Forming like Voltron out of various members from the always dope DMV area Low Budget crew, as well as various other crews and locations around the globe, is the Mello Music Group. This exceptionally skilled collective includes artists such as Oddisee, Finale, Stik Figa, Dudley Perkins, Georgia Anne Muldrow, yU, Apollo Brown, and The Diamond District just to name a few. The vibe is always properly done, hard hitting hip hop and soul that draws on the foundations of real rap and beats but updates it and incorporates the unique sounds of the crew. When Oddisee flips a beat, for example, he has the ability to update classic formulas and use a very gritty sound or a more polished vibe equally well - and as an emcee he is equally individually styled and quite skilled. Finale is a threat, killing the OG style of rap. Apollo Brown is beast on the beats. The Diamond District? Dope. Every member brings consistent game, with rare exception.
So, here is another half tribute, half this is what I've been into lately post that is gonna center around the DMV area on the east coast of the states, and include, in this case, the Mello Music Group based in Arizona but capturing the sounds of New York, L.A., Berlin, and everything in between. Don't sleep - you will find something here that you like, from at least one of these artists. My first pick is always Oddisee, but don't overlook the full cast. Lots of skill here.
Mello Music Group - Mello Music Volume One
As stated above, these are some of my favorite rappers and producers right now. Current and fresh sounds rooted in true boom bap mentalities, some soul mixed in, heavy rap music. This compilation features a good mix of the artists on the roster, plus features from the wise J-Live, Posdnous, Kenn Starr, Pigeon John, and more. As an introduction, or a new dose of beats, get this compilation and bump it in your system.
Free download in the title or here at the bandcamp page.
Oddisee - West Coast Beats
Prolific is one way to describe hip-hop hero Oddisee; another way might be inhumanly productive and divinely inspired. A producer in the true sense of the word, he has a strong ability to work with a wide variety of artists and capture the essence of the various locations around the world that he has had a chance to travel to and work in. His music is pretty much flawless, and he heads a crew of wildly talented people. He's a dope photographer too.
So this is one more drop in the bucket. These beats came about when he was living on the west coast working on an album with emcee Trek Life. To our benefit, here they are. Download here or check the bandcamp here and buy it for a buck.
Here's another recent release from Oddisee, a more comprehensive look at some of his work this past year. Only some. From the past year. No biggie.
Another true school producer/rapper God is the one and only Kev Brown. A king of the chop, his melancholy sweet beats always speak of a highly skilled mind and touch. He also raps in a super cool laid back but hard style, championing a sound that is not always topping charts but has always been proper. In his own words - "Cats thinking I'm soft with the beats, come around my way, see if you don't get stomped in the streets."
He has been featured on the blog before, and while these releases aren't new, they are a good glimpse into the work of a living legend. Within these two free downloads Kev Brown takes the listener on a commentary through some of his previous beats and work for an interesting listen. If you'd rather just listen to his music, check this link to his bandcamp, where he is currently featuring a cheap download of a selection of his instrumentals for your listening pleasure. And for the betterment of mankind, but that's really secondary. Music first.
Mello Music Group - Helpless Dreamer
Yet another solid compilation following the precedent already established - great artists, great beats, great music. Mello may be the name but the tracks on this bang hard. Guest features from emcees like Black Milk, Magestik Legend, and Roc Marciano only further the quality of the sound of this release. Download (not free) after the link. Definite win here folks.
Apollo Brown - Treetops Mix
A feature mix for Detroit rapper/producer kingpin Apollo Brown mixed by Treetops. If you don't know Apollo Brown by name, it is still very possible that you may have heard his music. He works with a wide variety of artists at a consistent pace, and some of that work is showcased here for you all to get familiar. His beats bang, and he is a surprisingly good rapper, with a strong presence and flow. The Mello Music Group is definitely down with Apollo, and they are not alone. As you will likely hear more of his music might as well know now.
Although not a release with the Mello Music Group, the DMV resident Cortez kills it on this one. He represents his life experiences with an expected sharp style and sick flow, riding over well crafted boom bap and true school hip hop beats (including a heater from Oddisee and a slick beat from yU). In his own words, his life has been a journey, and this album should be seen as a glimpse into the world of Cortez. Peep it.
As a closer, let's look at a good friend of Oddisee - Maverick, crate digger and beatmaker. Cats like this are so necessary in hip hop and in record collecting period. Historians, musicologists, collectors, gurus, mysticals beings, fiends, and more, these master crate diggers are worthy of respect. One reason why, as is excellently illustrated with this release, comes in the form of well selected samples off of rare vinyl crafted with deliberate thought and consideration. True schooling. Free download after the link.
I could very likely go on and on and on, because there is honestly some dope project coming out of the large association of artists featured in this (and many other) posts every week or two. Keep your eyes open for more from any and all of these artists. No doubt I will feature more here in the future. It is a great feeling to see such a large amount of solid hip hop coming out - makes me wonder if another golden age is around the bend. Only time will tell. Until then, listen to this great music and enjoy.
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