If you haven’t noticed, this column is supposed to go up every Monday. In a perfect world, we’d receive four dope projects each week from the four regions of the land of milk and honey. Then we’d present those projects. But we don’t live in a perfect world as evidenced by the temporary discontinuation of the Twinkie. That shouldn’t stop us from striving for perfection. So be sure to tell your best friend who’s the neighborhood’s best kept secret to send us his tape. And if you’re a real friend, tell him to keep working on the tape, if need be, before it’s Source worthy.
In case anyone has this column’s aim twisted, consider being featured on SYLR as the official first step to your endless path to getting to the top of the chain and staying there. Notice how we said, “staying there.” Some artists have been putting in work and have seen relatively minimal hype. This platform was created to spotlight those deserving the attention of industry folk, fans, and everyone in between. Be sure to stay up to date on what’s legit by checking out the four projects below. If you feel differently, we welcome you to prove us otherwise.
Attention all rappers: This weekly post is a call to arms-lyrical arms. If you do this thing called rap, these four projects are four slaps in the face punches to the throat. And no one just takes a punch to the throat without retaliation. Let’s see yours. And for those who were selected already, let’s see where you go from here. The Source is watching…
West: Chuuwee – Cool World
This California emcee has been on my radar for a while now. He’s been putting in the work over the years and collaborating with the right people along the way. For his latest solo project, Chuuwee straightens out your perspectives on what it means to keep it real these days. He’s always worked with a classy feel but this one proves that he’s been coming into his own as of late, improving the wordplay and imagery without necessarily speeding up the rhymes like some emcees are prone to do. You may have to hand of 10 bucks for this one, but then again, what’s the name of this column? Yeah, I thought so.
Midwest: Ishdarr – The Better Life EP
Wisconsin. Yes, Wisconsin. That’s where this 17 year old emcee is coming up with bars that stem from his personal life. The production is mellow and may vibe with the older heads more but nonetheless, the music is refreshing. Let’s just hope he did his homework and actually knows the company he’s putting himself in when he claims to be Unsigned Hype material. Time will tell.
South: Dex Kwasi – African $ex Symbol
Although born in Dallas and raised in Chicago and Oklahoma City, Dex Kwasi has also spent time abroad in Ghana. Many may not be able to point out Ghana on a map but Dex brings some of the native feel from across the Atlantic in his newest project. It features a hybrid production style of African drums and 808s from his alter-ego, N-Dex, as well as multiple other artists like Flying Lotus and Cardo. On top of that, he lets his humorous side shine through with witty lines and metaphors. You can also check out the trippy video for the ultra slowed down “SLANKTime Stretch” interlude.
If you know about Pittsburgh’s Daily Bread clothing store, you should know about Bill. If you didn’t, you’re welcome. As a member of the Most Dope family, Bill is not only a creator of a successful clothing brand but he also crafts multi-syllable rhymes that deserve your attention. He nabs Mac Miller and Ab-Soul for features and I bet they weren’t just done purely out of a favor for a friend. Bill earned them.
Trust me, I listen to every submission. To get your project considered for SYLR, please email the following information to SYLR@thesource.com:
Name
Where you’re representing
Short bio
Streaming link to your project (do not attach any music)
Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)
