Ever since I heard this dude’s flow when I spent a little time deep within the New Zealand tags, I’ve been absolutely hooked.
Raiza Biza’s stream of consciousness is on point, beats are smooth, and he’s got just the right amount of soul laced throughout his individual sound. I also love the collaboration with Crime Heat, it just works and deserves some more attention. Keep tabs on Biza, a new project is due out shortly.
If you’re based in the 215 then you certainly understand the underground street art culture that’s deeply rooted within this city. And if you’re a fan, you definitely have heard of Get Up.
A Philly native, Get Up’s work can be seen inside the Electric Factory, along Columbus Blvd., under the El, on hoodies and stickers, or even inside office spaces. This guy is hard at work leaving his stamp all over this city while many of us are asleep at night.
While you’re getting familiar with his wide range of art, tap into his sounds, all wonderful and diverse and better yet; surely to get you moving just in time for the weekend.
Thinking of the island country that calls just east of Australia home, I wasn’t exactly sure what their version of hip-hop would sound like. Seemingly isolated, Auckland’s Raiza Biza proves how far the genre’s reach spans.
In Dream Something, we hear Biza’s lyrical depth, constant collaboration, and skillful song structure. Each track holds a new message and story alongside with different instrumentation and sampling. I really like the diversity, Raiza Biza is definitely someone to keep on your radar.
Listen to the free 12-track LP and catch a video below from TZ Hip Hop to gain a deeper look inside the New Zealander.
I really, really dig this.
Homeboy Sandman’s wordplay levels on insane abilities. Watch the new video for “Illuminati” and fall in love with the emcee’s unreal flow.
I have strong familial roots to one of the smallest countries in the entire world. Landlocked Luxembourg has a po
pulation of less than one million people. Smaller than many of the states in North America, it’s sometimes wondrous to think of an entire country that tiny.
With a day off and slightly ahead of other work, I’m spending some time digging through the musical talent and landscape that this culture has to offer. First up, Spaceboy Aamar, with his elegantly mixed track, “Inspiration.”
It’s quite lovely, really.
Be sure to grab some downloadable music off of his soundcloud page, enjoy.
Mecca:83 and his collaborative crew are in the process of coming up with something brand new for you guys and while working, he had time to round up some of his favorite tracks for a free download.
I’m at the beach this weekend enjoying some rays and the laid-back nature of a seasonal town and this track listing bumps ever so nicely. Kick back and listen to the downtempo beats, nu-jazz flavor, and various samples and remixes all featured in this 12-track compilation.
Fervent flow, fabulous crate-digging samples, and a heavy beat keep Alexis Davis’ newest single alive and well. I’m loving on everything that this trio keeps cooking up, showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Grab their latest, “Look,” and be sure to keep tabs on the gentleman here.
Anyone who can turn Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t That Peculiar” into a heavy hip hop banger is top class in my book.
Oddisee hits our ears by way of Washington D.C., a fantastic breeding ground for artists with the sounds of NYC and the south coming at them from either direction. I’m always curious of people’s suggestions and when I saw L’Orange consistently praise Oddisee, well, I just had to explore.
I instantly became obsessed once I pressed play on his quick remix tape titled Odd Renditions Vol. 001. He captures the perfect amount of a particular track that turns it upside down into something with a hell of a lot of motion, harder and snappier beats, and the perfect amount of original instrumentation. Just listen to the track “Paralyzed” which uses samples of Bon Iver’s “Re: Stacks.”
Listen to the rest of the tape below and be sure to check out his newest release, People Hear What They See. It’s phenomenal.
BONUS: Oddisee lends his production skills to Homeboy Sandman’s new track, “Watchu Want From Me?” There’s just too many good things going on in this song.
I hit you all with the debut Alexis Davis track a short while back and now, they’ve just released their debut EP, 3.
Sure, I love listening to music song by song but there’s something so nice about when an artist/group takes the time to compile a collection of them together. I really enjoy the placement of each track, the flow from the start to finish, the moods evoked, and how you feel at the very end.
The Alexis Davis project is, “Two countries. Two time zones. Three DJ/producers. One MC.” It’s a talented group formed by Mecca:83, Spinnerty, Simon S, and MC Replife. Throughout the EP there’s classy jazz instrumentals with old school samples, flickering keys, and smooth hip hop beats that pull everything together. Taking these four already strong musicians and putting them in the same room is the equivalent of creating a super group. Solid on their own and even more powerful linked together.
Listen to their debut release below and stay tuned to these international gentleman.
Hip hop from all over the world y’all.
Canadian-based Moka Only has been skating along the boundaries of my radar for quite some time now. He’s worked with many different underground artists, big and small, to lay a few lines or help in the production phase. I love his willingness to work with various musicians to create something truly diverse each and every single time.
Check out my round-up of tracks from this legendary artist, who’s released more than 40 albums in his music career so far, and I’m sure, much more to come.
New Season (ft. Ohmega Watts & Moka Only) – The Extremities
Lynn Valley Montage – Moka Only
That’s Luck ft. Moka Only – Nick Wisdom
Good Morning (Feat. Moka Only) – Union
If you want more Moka Only in your life, check out the tag on bandcamp that will keep your listening going for hours. But, also be sure to check out his recent collaboration with the Swiss beatmaker, Chief, here. You can grab a free track from their remix album below.
Mess Around (Elaquent Remix) – Moka Only & Chief
BONUS: Did you know he was briefly in this 90′s one hit wonder?
Right-click and enjoy all.
