Lets face it, in a world where Clear Channel and Radio One control the air waves, its hard to hear new music on the radio. I don't know about you, but I hate turning on the radio and hearing Lil Wayne, G-Unit and Lil Mama all the damn time. Sometimes I wanna hear something new. Going to school in Pennsylvania really helped this because they really dont have Rap stations out there; hence, i never listened to the radio.
This gave me the opportunity to use the internet and some of my friends to find new music to listen to that wasn't a mainstay on the Billboard hot 100. I wanna pass this knowledge on to you, why should you have to listen to the same 10 songs all damn day? Here are some suggestions of some sick underground artists, some of their best albums, and some comparisons to mainstream artists.
1. Murs- 3:16 The 9th Edition
Comparison: Slick Rick and Obie Trice
LA native Murs has put out a bunch of albums, but 3:16 sees Murs at his best: telling compelling stories, and chasing chicks. Whats there not to like about that. What seperates Murs from a lot of rappers is his ability to tell realistic compelling stories without being boring or preachy check out "Bad Man"
2. Little Brother- The Listening
Comparison: EPMD, Eric B and Rakim, Common
The next time someone says to you The South killed hip-hop, slap them in the face and play them a record by this North Carolina based crew. Phonte, Big Pooh and 9th Wonder are, and have been for a while, the best group in Hip-Hop. I challenge you to find a group on their level (the closest is the Clipse). Every rhyme they spit is thought-provoking and innovative, and when coupled with their excellent beat selection, you got some bomb shit. Peep some of The Listening
So Fabulous
3. Buckshot and 9th Wonder- The Formula
Comparison: Mobb Deep (before G-Unit), Boot Camp Click, Big Boi
All my real Hip Hop heads should remember the Boot Camp Click and Black Moon. Front man Buckshot teamed with 9th Wonder for a few albums and result was two incredible albums. Buckshot's flow is timeless and 9th is one of the best producers of this generation; he is the new DJ Premier. Check out the first single featuring Talib Kweli, Hold It Down.
4. Jedi Mind Tricks- Violent by Design
Comparison: Picture Eminem meets Wu-Tang...
Initially I was skeptical about checking out this group because a lot of white kids from Long Island were in love with that. Thats a horrible introduction to ANYTHING. Also, they are from Philly... ugh. But I gave them a shot, and they're not bad. A word of caution, they are not for the easily offended... on that note I Against I
5. Wiz Khalifa- Prince of the City 2
Comparison- Pusha T, Lil Wayne, Jim Jones
This is the first, maybe second, thing out of Pittsburgh that I have EVER approved of. Either way, dudes got crazy swag and a ridiculous flow. He recently signed to Warner Bros Records so hopefully he wont be on this list forever. But if you like Wayne, and lets face it, besides me everyone is crazy about that fool, you will love Wiz... just forgive the constant Pittsburgh references. Check out Be Easy.
Also, check out his first single from his Major Label debut, Say Yea. Shout out to Alice Deejay for the Better Off Alone sample.
