We present four projects that are worthy of a spot under your Christmas tree this Wednesday
…and if you don’t celebrate Christmas, I think you understand my sentiment. This week’s #SYLR is a bit different since three of the projects are from the East coast and one is from the Midwest. How did this happen? Well, it seems that the rappers on the East coast kicked into Tom-Brady-4th-quarter mode and put out the highest quality projects to be considered as the end of 2013 approaches. Let’s see what 2014 brings us.
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…
Midwest: Tomorrow Kings – N*gger Rigged Time Machine
I’m sure you immediately want to judge this group based on the project name. But they present themselves and their music in the same light that Lupe (as of late), Black Opera, and other similar minded artists. Every track title speaks to their form of artistry. And at the same time, their lyrics and flows are extremely advanced-to the point that you forget these guys actually have a conscious message. If by the end of listening to the project, you haven’t questioned something in your life or the society that surrounds you, you need to listen again. And this time, turn off the distractions around you.
Akoko is a “female commanded philharmonic dyad” from D.C. is composed of Sloane Amelia & Sugg Savage. This is their debut project and a very impressive one at that. Their flows reminds me of Outkast and their vibes reminds me of no one else, which is a good thing. Forget comparing them to other female emcees, you should be starting with your favorite emcees. Their versatility in not just subject matter, production, and flows are clear. We can only hope they stay as vibrant on their next project.
East: Isaiah The 3rd – Mad Men
This Brooklyn emcee has been one of the most slept on artists I can name right now. Isaiah has carefully created a manga persona for himself as a thief. But unlike in most movies, you get to become very familiar with his vulnerable sides and past sins. His off beat flows at time draw you in closer, instead of distract you, as if he’s telling you a story just to you in the midst of a loud party. And you don’t want to miss any stories this young emcee has to tell.
East: Retch – Polo Sporting Goods
I always wondered if rappers fought as well as they claim to in their raps. Hopefully I won’t have to find out about Retch, first hand. Chicago producer, Thelonious Martin, and New Jersey emcee, Retch (1/2 of H’z), captured the rawness of boom bap on this one. This that type of Hip-Hop that you gets you motivated, sitting in your freezing car on a Monday morning, and waiting for the engine to warm up. The young’ns and older folks should equally appreciate this one.
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)
