Hip Hop

The Roots, JAy-Z, Beastie Boys

Hi-Rez: Lost Time [Mixtape]

Hi-Rez propels a new breed of hip-hop experience in Lost Time. In this 13-track mixtape, the 18-year old artist caters to a variety of musical palette as he blazes his notes in all the right places. Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, what makes Rez different from the large population of Southern swag rappers is his focus on smooth hip-hop rhymes that do not bombard the ears, but simply sails in a gentle cooing manner. This unique approach in rap music proves successful as he currently holds the record for the most downloaded mixtape by any unsigned artist out of South Florida.

The Black Sunn: Born Alone, Die Alone

Born Alone, Die Alone is a 2009 album from Florida-based rapper and musician, The Black Sunn. Produced by Mydus, the album contains 15 jammin' tracks that show off catchy beats and great lyrical poetry. According to the emcee, he wanted "to show the world that Baltimore has a voice that’s more than just drug dealing and murder..." He adds, "some people may not like that but I’m not one to hold back what I gotta say."

Colours of Melancholia

Colours of Melancholia is the one-man project of Berlin based musician, Sebastian. It's an album that leaves you great window seats to the artist's sonic exploration. Initially influenced by heavy metal, rock and punk; Sebastian says he's always been fascinated in sampling as well as experimental types of production. This interest then led to this self-titled debut record. The compilation is a lush landscape of sound; showcasing great use of beats, samples and synths to create a pleasing album worth noting.

Shellee Shae: Me vs Me

Loose your feat on the dance floor with Shellee Shae's 2011 release Me vs Me. In this 12-track album, the Boston rapper gives us a rich slice of hiphop and r&b heaven. Ladies Night opens up the album with heay tumping beats and layered rhytmic vocals. Shellee's powerful voice showcase his imperial command of her chosen musical genre.

Nation Ruckus: The Pre-Tape

Gotta admit, how many hip hop rap groups do you know from Canada? If you answered one or two or maybe none, then here's a great act to check out: Nation Ruckus. The trio is a hip hop collective made up of "rapper Milk-E Fresh, beat-maker Quality and DJ WiM." Taking a cue from groups like The Beastie Boys, Outkast and even The Roots; the boys spin their own rhymes while creating luscious and catchy beats that anyone can enjoy. The Pre-Tape contains 11-tracks that serve as a prelude to their upcoming album. It's available for free and meant for anyone interested in checking out their sound.

Atupa: QuatribaRap

You don't really need to know a particular language in order to enjoy music. As trite as it sounds, music is a universal language. It communicates through emotions and sounds. Atupa's sound is one such example of music transcending the barriers of language. Even if you don't understand a shred of what the boys are rapping about, you're still in for a good listen. QuatribaRap was released last July 2012 and it's currently offered absolutely free over at the group's BandCamp page.

Clear Soul Forces: Detroit Revolution(s)

Paying homage to old-school hip hop; expect to find a lot of smooth beats, expert rhymes and a laid-back atmosphere when you listen to Clear Soul Forces. The four piece crew is composed of L.A.Z., Ilajide, Noveliss and E-Fav. They first got together back in 2009 on a chance studio encounter and since then, the foursome have been recording and releasing various mixes, singles and compilations. Detroit Revolution serves as their debut LP and it's definitely something. Filled with solid rap skills and a catchy vibe; this is worth the check out.

Fifty Grand: Fifty Grand

Fifty Grand's music can be best described as experimental dark electronic drone. The person behind the sound is Emily Onofrio, aka Fifty Grand. This is one of several records Aural Sects has released for their 2012 roster. Auralsects is a netlabel that works with independent artists in different departments of electronic music, from "dance, electro, pop, ambient, witch, juke, noise and anything we find compelling," according to the collective.