"Lyrical H20" by Ryzen (Rap/Hip-Hop artist from Colorado (CO))

"Lyrical H2O" is a spiritual west coast hip-hop album from Ryzen, an artist who turned his life around through the discovery of Christ. Ryzen has been around the block a bit and brings you stories from his life intertwined with faith-based positivity. The lyrics and delivery are powerful, and Ryzen has a strong vocal presence and a distinct quality to his voice. The arrangements behind him are intense and hardcore, combining hard beats with elements of techno and thug synths, and committed to providing you with an original and creative listening experience. The production value is notable on the album as well, so the thumping beats and clean vocals sound great. Highlights include "Random Acts of Rhyme," which has a big beat, a haunting arrangement, a flowing rhyme, and noteworthy backing vocals. "Fist In The Air" has a great hook and features another great vocal performance. "My Life's Prayer" slows things down a bit with a nice organ progression and highly inspirational lyrics. "Lyrical H2O" is a unique album with inspired lyrics, nice beats, and great flows from Ryzen. If you enjoy spiritual and inspirational hip-hop, give Ryzen a listen.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Ryzen's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Viva Mayday" by Viva Mayday (Rap/Hip-Hop artist from New York City, New York (NY))

"Viva Mayday" is the politically charged self-titled debut from reggae rock outfit Viva Mayday. A typical rock three piece – guitar, bass and drums – Viva Mayday rely heavily upon the upstroke to create their classic reggae sound. They also incorporate punk and classic rock elements into their music, showing their musical talent and diversity. The lead singer's vocals are uniformly in the style of traditional reggae and fused with a variety of musical styles, Viva Mayday show likeliness to Bob Marley, Dispatch, The Clash and Sublime at different points on the album. All the while, their lyrics are reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine. Viva Mayday's songs are jam-packed with socially aware, politically charged lyrics that exploit the bands disgruntledness, for the most part, with American foreign policy. "Viva Mayday" is also well-produced, sure to keep both the music and lyrics polished and audible. "Fidel" opens with an incredible Hendrix-style guitar solo as they sing about "the war machine" and "propane democracy." "Missionaries" reflects the "give peace a chance" mentality of the entire album with a Marley-esque vocal, suggesting that even the people that mean perfectly well are struggling to survive abroad. "1963 Motorcade" is a song about the assassination of JFK and conspiracy theories against the government. "Viva Mayday" is certainly opinionated and controversial. If you enjoy what Rage Against the Machine offers lyrically and punk-infused reggae rock, you should give this album a listen.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Villaintine's Day" by Chaos Da Verbal Villain (Rap/Hip-Hop artist from Pennsylvania (PA))

"Villiantine's Day" is an East Coast experimental hip-hop album from Chaos Da Verbal Villain that features innovative production and rhymes that push the envelope. Chaos brings extreme intensity and a powerful delivery to the table. His lyrics are controversial and well-constructed, and his creative choices present a new innovation with each new song. The arrangements support the constant battle with sanity that the album presents with odd beats, zany synths and a nice thick coat of darkness that perfectly compliment the album's concept. "Villaintine's Day" is professionally produced and sounds fantastic. Highlights include "Verbal Vybin," with strong lyrics, a nice hook, and an interesting beat. "Mental Madness" features an incredible beat, cool claps, and a hauntingly zany vibe. "For The Love featuring Ajent Smif" has a cool cat jazz vibe, a slick bass line, and a strong guest vocal. Chaos Da Verbal Villain certainly lives up to his name with "Villaintine's Day," as he comes off as a well-versed, veteran and innovative emcee. If you enjoy underground hip-hop that challenges your state of mind, get a little chaotic with Chaos.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Son of Malcolm" by C-Born Nacirfa (Rap artist from Texas (TX))

