Like many up-and-comers  featured in The Source’s hidden gems profiles, Andrew Howard has always been enamored by the rap game. Known on the stage at Lihtz Kamraz, he fell in love with hip-hop at 5 years old when he’d put on a show in front of family.

Now 22 years of age, the unsigned artist has continued to pursue his passion by putting out fresh hip hop content. In 2012, Lihtz Kamraz was nominated “Best New Male Philly Hip Hop Artist” at the Philly Hip Hop Awards and has been opening concerts for Philly’s hometown favorite Gillie Da Kid and Tone Trump at the Theater of Living Arts.

Check Out One of His Newer Tracks

Last fall, Lihtz released his debut mixtape I Exist. The mixtape featured some of Philly’s rising stars such as Young Savage, Young Sam, and Black Deniro. Lihtz’s single City Of Dreams was a tribute to the City of Brotherly Love and features Philly’s own Gillie Da Kid.

Lihtz Kamraz is finishing up his sophomore mixtape,  Feel My Self scheduled to drop in May.

Check out his Worst Behavior Freestyle:

http://youtu.be/AlKCWBWqGFY

Lihtz Kamraz caught up with The Source and shined his light on his world:

The Source: Why do they call you Lihtz Kamraz?

Lihtz Kamraz: Because my objective is to offer light (Lihtz) or hope for the less fortunate, in the same process of making music with a message.

The Source: What is it about rap that gets you happy?

Lihtz Kamraz: I get the most joy in rap wen I try something new. With music for me it’s all about being creative, so when I find a new sound or feel I get excited.

The Source: Who in rap inspires you?

Lihtz Kamraz: For as long as I can remember Hov has been my biggest inspiration as far as rap goes. To stay relevant for nearly 20 years while reinventing yourself—but not changing your identity is completely is unheard of.

The Source: Tell us about your crew.

Lihtz Kamraz: My team is Fanatick Family. Pretty much, we rep loyalty over everything. When you look at all the great teams that fell apart, it was because of a lack of discipline, communication and loyalty. We’re just staying genuine to ourselves and each other

The Source: Tell us about your mixtape dropping in May.

Lihtz Kamraz: Right now, I’m working on my sophomore mixtape titled Feel My Self Vol 1. It’s by DJ Ace McClowd and DJ Amir. The project consist of some of Philly’s legends and upcoming artists and the mixtape will be released in May.

No doubt, Meek Mill has Philadelphia on lock. But Lihtz’s project has stirred up a lot of local attention in a city searching for its next star. Make sure to check out more of Lihtz Kamraz work on his Soundcloud Page HERE Follow him on Twitter @LKA2.