Jarv Dee – Dopamine

Posted on by

No if, ands, or buts Cloud Nice is that camp right now! The collective which calls themselves family first is full of talent and has to be one of the hardest working efforts with the amount of material released so far. From groups to solo efforts everyone is getting their chance to shine rolling out that good music solidifying that sound and movement which is becoming very pride-worthy for the town. Steezie Nasa and Nacho Picasso really came on with their solo projects but third BAYB member Jarv Dee finally releases his solo debut “Dopamine”. While Jarv is calling this his solo debut in fair regards he was actually one of the first artists to release a project with Cloud Nice back when he dropped his “Talking Shit” EP. Not a bad project by any means but in comparison to the latest effort Jarv is his own kind of beast. Though the Cloud Nice click’s flows can be allied at times Jarv definitely brings a more energetic aggressive voice that is a good change-up. Dopamine stays clever at times with a simple track thoughtfulness approach and expectance is also granted with the usual compliment of smokers anthems. That aside you can always expect a trademark steez of a harder compliment which is coming to be like some new age spaced out gangsta tunes! Spreading like a disease its only due time before everyone is yelling MoorGang. Features stay in house for the most part with production from IBE, Eric G, Raised By Wolves, Rob Skeetz, WD4D, and 10.4.Rog.
Read more »

One Kahleo – Washington State (NWA)

Posted on by

Daniel Warren also known as “One Kahleo” of Young N Brave made history being the second person from Tacoma, WA to ever perform on BET’s 106& Park Wild Out Wednesday; which was also his first National/International exposure.The meaning behind One Kahleo is “One Sound One Voice,” the sound being hip hop; the voice being the god given gift to pursue. He graduated at the top of his history class of 09 from Clover Park High Schoolin Lakewood, WA. Daniel helped raise over $4,000 on the behalf of the Lakewood officers who were killed in a tragic gun assassination Sunday, November 29, 2009.The money was raised and given back to the families of the falling officers and to the police community. The name of the fund raiser was “Gone But Not Forgotten” where Daniel not only helped raise money but performed to lift spirits up. Daniel Warren was also given a chance to work alongside Seattle, Washington number one music station Kube.93 on the behalf of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Excellence in Hip-Hop” award show.
Read more »

Jay Child – Fuckin Ya Pride

Posted on by

Cee Goods introduced us to himself and Portlandwhen he released his mixtape “Im Not A Rapper 2.0”. A producer first and artist second it was a mix that showcased his production but whimed im better than some of you so called rappers. Already having produced for some major northwest players its time to work in conjunction with one as he hooks up with talented Black Gov group member “Jay Child”. A group that featured three talented artists the music they made was good but more mass appeal. From the sounds of the first leak “Fuckin Up Ya Pride” from the upcoming summer slated project a live hip hop feel is the garnered audience. Early indications but seems the two are doing something different so far, just have to wait for the rest of the project to see.
Read more »

Roderic – More Is Code

Posted on by

We want to be different and recognized as a region for the quality of music we make but it seems that Northwest artists have a hard enough time getting outside their own cities. Issuing blame as to why is a never-ending poll of people who think they have the answer but truth be told there is no exact blueprint for success no matter where your from. Music can be similar but no one artist is the same which is why artists like Roderic rely on just making good quality music. Even as a younger artist going by Hot Rod adversity followed but even then he excelled and just got better. Lack there of is not something we can recount as he has a lot of firsts next to his name. One of the first artists from Tacoma to be on Apollo plus 106and Park, got DJ Ill Will to host his mixtape before it became a trend, making videos before they became the thing to do, as well as countless shows. Accomplishments and praise aside its been awhile since Roderic’s last mixtape. Steady leaks and videos have been leading up to the release of “More Is Code” which finally comes via his Famous Young Rulers imprint. Roderic does not have much competition in the sense that most artists locally shun mainstream sounds but the mix easily is comparable to what is hot right now. What was heard before was raw but this release shows the most complete side of Roderic as a song maker plus writer. No slouch on choosing production as near every song has someone different providing the soundtrack with spots from Superstar O, T-Mic, TMak, Zone Beats, Amadeus, Mellow Boy, Selasse, Team Green, Novastar, Ripley, Cashous Clay, Expired Silence, Trifekta, The Cratez, and iDBeatz.
Read more »

Nottus Tre – Money Ova Here

Posted on by

Over the years street anthems is something you rarely go wrong with and just the nature of it brings something out in you. Nottus Tre has been grinding with his FNS series but really hit us over the head with his street anthem “Da Scrilla” with Glasses Malone. Knowing you cant live on one song forever the first leak from FNS3 is here with one of the bay area’s favorite feature artist making a appearance on “Money Ova Here”. Another anthem with a sampled Jeezy on the hook and though features have been present Nottus does not let anyone overshadow his song. Like the weather in the Northwest it’s a clouded talent pool and good artists like Nottus are going to get overshadowed even though they can really rap. Look for FNS3 in the coming months along with a scheduled freestyle series as the release counts down.
Read more »

