype track that guys will love as their breakup anthem. He gets some help from Young Rocc on “Nothing Bout Me” and together those two produce a track that is unstoppable. If you thought C-Blaque was a force alone, add someone else and the possibilities are endless. One that was really good was “Chase Galloway.” It wasn’t quirky like Childish Gambino, but it had that anger behind it. We’ll cap this off with “Pop A Molly.” This one will make you blush if you’re not open about certain things, but if you’re down for whatever you’ll have fun singing along to this easy to read one. If you’re a fan of youthful hip hop with a backbone, check out C-Blaque’s music today. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSmPcIC9mtD0aDXxcYNm5Q/videos)
C Money makes his presence known and that’s a cold heart fact. Having never been down south, I have to assume that New Orleans is non-stop energy thanks to C Money’s “New Orleans Bounce Music.” That energy keeps on trucking through “He Ain’t Like That” but then things slow down unexpectedly and get soft for “New Girl.” This one showcases the sensitive side of the emcee. One of the most annoying things people can do is think they understand what you are going through, that’s why “You Don’t Know My Struggle” resonates as a universal track. We’ll end this with his most in your face and upfront track, “Ready to Go Off.” This is the icing on the cake, the cream of the crop. You feel like you cannot mess with this guy after hearing his aggression and passion in this one. If you’re a fan of hip hop that comes across as raw - check out C Money. (https://soundcloud.com/thomas-short-2)
Banga Roye’s “Bout Nothin” featuring RoZe and Kay Mula is all about not really caring about nothing and not letting things get to you. It’s a strong track that showcases the skills of each artist great. It sounds like something you’d hear on the top stations already. These underground artists are ones to watch, especially Banga Roye who helps hold the track together and comes through the hardest and is never not on point. So if you’re in the mood for hip hop that won’t disappoint, check out the latest from Banga Roye, RoZe and Kay Mula, “Bout Nothin.’” (https://www.bangaroye.com/)
True Mula’s “With Success Come Envy” is a great hip hop mixtape that gets it right from point A to point B. “Stay Fly” comes across fresh and really has a good flow throughout. It can’t touch the start of “Find Away” though. That one captures your attention from the start with that chipmunk hook. That is the one to attach yourself to first when listening to this record; for sure. You can also be in tune with “There For You.” True Mula does a good job at making sure the feminine touch is audibly addicting. This is more of a slow jam and does a great job at keeping you interested from start to finish. I’ve never been to New York, but from what I do know about it, “New York” is a good representation of the Big Apple. It’s about chasing a dream there and is very energetic. That’s good for the city that never sleeps, right? True Mula is a true blue emcee that really engages listeners with great tactics, rhymes and beats. So if you want to get in touch with him before he blows up, check him and his mixtape “With Success Come Envy” out sooner than later. (https://www.datpiff.com/True-Mula-With-Success-Come-Envy-mixtape.631370.html)
