Old/New Rap & Soft/Hard Rap & Hip-hop
Crucial is young and refreshing rap artist from my local town PVD. His vibe is very easily urban contemporary: a combination of Usher’s r&b voice and Drake’s rapping rhythmics. Also, notable diversity and remixes in his tracks makes his mixtape, LISTEN, worth a thorough listen. Here are my two favorites:
Sonshine
Running Away
Another White rapper done it again! This track is a trippy, old school, underground, hip-hop and rap gem . If you ever wondered what a xylophone, crisp rapping, and beat beds sound like all together, then check this charming anomaly out.
Brawl
Throw back to a timeless hip-hop hit by young West featuring Syleena Johnson.
It All Falls Down
If you like the Weeknd, you will be very confused to discover that this track does not belong to them. Without is a beautiful and sensual hip-hop and r&b song by Shy Girls, a super cool guy who knows how to make music that will make you want to glide. The characteristics of his work, including, falsetto, synthesizing, light dub, 120s BPM composition is becoming quite popular nowadays.
Without
This band is everything. Paper Tiger even captures attention with short 20-30 second tracks in their album Me Have Fun. This band encapsulates a wide variety of genre hallmarks. Traces of r&b/soul, hip-hop, jazz, disco, synth-pop, psychedelic rock, and electronic music reveal the complexity of Paper Tiger’s work. Although timeless, this music reflects the rise of original genres that have continued to transform with time and experimentation. Here are two of my favorites:
Habiscus
Hugo
Been Hiding by Bi-Polar Bear showcases traditional rap/hip-hop and pop characteristics that include crisp sounds, remix, and a little playful hook. This is definitely a sway-inducing, summer song. If you’re suffering withdrawal from sunny, warm weather then take a listen to these guys.
Been Hiding
Discovered by the lovely Mark Ronson, Wale rose to fame as an awesomely unique rapper. Listen to 90210, a chill and stylish rap/hip-hop tune with entertaining lyrics about Beverly Hill chicks.
Outasight mixes pop and rap/hip-hop accents into some kickin’ sing-a-long songs like So What. If you like artists like Hoodie Allen and Mac Miller, this should be up your alley, heavier on the pop side.
This guy is really off the radar, but let me tell you…his song, Too Much On My Mind, is a catch. The beats and music bed for this rap/hip-hop track is what truly makes DOME an awesome artist to keep an eye on. Follow and support this talent by checking out his full album. Besides, you get a free download of the track on his SoundCloud.
Here’s the link:
On Cue’s Feel Tall is another great mix of rap, hip-hop, pop and techno-like accents. I especially enjoy the beginning. It reminds me of something extraterrestrial.
YUM 