Luck-One & Dekk – Beautiful Music Part II

Posted on by

Going backwards is never the chosen path but in music your best work sometimes resides in your beginnings. Luck-Ones early buzz and success goes in part to fellow Portlandproducer Dekk in which the two collaborated back in 08-09 for the original release of “Beautiful Music”. Dekk is one of those producers who really kind of falls in the cracks as far as being center stage recognized but he is musically a gift to the boards. Other work from Dekk can be spotty but Luck-One seems to bring him out and some might even remember Dekk as part of “Moxie Black” with iLLA. The two find time to re-unite in 2012 with the follow-up “Beautiful Music II” which features hookster Dizz, Alaska’s Josh Boots, as well spots from Nafisaria and Brain Vincent. With Dekk on the production Beautiful Music II is very well produced with vintage Luck-One realism across the twelve songs. It is probably over the head of a lot of rap fans taste of simple-ness especially the above average vocabulary and lyricism. Even said with content in mind it’s a easy listening experience with well laid rhymes and high caliber hooks. Over time running out of good words to compliment Luck may happen especially when he continues dropping music. Even though his brand of music may not be your taste saying its wack would be blatant hate. Improvement, gripes, flaws, people will say what they say but as with anything else in life you will know if its for you or not.
Read more »

Cassow – Cupid

Posted on by

As everything moves around in its own semblance you can’t tell Portland’s Cassow real rap doesn’t live anymore. The naysayers and unimaginative rappers are invisible to this young artist who brings old back to relevancy. A flow beckoning hip hop prime he already shows embodiment to his previous two projects with his third on the horizon titled “Future Classic”. The leaks from the upcoming release have been generous with the latest offering called “Cupid” featuring the one time Roc-A-Fella standout Freeway. Surprisingly at a similar junction as Freeway is the over the hill talent while still hungry is overlooked in a game that does not forgive while Cassow is the rising talent that many will continue to underestimate. Production comes courtesy of Portland’s own Trox.
Read more »

Undercaste Studios – The Undercaste Mixtape

Posted on by

Appreciation is full circle and easily enough a lot of Northwest talent would not have their music sounding as crisp as it does without the help of Undercaste Studios. A studio who works with the who’s who of the Northwest has finally brought together a star studded local artists extravaganza of talent for their debut mixtape. Front to back if you have not heard of any Northwest artists this may easily be your overloaded introduction of what the Washingtonregion has to offer. Compiled of expected collaborations its also filled with some unexpected surprises as artists that function outside of normal circles are paired together. Debut mixtape has to be taken into consideration and you get some borrowed production as well as what sounds like a few originals mixed in. It’s a start for now but we need for Undercaste to utilize the talent one more time for the Undercaste album?
Read more »

Speaker Minds – 9 to 5: Self-Employed EP

Posted on by

Speaker Minds high energy and charismatic performances make for a memorable time for both themselves and spectators. With an emcee who enthusiastically expresses his love for the Hip Hop community, an experienced and soulful singer, and a Band that has blended their diverse backgrounds to form a unique sound, there is never a dull moment! Although newly formed, they have already made appearances at such festivals as Umoja (Seattle), Fire in the Canyon, Headlined POH-HOP 12, and EcoPalooza, they opened for such credible artists as KRS-One, Dead Prez, The Pharcyde,Delthe Funky Homosapien, Freeway & Jake One, Josh Martinez of The Chicharones, and have performed for multiple Benefit Concerts.
Read more »

Swindle From Certified – Have Heart Stay Sharp

Posted on by

Certified the duo consisting of artists Church and Swindle really are the exemplar of what street rap is today. New artists and even some of the greats find it hard not to constantly follow the current trends but instead Certified finds a way to make their music appeal even in today’s market. In a sense the group is dealt a bad hand being that if they were to have come out in the nineties they would be in line with other legendary groups we hold in high accord today. No matter at this point as their track record for this era speaks for itself with consistent albums and high standard of quality music. The split of favor towards any which member probably sways as they both come hard and bring the best out in each other. Last years “Tha Skillet Gang” was a long time coming due to un-wanted vacations in which Church is still away but Swindle is keeping things going during his departure with his first solo album “Have Heart Stay Sharp”. Being solo lays a bigger burden as instead of two heads with ideas, concepts, and rhymes it instead falls all on you. Doubt aside fans have no worries as Swindle does not disappoint and instead really gives you a true full length effort with minimal features and twenty four tracks. Stature stands strong throughout the debut as the hunger stays as strong as day one with pulse pounding high energy street music to the highly descriptive street tales we have come to respect. A genre of rap that is almost a mockery in this day and age its artists like Certified who continue to make legitimate genuine street music we appreciate. Swindle’s debut album is summer ready and something he did not shy away from was good production enlisting a ton of producers including Super Nova, Ice Starr, Vans Beats, Pro Kid Ryan, Louis G, Johnny Juliano, Industry Rejectz, Silent Noize, Bravestarr, Maserati Beats, Pumpkinhead Productions, Vyybe Beats, Superstar O, C-Ray, Trackanometry, Zo Town Music, Lexi Banks Music, and Jeff Slahps.
Read more »