When it comes to a great label, you have to have a lot going on for people to be interested and to make a name for yourself. That’s the mission Zobe Records completes. Artists like Kenn Retro holds it down with his Chris Brown like ways in “Holding It Down” and the more hip hop “Do My Thing.” Then they also have the rapid fire Staccato who really doesn’t mess around when it comes to rhymes. He’s like a speed racer and someone who can’t be caught on the mic. Don’t be mistaken though, it’s not a boys’ club at Zobe. They have some great female artists on the roster like Kayisha and Liana who’s single “Sometimes I” is a sweet mixture of pop and R&B. If you’re a fan of well made music, check out what Zobe Records is putting out in the music sphere today. (https://www.zoberecords.com/)
Tae Zu knows his way around a beat and that’s the truth. “Two Sides of One Half” comes across as confident. He is a man who knows his way around a rhyme and this showcases that to a tee. With “Troubled Scars” we start off soft with what appears to sound like a classical musical. The piano guides you into something that comes off as serene, and then Tae Zu comes in, but not hard. The beat has a light feel to it. Then with “Who Do You” things take a turn down R&B avenue. We’re back on the hip hop trail with “Point’em Out.” This one really sets the tone for someone who knows the facts of the craft and can do it justice. It has the strongest delivery as well. Closing this one out is “Slicker Guy.” Here Tae Zu gives us his all with a cool beat. He spits the lyrics out in a way that’s easy to follow but dosed in swag. If you’re a fan of artists like Nas, check out Tae Zu today. (https://soundcloud.com/ffep/sets/the-world-of-tae-zu)
Coming straight at you from the big PA, I$O Jyn sounds as New York as they can be. “Lyrical Manslaughter” has this very New York, Jay Z - big sound. It sounds like the video would feature the bright lights of the Big Apple. You can envision that in an instant. Plus, the rhymes flow so naturally, you can’t help but dig in and enjoy. We really started on a high point so heading on from here we’ll see if we can hit that peak position again. “LU BU” comes stronger than the last with rapid lyrics but it’s not the grand finale like the latter. “HopOff” comes across as pure intimidation. With “Suave So Kleen” it sounds like something out of a movie at first. The setup has a lot of drama. Then when things get started it doesn’t pop off like one would expect, but stays subtle. When you boils things down where were started is where the star of I$O Jyn’s tracks sits. It’s rare to hear a song like that from a indie emcee but it’s up there with the big dogs in terms of production, lyrics and overall presentation. If you want a master of his craft, check out I$O Jyn now. (https://soundcloud.com/isojyn)
Dommy has his head in the game and it’s clear that he’s going places. First one out the gate features Hubbs and together the go bold with “Bland.” It really sets the tone for what Dommy is capable as an artist. He puts himself out there and lays out what he’s all about. He continues to put on the table what he’s about and why he’s in the game with “Ambition.” It’s lyrical content is telling while its beat is sickening. With “Pro’s And Cons” we have a bit of icing for this hip hop filled cake. The hook has more edge than a lot of tracks out there and really does the trick. We get a need for speed with “Realization.” Here Dommy spits the rhymes fast and in a frenzy, but it’s still audible. We hit the street in a cool way with “Bi-Polar.” It has a more raw feel than the rest, while still maintaining a sense of cool. Being from Erie, Pennsylvania he should try and hook up with another emcee from that area - I$O Jyn. With that, we’ll sign off so you can sign on and check out Dommy. (https://soundcloud.com/dommy-doo)
Johnny Bones is a skilled emcee who can do his thing as well as flip the script on some remixes. “Face Down” is the North Star of this rapper’s journey. It’s the point of interest that all his listeners will head towards. It’s well-rounded in the fact that it has a great beat, a steady flow, and sick rhymes. With “Relations” things are turned down a bit but it’s a smooth, and cool song that grabs your attention with its attention to detail. Then we get hype again in the delivery department with “Turn Up.” Johnny Bones comes at you with rapid fire lyrics. When it comes to what’s radio ready, you wouldn’t hear “Get Smoked” on your local dial any time soon just because of the explicit wording, but cleaned up it could be a weekly smash on the FM waves. Today there isn’t anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with Coco, but with Bones’ remix, he’s sure to get anyone who has yet to be engulfed in this track. He also has a sweet remix of “Yayo” that’s worth checking out as well. Whether he’s doing originals or remixing, one thing’s for sure - Johnny Bones has got the skills mastered, so stop wasting anymore time and check him out now. (https://www.youtube.com/user/cityboibones/videos)
Deezy Fresh is an emcee who does things his way or no way at all. “On Shight” has a great beat but when it comes to the delivery, it could be a bit stronger. It’s a bit all over the place. With “Boo Thang” things are slowed down at the start and it’s far from a love song between people. It’s for those who aren’t ready to be tied down by love, but are all about that baller life. When it comes to “Bob Marley,” it would’ve been expected to hear a reggae beat, so it was surprising when that’s not what came out when “play” was pressed. At this point in the listening experience with Deezy Fresh, “Real Nigga” is one of the best. It’s slow paced but it seems to be the best representation of what he’s all about as an artist. With that said, “Packman” is pretty great too. It’s like a chilled version of Childish Gambino. If you’re a fan of hip hop that plays by its own rules, check out Deezy Fresh today. (https://soundcloud.com/abcfresh)