"Son of Malcolm" is a spiritual hip-hop album with reggae undertones from C-Born Nacirfa. This album is driven by the concept and the lyrical content. C-Born speaks a strong word and commands your attention through his poetic lyrics and precise delivery simultaneously reminiscent of Wyclef Jean and Common. The sound is comprised of the relationship between rough sounds and delicate sounds, which befits an album preaching change through action. As a whole, the sound maintains a certain rawness, and the arrangements are full, interesting, and well-balanced. "Son of Malcolm" is well-produced and the recordings are all radio ready. Highlights include "Revolution," a cream-of-the-crop track that incorporates all that is C-Born, with dueling vocals, a simple beat, and some nice melodies. "The Ritual" features a cool string sample, a thick beat, and some great production in the vocal area. "Smokin" features an Asian vibe, some cool piano overlays, and another strong lyrical message. Overall, "Son of Malcolm" is an impressive album with a positive message and great vocal performances and arrangements. If you enjoy revolutionary Afro-hip-hop with strong, poetic writing, give C-Born Nacirfa a listen.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Royal South" by Mysterious (Rap/Hip-Hop artist from Waco, Texas (TX))

"Royal South" is a dirty South hip-hop album brought to you by Mysterious, a talented artist on the rise. Mysterious is definitely not messing around as this album showcases his talent with a vibe of professionalism. You won't skip any of the songs in this collection, as every track is club-worthy. There is a consistency in the concept, a true sound, and close attention to variation. The sound is made up of classic hip-hop sounds mixed with Mysterious' own fresh sounds. The final product of "Royal South" is very polished and will reach out and grab you. Highlights include "No Hook Needed," which really says it all in the title, as you immediately feel like dancing and singing along. "Keep It Gangsta" features a wicked techno lead, lots of layers, and a powerful vocal performance. "Where I Am" opens with delicate piano and female vocals and evolves into a haunting tale of uncertainty. With "Royal South," Mysterious has made an album that should boost him into the larger hip-hop world to the point where he may have to change his name. If you enjoy Southern hip-hop that is the real deal, take a trip to the "Royal South" with Mysterious.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Love Hustle Hate" by The Pearl (Rap/Hip-Hop artist from Georgia)

"Love Hustle Hate" is a Southern hip-hop album from The Pearl, a talented female emcee who brings a timeless passion to the table. The lyrics on this album are poetic, and the vocal performances possess an undeniable angst and energy similar to Da Brat and Lauryn Hill. The subject matters vary, but true-to-life content about The Pearl's life struggle interweaves itself throughout the album. The Pearl's sound is truly unique, with the addition of raw punk elements to foundation of street beats and techno, a pretty powerful combination to say the least. "Love Hustle Hate" has superior production, and the sound is really intensified with a great mix. Highlights include "Get Ready (featuring Musclehead)," which has a dark, punkish bass line, powerful vocal performances, and tricky beats that give the listener their first taste of The Pearl's rawness. "Rock, Black Man, Rock" is a killer punk/techno song with poetic, creative spoken word lyrics. "Da Grind" is a haunting track, with despair to spare. "Love Hustle Hate" is an impressive album from a unique and poetic female emcee. If you enjoy innovative Southern hip-hop with a punk flare, give The Pearl a listen.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Pound-4-Pound" by BiGGs (Rap/Hip-Hop artist from Florida)

"Pound-4-Pound" is a three-track southern gangsta single featuring the original, instrumental, and a capella versions of BiGGs' "Look Good." BiGGs' has the vocal ability to intimidate as well as to bring the ladies to their knees. He has a great singing voice as well as a great flow reminiscent of the Notorious B.I.G. and Lil Wayne. The backing music sequence supports this intimidation/coercion dichotomy, as you get a thick, bumping beat with subtle and varied accents and quirky yet atmospheric synths. The second track, the instrumental version of "Look Good," gives you a whole different perspective on the track and allows you to focus on the dramatic hints. The a capella version stands on its own as well; you definitely feel the rhythm without hearing it, and it paints a complete picture of BiGGs' talents as an emcee. This single is recorded excellently, so the track sounds great as a whole and broken down. "Pound-4-Pound" certainly leaves you wanting to hear more of what BiGGs has to offer the music world in both arrangement and vocals. If you enjoy the Miami style of hip-hop, you'll enjoy this CD.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Education of Life" by Smooth4Lyfe (Hip-Hop Artist from Maryland(MD))

