Elbee Thrie - Possessed (Video)

This might be the illest I've seen in a minute. Elbee Thrie definitely has a flow more reminiscent of the 1990's than the present, and that combined with his slick, organic production has him drawing comparisions to A Tribe Called Quest left and right. I won't go that far yet, but I will say that if you just listen to the track, it does not sound like something made in this modern age. I'm not sure what Elbee is gonna evolve into yet, but I'm definitely gonna be watching to find out.

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Rapsody - The Black Mamba (FreeP)

Rapsody, a.k.a. Rap Diddy, a.k.a. The Queen of JAMLA records is back with a quickstrike release. Potent lyrics, with production by 9th Wonder, Eric G, & Khrysis? A 90's R&B sample? A basketball-themed project? All dope- if only it wasn't a tribute to the most hated player in the game.  Despite this, I'll still vouch for this project off of the lyrical potency that this talented emcee brings to the table on every track.

Previously: Rapsody Interview With Artistic Manifesto

Click "read more" for the tracklist and purchase link.

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Georgia Anne Muldrow - Husfriend

Madlib provides the most crispety & crunchety treat next to a Butterfinger in the form of this instrumental, which Georgia Anne Muldrow slowly seduces into submission. Is a "Husfriend" like a combination of a husband and a friend? That's the impression I get from the chorus, which proclaims that Everything I want is here, all is perfectly clear. It seems Ms. Muldrow is celebrating the discovery of her ideal mate. Did she really whisper "Swag" on the chorus though? Yea, we heard you...

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Era Hardaway - SlightlyHyped (Mixtape)

We are very proud to bring you the latest release from young and talented emcee Era Hardaway, entitled Slightly Hyped. The suspense has been built through the release of his weekly #Hardaway16's, and now the final product is upon us. Hardaway is a member of the label Lost Artistry, which intends to bring back a lot of the missing elements in music that have been lost over the years. Era does so in dominant fashion, providing excellent delivery and wordplay, which is supplemented by Lost Artistry guest features and almost entirely original production. If this is slight, then I can't wait to hear the all-out storm.

Click "read more" to see the track list and download.

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Cane - Kelly Kapowski (Video)

Cane donates his intense, laser-like flow to remix the infamous "Rack City." One of the best emcees out when it comes to technique and wordplay, and he even managed to make "Saved by the Bell" relevant again.

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Mikey J & The UK Allstars - Rock The Mic (Video)

Let's step outside of the usual. Recently in my 2012 Hip--Hop Wishlist, I mentioned my desire to see more talented female emcees of impact in the game. The first answer to my prayers came all the way from the United Kingdom. Producer Mikey J provided an edgy beat to be rhymed over, and six hungry emcees did more than their part. Major props to Amplify Dot, Baby Blue, Lioness, RoxXxan, Mz. Bratt, Lady Leshurr, and SoulCulture.

Click "read more" to download the audio.

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J. Cole - Grew Up Fast

What do you get when you mix David Ruffin, a Dream Villain, and 2 Million Twitter Followers? A new track reminiscent of them Warm Up days. Here's Jermaine doing what he does best, being himself.

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Cris Cab ft. Wyclef & Mavado - Rihanna's Gun (Video)

She just shot a man down. Hear it from his perspective. An interesting conceptual song from Miami singer Cris Cab, who is quickly becoming a name to know in the reggae community. The song is bursting with energy from start to finish. The beat seems to switch between genres throughout, providing for an entertaining listen that is bound to be repeated.

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Kid Cudi - Dose of Dopeness

"You make songs about some new dances, I make songs about the black man's advancement."

I really dig the combination of Dot Da Genius production and Cudder vocals. His quirky tracks are a perfect mix for hip-hop's oddball singer. This will not be on the upcoming WZRD album, but it gives another reminder of just how dope it should be.

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Spacek – Countdown feat Black Thought, Bahamadia, & Slum Village

First of all, much respect to the folks over at Bama Love Soul for uncovering this treasure from over ten years ago.

"When Spacek's Eve hit the scene in 2000 it signaled a sonic shift on the music scene. The A side featured not only Spacek's electronic, sexy ode but also Jay Dee's boom bap remix that had Jeep's booming sensitivity with Spacek and SV crooning, "I want you, I need you!" The B side got essentially no burn but included a Nwachukwu remix of Eve plus Countdown which featured Black Thought, Bahamadia, & Slum Village sans a Jay Dee verse. Countdown is a posse cut over a more electronic beat than probably any of those involved had rhymed over before. I'd completely forgotten about this. "

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