I love it when positive people get the shine they deserve, because of the positive light they have shone on others. And Kesed is one of them. I had the opportunity of experiencing the talents of this brother at the end of last year, during a Writers Block gathering, here in Brooklyn. Kesed's one of the forces behind Writers Block, a team of amazing poets who unite every so often to share their original poetry with their peers. Kesed's beautiful words combined with his raw emotion, makes him an ill spitta. It's no wonder major outlets have caught wind of Kesed's gift. First it was Vh-1, during its Black History Month spots. Now, Kesed's sharing his story as apart of K-Swiss's new K-Space ads to launch the K-Swiss: Remasered show. Get to know him.
Check out Kesed's film at K-Space
Asher Roth talks about his love for Hip Hop and how Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life" song was the record that inspired him to get started. He even tried all of the four corners of Hip Hop which entails B-Boy'n, DJ'n and Graffitti yet being the emcee is what he was blessed to do. And of course before the music he is and will always be a fan first.
Hustler Watch: Drake from Eighty81
Eighty81 chops it up with Drake as he talks about who he is, how he got into music and that its good to keep an essential group of people around him that keep it 100.
I was introduced to Charles Hamilton this summer when I had the opportunity to do a mixtape review for "Outside Looking" for AllHipHop.com. Getting a first glimpse into Hamilton's world I automatically thought that he was on another level. From his samples which are 90s based music and his lyrics I couldn't even place him in any type of category if I wanted to. Yet I was still trying to understand where this dude was coming from and what he was about. With the recent "beef" he supposedly had with Soulja Boy it kinda made me disappointed simply because I felt Hamilton shouldn't of acknowledged him at all. These are two artists who are on two different sides of the spectrum with different goals in mind yet they were able to cross paths in the worst way. This internet beef stuff is already getting ran into the ground and that "beef" in particular should have been put to a hault instantly. Hamilton put everything into perspective and made the right decision to end it and that was a good move on his part. Anyway I feel Charles Hamilton is a creative artist with a lot of potential and with him being signed to Interscope there is no telling what direction they want to send him in. I just hope they have a decent enough game plan if he expects to have any sort of longevity in this game we called the music industry.
La Melodia is a combination of a dope female emcee by the name of Melodee and producer I.N.T. The duo is serious business and is staying true to their Hip Hop roots. The Netherlands is their place of residence but even they want to get their voices heard all over. Not sure if they got business squared away but in their blog posted this past April they wrote about looking for world wide distributors to release their album in the USA and Europe. I hope they found someone because nobody should pass up on good music. Peep La Melodia in action in one of their videos titled “WorldWide Connect” ft. Roc. C
La Melodia's MySpace
Kissey Asplund is an eccentric neo soul artist coming straight out of Sweden. She’s makes the list of one of my favorite Britain neo soul artists along with Duffy, Adele, and yes even Amy Winehouse. Kissey brings a strong kick of her personal flavor to the table leaving you warm hearted and in tune with who she is as an artist. Here is one of her videos titled “With You” and of course to find out more just hit her up via MySpace.
This mixtape caught my eye from the title alone… why? Because I wear glasses too but guess what the meaning behind the mixtape is not just about that. Shawn gives an explanation behind the meaning:
“The whole point of it is to basically show like a common ground between me the person who makes the music and you the listener. Umm I think its to many musicians to many artists who try to stunt on the listener like try to act like they’re better than them like they walk around with their nose in the air and pretend that they’re perfect….so the whole purpose of I.W.G is to show that no one is better than anyone, we’re all the same we’re all on common ground…” Shawn actually gives this full explanation on his mixtape but you would have to listen to find out!
To better describe his musical style, Shawn Chrystopher is like the Inglewood’s WALE with a westcoast twist. His punch lines aren’t too far fetched and his lyrics hold some solid ground. Of course as an upcoming artist there is plenty room for grooming so I’m sure he will continue to polish his flow. Until then keep up the good work Shawn Chrystopher!
MySpace
"Cuz my niggas hungry as hell, we always feelin' famished
And when I say the cabbage, you know I mean the money
And when I say the rap game, you know I mean the buffet
Hey, call ya waiter, tell him, "give me a to-go plate"
It's Popular Demand, they done gave me the okay."- Black Milk "Popular Demand"
Those lyrics have nothing to do with the song, i just felt like quoting one of my fav. Black Milk songs because he's the best. duh!
Black Milk's MySpace
TAWIAH is like a breath of fresh air, like seriously her voice comes second to none and there is no comparison. She's eccentric and her songs are moving and soulful.I love it when I stumble across talented artist like TAWIAH because it gives me that recognition that good music still exists out here in this crazy world. Get a taste of what i'm talking about and listen to these tracks by TAWIAH and add her to your MySpace!
TAWIAH - Everystep
TAWIAH-Watch Out
TAWIAH'S MySpace
I am very pleased with the selection of artists to grace XXL's cover simply because these are all artists who are on the come up in creating their own path in Hip Hop, some may agree or disagree but when you look at all of them from Wale to Blu to Cory Gunz they ALL are bringing their own unique style to the game.The Top of the Class issue hits news stands November 4th. kudos
Tyler the Creator is not your average dude he brings more than just creativity to the music world. The producer is setting the stage for himself and it shows through his music. This jazz felt tune which is fused together by Hip Hop and his lyricisim is definitely a dope track to listen to. As far as his other talents he's in the works of creating a magazine and may even have a show on Adult Swim.
Tyler's MySpace
Take a glimpse into the utopia of a vibrant bubble pop electric candy girl named Muffy. Carrying the style of a mix between Gwen Stefani with a dash of Fergie she is quite the creation and has mustered up a buzz in her hometown of Atlanta. Check out this interview with Muffy
I'm always thrilled when I come across a female emcee that spits with just as much dignity as any male emcee out there. Hopie has crazy swagger and keeps it original..you will never find another sound like hers. She recently released her album "The Diamond Dame" earlier this month and also continuing to do shows.
Hopie Spitshard MySpace
