Shad - When This Is Over (2005)

Today I bring you a rapper by the name of Shad. Hailing from Toronto, this cat's not your usual MC. I honestly think he's one of the most versatile rappers out now, which is saying a lot. This first album had little to no money to create/promote, but still was instantly hailed as an underground classic. One of the best lyricists out, Shad can spit about social issues, basketball, life, and the genocide in Rwanda all on one LP. 

This album includes some of the best rap songs I've ever heard on a debut album. Real talk. The streams will do the talking for me. What the fuck you waiting for?

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Zion I - True & Livin' (2005)

Zion I - producer Amp Live (left) and MC Zumbi (right)

Today I bring to you a group by the name of Zion I. I'm actually really suprised I haven't posted about them on any of blogs yet. One of my absolute groups, definitely. Hailing out of Oakland, Zion I is composed of MC Zumbi and producer Amp Live. They began making music in the mid 90's, in a time where hyphy music in the bay area ruled the area. They were really one of the first bay area hip-hop artists who ventured out into spreading good vibes and socially charged material when everyone else was going "dumb".

Amp Live is an internationally renowned producer, known for creating futuristic, lush, and melodic landscapes...even venturing into what the kids nowadays call "slaps". Don't fret, he balances each characteristic on each track. Zumbi is definitely one of my favorite rappers, encompassing everything an MC should be: positive messages, witty and strong lyrics, and sometimes politically and socially charged lyrics. These two are some of smoothest music I've ever heard, like they were born to do this shit. I bring to you their 3rd album, "True & Livin'", which I find to be their most accessible album (although I'm sure some will disagree). Check out the streams below if you ain't convinced.


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Pete Philly & Perquisite - Mindstate (2005)

Pete Philly (left) & Perquisite (right)

Salutations y'all. Today I bring to you a MC and DJ duo out of the Netherlands. And no, I'm not posting this because I'm 1/4 dutch, rather they make incredible music. I now officially claim these as "my people" as opposed to Rob Schneider. Wasn't really working out, y'know? But anyways, based out of Amsterdam, these two formed in 2003, but unfortunately disbanded in 2009.

Perquisite HAS to be one of the most under-appreciated producers I've ever come across, and that's saying something. Along with assembling the track, he is also featured as a cellist and incorporates other instruments such as the guitar and piano to name a few. His beats make you want to sit back and relax, but dance at the same time. From influences from soul, 60's, to classic, he crafts a magical array of beats. Pete Philly is a skilled MC with a rather endearing voice (no homo), but is always on point. His ethnicity will always be a mystery to me, but maybe he's just a really tan Dutch like someone I know. But anyways, below I present to you their debut album, "Mindstate". You'll thank me later.

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Cyne - Evolution Fight (2005)

Back on my hip-hop grind, I bring to you the group Cyne. Based out of Florida, their name stands for Cultivating Your New Experience. Composed of MC's Akin & Cise Star, and producers Speck and Enoch, this group has smooth, uplifting lyrics blended perfectly over jazz-infused, groovy beats. They are fairly popular in the underground, most notably for their work with the great late producer Nujabes (RIP). Akin and Cise Star have one of the smoothest deliveries, while the production is always amazing.

Evolution Fight is their second official release, but as it was the first album of theirs I listened to, I thought it would be the easiest to get into. I love their debut as well, but this one just has more quality cuts that any music fan can appreciate. Check the streams below if you're not convinced.

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