He’s always had a good set of morals and it shows. Se’von is an up and comer who’s going places. “Can’t Live My Life” has this bigger than life feel to it. Not in the way that say a rachet Lil Wayne track does, but rather something along the lines of - let’s just say if Kanye West and Common has a musical baby, it could be that song. This is an emcee who spits lyrical consciousness with songs like “Help Me” and “Weekend Truth.” With a good head on his shoulders and a talent for taking control for the mic, it won’t be long before his name is alongside the likes of the reigning hip hop giants. If you’re a fan of hip hop that has a message, check out Se’von today. (https://soundcloud.com/sevon)
Mac D gives us an attitude driven delivery in this rhymes, but he starts off by giving us “Choices.” It has a lot of clever likes while “Turnt Up” plays like a track you’d want to hear right when you step out for the night and step into the club. We slow it down with “All I Do,” and it’s a nice track to just chill with as you live that hustle life. Speaking of, “Hustlin” rolls on next and the intro sounds like something out of an NBA Jam game. Last up, “Dreams” is an inspiring piece that makes you want to chase your own aspirations. If you’re a fan of Big Sean and Meek Mill, check out Mac D now. (https://soundcloud.com/macd804)
Born in Nashville, Young Wayf has never been bashful with his skills. Now he’s got a few tracks loose and an album to share. “No Way” sounds like the type of song that’d be alongside the new Bieber. It’s got a smooth pop meets R&B feel and you can hear this making itself comfortable on many a playlists. In “Smash or Pass” Wayf slows it down. This one is okay but doesn’t have that same pop as the last. When we get to “Bad Bitches Only” we hear him come back to where we started and it’s a good time once again. If you want to get on what Young Wayf has, you can check out his latest album “Her,” out now. On it you’ll find more than what’s above; a whole crop of other songs like the title track that is more about the hip hop feel, and “She Know,” which has a Drake vibe to it. If you’re a fan of artists like Bieber and Drake, check out Young Wayf today. (https://youngwayf.com/music)
Sweet Honey In the Rock - Love In Evolution
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SweetHoneyInTheRock/
As long as people produce and sell albums, the world should always have a place for a group like Sweet Honey in the Rock. Much has happened in the nine years since the six piece a cappella group’s last studio release - the Iraqi War was in full swing still and President Obama had not yet been elected. Much remains the same, however, and Sweet Honey in the Rock takes up the same concerns they’ve always held with urgency, eloquence, and ample artistic style. It’s that artistic style, however, that’s most crucial to their success. The group’s new album, Love in Evolution, never browbeats, hectors, or cajoles its listeners - instead, for eleven tracks, we’re treated to a virtuosic vocal display, melody after memorable melody, and tastefully assembled support from top shelf musicians without ever feeling like the group is looking to covert or evangelize in any significant way. If they have a cause, and they do, the eleven songs on this album make it abundantly clear that they are fighting and singing for the dignity of the human spirit.
Coming together, the men of Boyz N DA Massis do it up. We open it up with “Booty Flexin’” and it’s one of those songs that would get the party turnt up. It has this chilled beat but at the same time it makes you want to shake it. We hear more of a cohesive group in “Spazz Out.” Here numerous vocals come through and take things to a new level. With “All Bussinezz” you can hear a southern influence. It’s like something that would’ve come out of Juvenile’s camp back in the day. “That All I Know” takes some time to get to business but when it does, it gets things done well. Getting deep, Boyz N DA Massis ask “What’s Life” and bring us some wise answers. If you’re a fan of rap groups that roll big, and have a Southern twist to their sound -check out Boyz N DA Massis now! (https://www.reverbnation.com/BOYZNDAMASSIS)
Coming from Fairbanks, this is a man who is all about serving for the greater good. Our time with Mike Otey starts out with “Stop The Violence.” A PSA of sorts, he takes this opportunity to spread a great message in a time where every other day on the news we’re bombarded with stories of people losing their lives to guns. Flipping the script and heading more towards the traditional hip hop, “Drank In Ya Cup” and “Maker Her Dance” featuring Franchi$e Corleone take us from the soap box and straight to the dance floor. Flipping once again, Mike Otey then goes for some romance with “Treat Her Good.” It’s not everyday you hear a rap song like this and it’s refreshing. While Mike Otey can make you want to hit the club, he also can make you think. He’s a balanced act, so check him out now! (https://soundcloud.com/mike-otey)
