Rukus - “Amnesia”
Rukus - “The Boom and The Bap”

If you have the nerve to call yourself Rukus, you better drag along some iron balls to back up your name. The term “rukus” or its correct usage “raucous” connotes more than its dictionary meaning (”boisterous and disorderly”). To hip-hop purists, the name calls to mind one of the best songs ever, “Bring da Ruckus.” And disciples of grassroots hip-hop can’t hear the word without thinking of the groundbreaking Rawkus Records. Yup, the same Rawkus that was kind enough to add me to its family of online tastemakers almost exactly a year ago. I’m not sure which of these hip-hop staples inspired Ruk’s stage moniker, but one thing’s undisputable: he wears it well.

The verdict on Rukus’ Can’t Forget LP after the gap.
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Astonish feat. Termanology - “Life Ain’t Sweet”

Astonish is a budding rapper from the Windy City. His EP, From Now Until Forever, drops this Tuesday (2/26).

On the Web:
myspace.com/astonishmusic

I’ve been getting messages about Hedonis since 2006, and I’m still not sure what to make of her music. I figured someone out there might dig her style.

Check out her latest mixtape, Intimidation, hosted by none other than DJ Kay Slay.

• Hedonis & Kay Slay - Intimidation

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Donny Goines has plenty of potential as an artist. His mic presence is original and his delivery is fresh. He also has a sense of dedication that is lacking right now. If this was an ideal world, this dude would be a household name in hip-hop.

If you liked The Excerpt, you’ll like Off the Books.

Tracklist and download link after the gap. (more…)

I just finished watching Naturally 7’s promotional DVD and couldn’t resist the urge to share. These brothers take beatboxing to a new level. They don’t even call it beatboxing, they call it vocal-play. Yeah, it’s that serious.

Ami Miller - Big Body

Here’s another fresh voice for you. You could probably tell from the texture of the song that she’s straight outta H-Town. Mayne hold up.

GZAZ - Chose Her

It’s Friday and I’m in a good mood. (Must be the pina colada.) So here goes a fresh jam to kick off your weekend. GZAZ (no relations to the Wu-Tang wordsmith) is a rising star from North Carolina by way of New Jersey.