The gunk and grime of 90’s East Coast will cake up on the edge of your speakers after only the first few seconds of rapper, P-Wize the Emcee’s, “Real Life”. Seasoned by almost-cathedral instrumentation, and sparkling, soul-sampled vocals, the gritty verse of out Asbury, New Jersey native splits the mix, announcing himself and that he has a “Story to tell.” Not long after that announcement, a series of snares snap through, before the roll of boom-bap drums and a muddy bassline immediately landslide the entire orchestration. And the emcee’s story beautifully commences. 
With a microphone stolen straight from the coffin of Golden Age Hip-Hop, P-Wize raps his heart onto his sleeve. It is not simply the sonics of the song that will blast you back to the 90s; but likewise, the messages within in the man’s lyrics. “You see the god inside of all of us—“ is just one of the myriad, knowledgable bars he unleashes, displaying that excellent Five-Percenter enlightenment so many others had, as well, in the previous century of rap. Armed with wordplay, lyricism and a filthy, yet passionate deliverance, P-Wize welcomes us all into his “Real Life”. If you love the spirit of 90’s Hip-Hop, its an event you won’t want to miss.


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The disappearance of cliques such as Three Six Mafia, UGK, and 8Ball & MJG left unpredicted fissures in the rap game. Ever since that Southern domination of so many years ago, mainstream Hip-Hop has been missing something. Missing that raw, boondock bounce that had so many clubs rocking and Cadillac speakers knocking. Although, a return to form is indeed brewing in Memphis; none is as encapsulating as new-age rapper, Kreep. Through his new album, “Sorry, I’m Late”, loaded with 13 hot records, the Alabama native fills a void we should have never created, in the first place. Because, by the end of this opus, it’s crystal clear why that era of Southern Hip-Hop was one of its greatest: its rawness and honesty. There’s a preternatural darkness hugging many corners of the album, where flexing and bragging have no place; and only Kreep’s truth can illuminate. Laced by the most quintessential, country 808s; our Heart of the Dixie rapper will lyrically pull you into his real life. He bounces across tracks such as “Actin’ Up II”, “Fiya”, “Don’t Count Me Out”, “Emotions”, “Realest Illest”, “Bout Dat Life” and “Drell’s Tale” with a nostalgic, Three Six-esque cadence, fully disclosing the griminess of his environment and circumstances. 




Although, Kreep defines himself as a new-age artist; he does not conform to that paradigm. He shows in multiple moments of this project, that he would rather his audience have something honest and real, ripped straight from his own trials and tribulations, to relate to; instead of flaunt money or drugs like everyone else. Personal favorites on this album have to be, “My Girlfriend” and “Bout Dat Life”. The former for its irresistible, vintage sample, strong 808s and impeccable story; and the latter for its pure, late-90s aesthetic. If you are a fan of early, organic Southern Hip-Hop, this album is worth every second of your listen. The Heart of the Dixie is pumping once again; and Kreep is the one to thank. 



“SORRY, IM LATE” Stream/Download 





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Compton rapper, Mondoe, leaves no one behind and nothing to be desired on his new album, “Now Eyez On Me”. From the seeds planted by NWA and Death Row, then watered by the Kendrick Lamar and his TDE outfit, Mondoe is growing his own tree of hometown glory. And from its fruit, he’s making sure everybody around him eats. For, “Now Eyes On Me” is loaded with guest features; all to which Mondoe perfectly plays host. He is the nucleus of every record, with each sonic and lyrical visitor orbiting smoothly around him. As the cover suggests, this album is a strong ode to his musical inspirations and forefathers; whose spirits fly vibrantly throughout each and every tune. The ghost of Tupac Shakur moves like a poltergeist through his intro-vocals on tracks such as “The City”, ft. A1krashin, and title track, “Now Eyez On Me”. Every other track, albeit seasoned with strong, trap instrumentation, hardly abandon his Californian pride. Whether by synth or bassline, each joint furthers the legacy of that West Coast G-Funk he knows so well. A duo of my favorite records from this album happen to be “Temptation” (ft. Yondo & Iman), and “Money Calling” (ft. Fred Nice). These tracks bolster powerful R&B inflections, and showcase a different aspect of the Los Angeles rapper. Where “Temptation” is slow-burning and risque; “Money Calling” holds an colorful, infallible, club-ready bounce. Through these alternate dimensions of his album, Mondoe displays the diverse influence of his town. “Now Eyez On Me” is his California celebration, full of powerful, radio-ready bangers; showing that the city of Compton will, sooner than later, have a heir to their musical throne.


“NOW EYEZ ON ME” Stream/Download: 



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It is seldom that you find a creative who simply knows how to fit things together. One who can select from a diverse range of art, and put together his own unique masterpiece. Such an artist can be found in DJ Nomis, and his recent single, “Girls Are No Fun” is the epitome of that talent. The track pulls from Youtube for its musical, Bruferr Beatz-produced instrumental; Post Malone’s record “I Fall Apart” for its chorus, and is fulfilled by DJ Nomis’s own verses. The Suffern, NY creative whirls about in his own melodic world on the record; slipping between deliveries and flows at his distinct leisure. Post Malone glides in near the tail end of the record with his own autotuned verse, stemming from the aforementioned “Stoney” cut, and such adds a beautiful, finishing touch to the anthem. “Girls Are No Fun” is a powerhouse, built brick by brick by DJ Normis. Throw this single in the right club/festival mix; and the crowd’s certain to detonate. 




“Girls Are No Fun ft. Post Malone [Concept]” 




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Canada continues to churn out elite artists and Ontario's own CiVIK is the latest example of just how much talent is coming out of the provinces. "Let Go The Ghetto" is a unique blend of well-written raps mixed with a melodic delivery that makes it very digestible and light on the ears. The instrumental is reminiscent of 90's hip-hop and CiVIK's narrative is also very golden-era in the sense that the focus is storytelling and life experiences. "Let Go The Ghetto" is packaged with a music video that captures the vivid imagery and storytelling in CiVIK's lyrics. The visual uses everything from reenactments to animations to get the message across and CiVIKs creativity as a visual artist is on full display to go along with his exceptional ability as a recording artist. Check out "Let Go The Ghetto" below. 
Listen to Nto Speedy float on his latest single "D Squared" where he provides an assortment of flows, cadences and melodies that are sure to catch your ear. Speedy represents Baltimore, Maryland which is a city infamous for violence and poverty but "D Squared" focuses on the lavishness of Speedy's lifestyle as he flexes the fact that he's beating the odds and making it in this game. Fashion is an integral aspect of hip-hop in 2018 and Speedy clearly has a pulse on the climate of that industry by referencing his favorite designers and how they all contribute to his unique style. Check out "D Squared" below and look out for more gems coming from Nto Speedy coming soon. 


It was once said that stars are born and not made. It has also been said that they are born everyday, so it wouldnt surprise me if a little favor has been shown to the home of the Hollywood Stars. One listen to L.A.'s own, Hollywood Mac and you can tell he was born to be a star. Mac, who recieved his nickname in high school is dropping his debut solo single "Hundo." The L.A. emcee hops on the speaker quaking, infectious head banger effortlessly spitting bars of gold, all while keeping the club moving. 


Hollywood Mac ironically spent years running a club before stepping to the mic and exercising his natural gift. Mac is the son of two musicians(father is a drummer, mother is a singer), it was inevitable that he would one day make dope music of his own. Keep an wye out for what Hollywood Mac has in store and while you wait, play "Hundo" that many times. Enjoy “Get Away” and join Hollywood Mac's growing movement today!




“HUNDO” Stream/Download:


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