Sounding like something from the Harlem Renaissance when it starts, K.o’s “Snakes” welcomes you in with a throwback sound but then takes things into today with his rapid fire rhymes that are mellowed out by the chorus. We don’t get that interesting welcome with “More What They Want.” Instead K.o gets right to the action and starts spitting his take on reality as soon as things get rolling. In “Gone” it’s like he’s coming from a different record as the sound doesn’t really match up stylistically with the other tracks to come before it. Last up, “Tryna Fuck Me Over” let’s us end on a high note. The lighthearted tings really take you away from the subject matter for a second. Then you’re pulled back in as soon as K.o starts laying things out. If you’re a fan of rappers who come hard, check out New York’s K.o. (https://soundcloud.com/kaydoto/tracks)
He starts out slow but gets to it, that’s what you get with RODD CROOK$. “Wiz Khalifa - On My Level” is a chilled track that doesn’t really over do anything at any point. It’s about kicking back, lighting one up and delivering a beat. We get a little more energy from the California emcee with “Pass My Way.” There’s more life to feel in this one compared to the last, making it stand up taller. Speaking of energy, that’s all you get in a mild mannered way with “Nicki Minaj.” You could hear this one’s opening beat being a part of a dance crew’s routine. If you’re a fan of artists like Waka Flocka and Gucci Mane, then you’ll want to check out RODD CROOK$ today. (https://www.jango.com/music/RODD+CROOK+HOODY+ENT?l=0)
Geli Makaveli makes his presence known in a big way right off the bat with “Crown Royal with Cheese.” He’s got this captivating way with words and along with the beat, it’s quite invigorating. Being from the Golden State, this emcee goes in on with and shows his love while flying his flag high in “California Player.” In “Camel Crush” he continues on his laid back path. It’s clear that when it comes to laying down rhymes, this emcee doesn’t have to hit you with the hoots and whistles. His power sits within the confines of fine lines and chilled demeanors. If that’s how you like your rhymes, check out Geli Makaveli today. (https://soundcloud.com/gelimakaveli94)
When you want things to start and never stop, dive into Shawty Wee’s latest mixtape, “Da Re-Up.” It comes at you fast with the first track, “Just Cooling.” There’s nothing chill about this track. It’s an intense look at the emcee’s start and what he’s all about today. Speaking about what he’s all about…”All Bout Money” is a throwback to when rap started to be about the Benjamins, but it has this modern sound to it. In “Dice Game” Shawty sets things up for a party vibe, but it actually remains a laid back trip through the end. Rolling into “My Dayz” we hear a maturation of the rhymes. It goes from the money and the streets to something with a little more substance. If you’re a fan of artists like Lil Wayne and Tyga, check out Shawty Wee’s latest, “Da Re-Up,” out now. (https://www.datpiff.com/SHAWTY-WEE-Da-Re-up-mixtape.744956.html)
Kaper is back with a new track and it’s a good one. “B.I.B.L.E” is the name and it means, “basic instructions before leaving earth.” With that, you know that this is a song coming from a gospel background, but overall - this is full on hip hop. Actually, you could find it crossing over because it sounds like something you’d hear alongside T.I. on the radio. If you’re a fan of hip hop that comes from a deeper place than the rest, check out Kaper’s new one, “B.I.B.L.E,” out now. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kaper4)
When you read about a Christian rapper, you really don’t know what to expect and that was the case with Ga’briel. He’s got this aggression to him that makes you stand with your full attention to him. This is especially true with “Blessings Came Out.” It’s this dynamic track that takes you for a ride and is top notch. With “On My Own” he’s joined by Brittany Friday. On this one, the emcee doesn’t let up but the sound is soothed by the presence of his friend. That energy level is still high, ironically with “Fly High.” It’s clear that when it comes to Christian rap, things have changed from when it first emerged and it sounds more mainstream than anything, but has lyrics that make you think. Check out Ga’briel now if you’re into hearing some great music, from a talented emcee. Regardless of your beliefs, this is great stuff. (https://www.gabrielcartermusic.com/)
