Crazier than Norman Bates

50 Cent is now a free agent who’s about to start playing for his own team. When I look at it, it took long enough! Curtis has built up a charitable empire in Street Kings and a promotional team along with it (we still remember, Joan Rivers). So what that The Money Team fell apart? I’m sure he’s got plenty of ideas just as ambitious and will be executed more efficiently with better planning. Plus, as a major artist who’s been in the game for long enough and seeing more artists like Mac Miller, Dom Kennedy, Macklemore, and Tech N9ne rise to the top as independent artists, 50 has to be thinking that he can do it too. Well, here’s to those who embody that DIY spirit. Check some of the best doing it now below and UOENO it (remember that song, guys? Me neither.). You know the drill: Sound off on our Twitter (@TheSource). If you can do better yourself, submit a track or video to SYLR@thesource.com.

Vince Staples – “Nate” (Prod. by Scoop DeVille)

Vince drops off the single for his Shyne Coldchain Vol. 2 project about his father. It’s a bit different from the usual, my daddy wasn’t there track. A lot different. By the way, have you seen the production credits for this project?

 
Carmine (feat. Mannie Fresh) – “New” (Prod. by Mannie Fresh & Flight School)

Besides handling Big Tymers rumors, Mannie Fresh has been working with Carmine. We can all expect some more Mannie Fresh beats on Carmine’s For Good project later this year.

 
Drew Godson – “The Appetizer” (Prod. by Pat Streater)

The Brooklyn emcee has some great wordplay in this one. If this is the appetizer, just wait for the main course. Like the motto, guys, just make sure you rap well.

 
Barney Bones – “Retrospect”

Does the evil come out for you, too, with Jeezy on the stereo? Listen to the vintage sounding cut from Barney about this one time with a girl…

 
Frank Leone – “BUMP in the NIGHT” (Pord. by Frank Leone)

We all pray that you don’t experience this kind of bump in the night. Says Frank: “If you’ve been affected by Chicago’s violence, tweet your experience and include #BUMPintheNIGHT, let your voice be heard.” #EnterWILD coming soon.

 
Results – “I Got It” (Prod. by Scott Styles)

If you have to work this weekend and you had this whole thing planned instead, this one’s for you. Get you some results.

 
Joyner Lucas – “That’s Okay” (Prod. by Khep)

Over one of the sicker beats I’ve heard in a while, Joyner shares why he’s so okay with all the negative energy going on around him-the confidence in his music. Along Came Joyner is on its way.

 
Malkovich Music – “Love”

Using Alice Coltrane’s “Love Supreme” as a sample, this Doors-esque beat gives Malkovich an opportunity to explain what love is to him. Pretty accurate.

 
E-Prosounds – “Eeze Out”

Eli Cheddar eases through the rhymes over a rainy day beat perfect to drive to. Off of his Divine Mind project.

 
Swisha-T (feat. Madchild) – “Ballistic”

Step into the Thunderdome with the deadly duo of Swisha and Madchild. The beat makes me think of an eerie throwback to Medieval Times but nothing fake about these threats.

 
Calez – “Positive Energy” (Prod. by Calez & RA Foster)

Take some good vibes with you to go for the weekend. Off of Calez’ upcoming Ceito project.

 
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Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)