"Education of Life" by Smooth4Lyfe is an upbeat hip-hop album based on positivity and catchy hooks. This album is a breath of fresh air and takes you back to the days of Tribe Called Quest and DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. The lyrics are very clever, the flow is great, and the vocal performances are fantastic. Behind the words, you get great production; so the songs are polished and radio ready. The arrangements are top-notch, with great variance in the beats and accompaniment that really brings the sound to life, pulling you out of your La-Z-Boy and getting you bumpin' and grinnin'. Highlights include "Drop That," with a classic beat, fresh lyrics, and a nice hook. The title track, "Education of Life," features conversational breaks, introduces a bit of a dark side to Smooth4Lyfe, and has a great hypnotic quality. "Summertime Baby" lives up to its title and delivers a classic rolling-with-the-top-down flow. With "Education of Life," Smooth4Lyfe has created an upbeat hip-hop sound with great hooks and an overall good time. If you enjoy positive rap with a touch of real life experience, give "Education of Life" a listen.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth" by Sir Bell Siqq (Hip-Hop/Rap artist from Kansas)

"Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth" is a hardcore gangsta rap album featuring powerful beats and high energy, cleverly delivered vocals from Sir Bell Siqq. This album does not mess around, as Sir Bell Siqq brings you his long resume of street credibility in the form of music. The content is a true window into the gangsta lifestyle. What really stands out is Sir Bell Siqq's talent as an emcee and his impressive ability to twist words around his tongue and deliver a barrage of image-invoking verses. The arrangements behind him are appropriately subtle and succeed in creating a sound consistent with a harsh environment. "Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth" has a great recording quality, so every rhyme is clear and understood. Highlights include "Gun In The Hideaway" with its extremely controversial lyrics and wicked gunfire samples in the intro. "Who Am I" features a great hook and some nice vocal layering. "The Truth" is an anthem for the lifestyle at hand. If you enjoy hardcore, true-to-life rap with claps and big beats, check out Sir Bell Siqq.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"World Love" by Roland Jackson (Rap Artist from Spain)

"World Love" is an experimental hip-hop album with heavy Eastern influences from multi-talented media artist Roland Jackson. Roland brings his artsy chops to the table with this musical journey. This is not your traditional hip-hop album; rather, there is a great deal of unconventionality and uniqueness to the sound. There are lots of offbeat lines, ethnic instruments, chanting, and an overall unusual creativity in the arrangements. Vibe and spirit are key with this piece of work, and they certainly create a unique experience unlike anything you have ever heard. As far as quality goes, the songs sound great and the mix supports the strange, but creative world created by Jackson. Highlights include the opener, "They Ride On So Hard," which is out there, with crazy transitions and staccato rhythms. "Don't Make Me Love in This Way" features some excellent spiritual vocals and an otherworldly feel in the arrangement. "I Will Make a Home for You" has a slick beat and a haunting organ line. If you enjoy experimental hip-hop music with an Eastern flare, check out "World Love."

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Roland Jackson's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"What's Done Is Done" by Komplex Kai (Rap Artist from Washington(WA))

"What's Done Is Done" is an impressive underground hip-hop album from Komplex Kai. Kai's true-to-life lyrics and Intellect as a writer fuels the material and gives the album a raw intensity and a dark vibe that come right at you. The sound is comprised of aggressive elements – thick, organic beats, heavy distortion, haunting synths, and an overall sense of drive. The arrangements are very creative with lots of layers and a dedication to the concept. Kai is a high energy emcee and puts it all on the table for your listening pleasure with a unique vocal somewhere in between DMX and 2Pac. Highlights include "Why I'm Here (featuring Rytual)," which hits hard with a big beat, a raunchy guitar sound, exceptional lyrics, and a tantalizing chorus. "Bump! Ha Raw (featuring Treaty)" opens with wicked string squeals and evolves into an explosive number with tricky vocal performances. The title track, "What's Done Is Done," wraps things up nicely with a strong message and interesting nuances in the arrangement. With "What's Done Is Done," Komplex Kai has created an impressive record with aggressive beats and driven lyrics. If you enjoy hard-edged hip-hop with a message, give Komplex Kai a try. (WARNING!: EXPLICIT LYRICS)

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Komplex Kai's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites