Doomtree - Flex
Minneapolis, MN
File Size: 3.47 mb, Length: 3:01
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Doomtree is a rap collective out of Minneapolis. Commonly associated with the general Rhymesayers crew, the 11 man/woman group (led by defacto leader P.O.S) brings a punk influenced brand of hip-hop to the forefront of the movement. Although like most collectives (ahem…Wu-Tang) the live performances of all members on the same stage are quite rare, it makes listening to the album that much more sweet. “Flex” opens up the “False Hopes” album and sets a tone that never quits, hard, heavy, introspective, self-degrading, but completely honest and true.
Cancer Rising - Evryday Bidness
Seattle, Washington
File Size: 4.5 mb, Length: 3:48
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Ask anyone outside of Seattle about Seattle hip-hop and the conversation will end quickly and promptly with declaration of Sir Mix a Lot. It is a shame really, because a small revolution is occurring in the fair area of the 206, spurred on largely by the socially aware and friendly styles of the Blue Scholars. But it isn’t all like that. The two MCs of Cancer Rising spit anything and everything over the beats of DJ Tiles One. A little bit of that 206 flavor, a little bit of crunk, a little bit of rock, and a whole lot of fun, Cancer Rising is the life of the party, even if you don’t know it yet.
“Evryday Bidness” is a track off its brand new self-produced, self-titled EP.
Grieves - Irreversible
Seattle, WA
File Size: 5.2 mb, Length: 3:48
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It is funny how rapping white people that don’t constantly reveal their street cred (ala Slug) constantly are dubbed emo-rap. Emotional rap? Sure, why not. But Grieves in no way has his bangs cemented to his forehead, or else do you think Mr. Lif would hop on board this track? Grieves is yet another rapper hailing from the 206 who brings a down to earth style, very accessible, but also very smart. From what I hear, he also makes all his own beats.
Grieves & Type - “My Girlfriend Beats Me”
Seattle, Washington
This here is an amusing video which just came out today. Grieves & Type are two emcees from Seattle, and this song is goofy as hell. It’s a dedication to all of the guys who are bitches in their relationships, I suppose! But despite the fun, games, and beatings, these guys can crank out some worthwhile rhymes. If this isn’t exactly your bag of chips, though, don’t write them off just yet. Also notable is a track called “Irreversible” off of Grieves’ upcoming album, Irreversible (creative) — the track features Mr. Lif and can be streamed from his MySpace.
Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass
San Francisco, California
File Size: 5.61 mb, Length: 4:04
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I am always amazed at how large a profile Aesop Rock has been able to maintain over the years without cracking into the mainstream. Just barely, there is no denying his impact in the underground hip-hop scene as he is one of the most commonly identified rappers in the iPods of people who wouldn’t consider themselves hip-hop enthusiasts. And with good reason, catchy enough to please just about anyone, Aesop Rock’s dark style and intellectual flow make him the thinking man’s rapper. Or maybe just a rapper for those that like to think.
Aesop Rock on tour
9/22 - Providence @ Living Room
9/23 - Boston @ Middle East
9/25 - North Hampton @ Iron Horse
9/26 - Burlington @ Higher Ground
10/10 - San Francisco @ Filmore
10/12 - Los Angeles @ Henry Fonda Theatre
10/13 - Phoenix @ Clubhouse
10/14 - Albuquerque @ Sunshine Theatre
10/15 - Durango @ Abbey Theatre
10/17 - Colorado Springs @ Black Sheep
10/18 - Denver @ Cervantes
10/19 - Boulder @ Fox Theatre
10/20 - Ft. Collins @ Aggie Theatre
10/22 - Salt Lake City @ In the Venue
10/25 - Portland @ Wonder Ballroom
10/26 - Vancouver @ Commodore
10/27 - Bellingham@ Nightlight
10/28 - Seattle @ Showbox
10/30 - Eugene @ WOW Hall
