It’s been about a month since our last SYLR post. We’ve been getting decent submissions for singles and video but project have been a whole different game. Don’t get us wrong. We’ve been sitting on a couple dope projects but we wanted to wait to give you four quality ones at once, keeping true to the four region set up from the original post. So we appreciate all of the submissions and your patience. And don’t forget to reply to our tweet (@TheSource) so we can hear your opinions on the projects.
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: Vince Staples – Shyne Coldchain Vol. 2
The Cutthroat Boyz emcee is a street poet in his own right. Growing up around gang culture in Long Beach, Vince had to grow up quickly and hold his own at a young age. He couldn’t care less if you listen to his story or not because he’s confident only those who are just as real as he will gravitate towards it regardless. His relationship with NO ID has helped him shared his tough life experience and we’re sure he’ll only get better from here. They may as well as this to the syllabus for college courses on modern Sociology.
Using some inspiration from the 90′s, the Kansas City artist gives us his debut project that will also stand on its own in time (the title can also be read as “Nineteen Ninety Never”). His stories draw specifically from the streets of Kansas City but you may relate to more you thought when you feel his emotions. There’s a lot of pain on this tape that has no additives or artificial flavoring. 100% real Hip-Hop. You can buy your iTunes copy HERE.
South: GoldLink – The God Complex
With one of the most polite ways to request a girl to shake it (“Bounce that a$$ for my kinfolk”), Virginia’s GoldLink has been making a lot of noise with his latest project. With 9 unique beats from the hippest, futuristic brunch bounce at his fingertips, GoldLink shows why he’s that hyper friend of yours that tells the best stories. His flow calms closer to the end but the details he includes don’t let up. With his melodic voice you may think of Chance or Vic Mensa, but GoldLink has his own stories to tell while dealing with his own complexes.
East: Organic Geniuses – Tribe of Mass Killas
Although the group is composed of members from all over the globe (MD, London, NJ, DE), Rakeem Miles, Mike Melinoe, YoAstrum, Tino Apex, Avant Garde, CashJay, Hijayy, and Matt Granpap have one goal in common when they come together as the Organic Geniuses-destroy all opposition. The compilation works with various sounds, including freestyles over familiar beats, giving you an idea of the personal preferences of each emcee. This isn’t straight gun toting Hip-Hop. It’s more Freestyle Fellowship’s dexterity meets M.O.P.’s energy. And it’s good to see that the art of the skit hasn’t died out with projects from yesteryear. You can also support one of their emcees, Mike Melinoe, with his upcoming project HERE.
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)
