Decked Out Boys, an emerging rap group from Mississippi, has put out a fun new jam called “Boppin'” The video features some pretty dank, old school automobiles intercut with scenes of the group dancing(boppin’ presumably)with fans and friends in a park. The video production quality is very good, and the song itself is quite catchy. Probably my favorite component of this video is the guy who is randomly rocking the “meow we’re talking!” t-shirt with the giant cat on it.

My particular notion of boppin is based more along the lines of 1950’s sock hop nostalgia, as articulated in Elton John’s, Crocodile Rock. According to Urban Dictionary though, the term has several possible meanings in modern society.  Decked Out Boys are a talented  and energetic young group. If this single catches on, their version of Boppin’ could become a popular thing. The song is available on their website.

twitter.com/deckedoutboys

Checked out a new single from a passionate young rapper from Fort Lauderdale, “Absoloot.”This latest jam is titled “Watch Your Words.” His “speed alternating” delivery style clearly reminds me of mid 90’s Bone Thugs, though not quite as fast(does anyone rap that fast?) Absoloot’s actual voice has a jovial clarity, which gives it a bit of an old school, 80’s MC quality(some of his other songs have more an R&B feel to them.) He uses some interesting layering  and echo effects with the vocals, which seem to give his verses a unique sound. The chorus, “Be careful who you serve…Watch your words” feels like it gets repeated in the song about 50 times. I listened to this song only 2 or 3 times, and that phrase was stuck in my head for days.  If there is a recurring theme in his songs, it’s that Absoloot is a fairly suspicious fellow, along with being a dreamer. He tends to promote progress and cautions against banksters as well as generalized greed(he actually has songs which are titled “banksters” and “greed.”) “Watch Your Words,” with it’s crisp piano backing, is clearly the best musically and the catchiest of his songs. I recommend you give this a listen. Regardless of the situation, watching one’s words is nearly always good advice.

http://www.reverbnation.com/absoloot

The thing that stands out the most to me in “Sammattick The Rebel’s” album, “Rebelution” is the beautiful piano music that serves as a backdrop for some of the songs. It’s as though he could have released a separate album with just instrumentals, and it could have been used as a soundtrack for some kind of sentimental film.  As for the rap in general, the style has a very early 90’s feel(a good thing.) Being a fan of the original 60’s show, my favorite jam is probably the second song “Holy Batmans,” which happens to feature a sample from the hit folk tune, “Reach Out In The Darkness” by Friend and Lover. It’s impossible to come up on the 12th track “Man In The Mirror” without thinking it might be some new rap version of the Michael Jackson classic jam of the same name. The two songs are nothing alike though.

Overall, this is a pretty decent collection of hip hop songs with enough variance in style that anyone should be able to find something they like. Sammattick definitely has some speed skills as a rapper, and some of the retro themes he incorporates seem to work with his style. Despite the album’s cover photo and the title, “Rebelution,” I didn’t really pick up on any heavy political sentiments that would turn people off to listening to it.

http://www.sammattickmusic.com/ 

As much fun as it is to explore things outside my element, I love when I get the chance to review something that is in the realm of what I would actually listen to, which is why it was refreshing to hear the jams of “Rory’s Insomnia,” a New York based rock group led by female Israeli singer, Rony Corcos. Her voice and music have a kind of mid 90’s alternative/Indie film soundtrack kind of vibe. Her vocals remind me of Sarah McLachlan, but the backing instrumentation is more modern, and he songs softly energetic like The Cranberries. My favorite track on their newly released album, “Count To 10,” is the 7th track, “Emerald City.” It just seems to be the catchiest one with the most potential. All 10 of these songs are good though. They are meticulously put together, elegantly performed, and themed nicely. Take the time to check them out.

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ronysinsomnia
http://rony-corcos.squarespace.com/

What’s in a name? Well, for a rapper, a name or handle can give a strong hint as to what the theme of your music is all about. In the case of Florida hip hop artist, Konchynce, it’s an apt moniker. His new single “Drag” seems to promote conscientious behavior and oppose degeneracy, without coming off preachy or getting in the way of the musical enjoyment. He aims subtle jabs toward backstabbers who “chase the cheddar,” as well as other riff raff. The song itself seems like a stream of consciousness within his head. “Never ever trust these fools” he advises.

For those expecting the token obscure pop culture references that are typical of the genre, Konchynce doesn’t disappoin as he cleverly inserts some Michelle and Danny Tanner “Full House” references for good measure.

“Drag” is both well produced and performed. Konchynce is no amateur. He’s legit. This is a solid start to his upcoming album titled, “P.O.L.O.S.” Let’s hope the rest of the album lives up to his abilities.

http://soundcloud.com/Konchynce/Drag

https://twitter.com/Konchynce