Marc is all about the money and representing his home base in his slick hip hop tricks. When it comes to money, who wouldn’t want more? Well “Currency Affair” is all about that idea. While it’s a great song - it won’t magically make money appear if your pockets, but it will leave you musically satisfied because it’s got a sick hook and keeps your mind ironically off the dough. With “She Say” we get another great beat, one that really sounds video game-like. It is very light and has a tone that makes you want to move like you’re on the beaches of Miami. Which makes perfect sense because that’s where Marc calls home. Whether you’re in the market for musical money or want to hit the dance floor, this Florida artist is where it’s at. So check out Marc today. (https://soundcloud.com/305_marc)
We’re not sure where Illstreet is in the US, but that’s where Enoch Maddox likes to say he hails from. So sit back and relax, but not too much because this young emcee knows how to take the wheel and go for it. “Life is Like a Freestyle” has a really cool beat to it. It’s not overdone to the point that you’d grow bored of it. It’s very cut and dry, to the point. But that’s what makes it great, that raw appeal of it. With “Urban Cowboy Stories” you get more of a story that captures you and holds tight. The music does nothing more than help that tale glide from his lips to your ears. He gets a little more assertive with “The Imagination of the Invisible Man.” Then he lightens up as we head into “R.I.P. 2014.” Here we don’t get low key or assertive, but a song that could be on the radio yesterday. It’s great in terms of lyrical content and beat. If you’re a fan of artists like Kendrick Lamar, check out Enoch Maddox today. (https://soundcloud.com/celestial87)
Who knew Minnesota had a hip hop scene? Not many, but KidDr1ft is doing what he can to change that. “All In My Head” isn’t what I expected. I thought, this looks like a young kid who’ll act a bit immature in his rhymes. Proven wrong, what came out of this track was a well composed man - not a boy at all. With “Hard to Tell” it got a little too repetitive and wasn’t the best of the bunch. The beat was good but the lyrics fell by the wayside. We come back though with “One Wish.” It’s not the most hype song and not one you’d put on to get a party going - but it has a composure that makes you want to just chill to it with your boys. KidDr1ft also hops on some tracks with his boy Ladell Parks. “Goodbye” takes you for a serious ride with a story at hand while “I Changed” has more of a dramatic feel. If you like hip hop that keeps it mature and classy, check out KidDr1ft now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/kiddr1ft)
The Don knows his way around the rhymes. “Why We Trap” starts and comes off as a surprise. The face doesn’t match what we hear. I was expecting a youthful sound, instead came a man. After knowing we were not dealing with some young buck, at least vocally, it was easier to concentrate and that’s great because “3 Heat.” It sounds a little like what you’d hear from Gorillaz. Which was another unexpected thing, but only at certain parts. Moving on to “Music Made Me,” this is the song that almost every rapper has to do - that one about where they came from or how they came to be. It’s a hip hop necessity. As far as beats go and delivery, “Cradle to Grave” was one of the best. It had a beat that made you want to learn and sing along as soon as possible. Not so much in a pop way, but in a challenge yourself way - like when you want to learn an Outkast song, only The Don doesn’t come at you with those fast as heck Andre 3000 rhymes. Final one up is “World of Change.” Here you have a strong finish. This and “Cradle to Grave” are the money shots of The Don’s game. If you are ready, check him out fast. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtDEsjo78KGC5jqkLuADtOQ/videos)
Hip hop isn’t all about the fast paced lifestyle and Saj Jones is here to prove just that. “Live It Up” starts off with a futuristic tone and overall could be likened to what Drake’s putting out - that smooth rap. That continues as we head down that path with “The Road.” It’s very low key and doesn’t overdo it with the delivery or the beat. It’s all laid out very calmly. Kid Da Great pops up to help out with “Think of You.” With this one we don’t overdo it but Kid does bring more of a Lil Wayne vibe to the table. It’s clear that nothing is ever going to pop off with this guy, but stay a chilled listening session, even when out and about with “Tour Life.” I spoke too soon…”Some how’ somehow managed to surprise me. It was what Saj and listeners needed. It was hyper than the rest and showed a much needed side of this emcee. While the ride with this Zion based rapper is relaxed for the most part - he proves he can play ball fast every once in awhile if you stay tuned. Check Saj Jones, one of the best from the midwest, now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/SAJJONES)
If you want a show that’s packed full of energy, check out Gordy Walbangar. He puts on a show that could be likened to both LMFAO in that it’s all about having a good time, but also hip hoppers like Tyga who bust out those serious rhymes. His stage presence represents someone who already thinks he’s a star so the confidence is there and it very well should be. He’s a professional with the mic and knows his way around it. In just a short amount of time he’s able to make you want more and want it now. If you like hip hop that’s genuine and fun, check out Gordy Walbangar today. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sUmcUeYxOs)
