We raise you these four projects. What you got?

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: Skeme – Bare With Me

The west coast Duke may have dropped out of the Los Angeles Recording School as an engineer, but he went on to churn out mixtapes that have embodied his own hard body sound. Skeme’s raspy voice has carried him from performing at Paid Dues to the top tier of new talent coming out of California.

Midwest: Vic Mensa – Innanetape

It’s tough to call the next big thing out of Chicago with the wide range of sounds coming out of it. Vic Mensa is doing his best at securing his spot, and he’s not stumbling. After the break up of Kids These Days, the emcee took no time off to start working on this project. It may not sound like your typical rappity rap album at first, but let it sink in and take a close listen to the imagery this kid is spitting.

South: Maxo Kream – Quicc Strikes

Authenticity goes further than you think in this business. It’s what keeps your loyal fans close and keeps the haters at bay. Maxo leads the way for his Kream Clicc with some strong features and stories you couldn’t make up while living in Houston. Don’t even bother locking your doors when Maxo comes to town. Your best bet is downloading the project and mentally preparing yourself for the next wave.

East: Small Professor & Guilty Simpson – Highway Robbery

Sometimes you gotta show love to the producer. Small Professor has been honing his beat making day in and day out, meshing a Detroit Dilla-esque sound and the influences of the gritty, Philly lifestyle. He linked up with none other than Detroit’s Guilty Simpson to deliver 10 tracks of sonic and lyrical beatdowns. Keep all children and the elderly 15 feet back when streaming. And be sure to check out our exclusive interview with the producer.

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
Link to your project (do not attach any music)

Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)