Hip-Hop Top 5: NorthWest Edition IV

Well, I'm onto the 4th edition of my NorthWest style Top 5, and I've had just as much fun making this one as I have the previous editions. The rich flavor and variety of artists that circumvent the rim makes the Seattle area bud with aspiring artists, though many times performers end up just throwing shows for their friends and a few others, with no hope for getting out of the bars. I really doubt it's more than people being lazy, but I think a small piece of that stems from a lack of exposure. I'm not saying the guys on my lists are still the ones playing shows like that, some of them are selling out stadiums, but I just wanted everyone to know that the pool that the artists I list is huge, and it's really easy to get lost in. The work they have to put in to get recognized is immense and I can't help but admire that. Anyway, thanks so much for those who follow along, I really hope everyone enjoys the music, and please support your local music talent!

I know what your thinking, and Macklemore is not spelled F-I-C-E, but times change and my favorite 'new' artist must too. My iPod artist list is getting jealous and I dont even care a little. Fice is the freshest sound to come across my speakers in a long time. His technique is well practiced, and you can tell this guy has been putting in work over is short career. It is really hard to miss, at least for me, someone who really works hard at his craft. Sometimes artists never get over and move on from a successful anthem style track (see Two Five Three). Especially when it's your first big song, but Fice has moved on and up, and it's great to see the growth.

Defending the best day of the week, The Saturday Knights are funky, but they can flow with the best I've heard. Plus you gotta love a group that has a live drummer, denim jackets, and a bad ass beard, just pulls the whole thing together. Don't drop the piece and enjoy!

While Ohmega isn't really in your face, he's smart, and I'm ok with that. He is a very socially concious rapper, and he has a variety of styles that he likes to bring to his listeners. 'Model Citizens' is a real deep dip into Watts style, mind, and soul.

Sol is one of those guys that you listen to and you get exactly what your imagining. It's a great tool for a artist to have, the power of painting imaginations, and that is what gives Sol his edge. He can take what he is seeing and feeling, and make into something classic and lyrical. Songs like this make me just wanna 'do me' and step along, right into the Seattle skyline with my headphones bumping.

This song is inspiring to say the least and is probably my favorite ode to Seattle song out there. 'The Town' really embodies what it is to grow up and live in the Seattle area. The sights, the smells, and the community is really something to behold. Macklemore really digs deep here and makes some magic.

This song is by no means new, but I knew it would get up here eventually. I get a real good laugh at the lyrics and the video they shot for this song. Type is so in your face and you can really tell he doesn't care what you think of him, he's just out doing what he loves. I know either you'll love or hate this song, but both Grieves and Type's passion for the music is un-matched and, as usual, I can't wait to hear more music from them.

These lists are never be all end alls of the music around here, they are simply what I have in my headphones right now. I am just choosing to spread the good word in hopes that someone else will also love the music. Thanks for the read!