For most rapping producers, it’s often an unspoken truth that production is their true talent, while we humor their attempt at cosplaying as a wordsmith.

“Let Me Down.” the single from Churchill’s latest album, “T.I.M.E (To Increase My Excellence) Feels honest, painfully relatable, and silky smooth all the same.

Asaka The Renegade's project, The Space Tape. In short, introduce an artist on the cusp of stardom, yet not at the peak of his powers.

In the experimental landscape of the music scene of today, Sasco’s project “Every day They Change Their Number” can come across as a scatterbrain sound of random directions looking to find their cohesiveness.

“To Whom It May Concern.” By Nessy The Rilla is an offspring of the new brand of music hybrid that we’re experiencing. One where rappers utilize more than their rhymes and occasionally deploy a vibrato-filled style of singing.

Bloom (Blossom Pt. 1) By Mike Fate is a project that operates on a scale of hip-hop not measured by its lyrical prowess or obnoxiously catchy beat selection, two elements that often accompany hip-hop acts.

The Flood by Roadman The Wizard is a project that could take you by surprise if you’re anticipating the talents of a belting singer or the signature bravado of that rapper. Instead, what concludes is a five-song beat-tape not equipped to handle the on-demand freestyles of your favorite rapper.

Watching an artist perform is a captivating experience. You’re watching the passion of a being in their truth, expressing a breath of youthful energy and rebellious carelessness to the rest of the world.

Within hip-hop, there are parallels to the shadow boxing elements of fighting. There’s a flow of metaphors, the stamina upkeep to match their producer’s energy, and the presence of mind that they’re competing with other artists

Morgan Makail’s single “Keeping Me” Is a beautiful display of a love-smitten artist expressing her appreciation for her lover and the ability to love.

The Wastelanders are a proud throwback to the grunge days of a sweaty basement filled to its brim with rebellious angst, occupied by the blaring sounds of an underground artist playing music just for the love of playing music

History looks fondly upon artists who prove themselves commercially yet seek to occupy more underground grit. 

Rappers and artists have become storytellers of their environment.  They’re the truth-tellers of their grind, so when one artist blows up from the depths of nowhere, the public becomes infatuated with their story and the artist’s lore.

Derrick Shorter has quickly become one of Michigan’s top producers. Working alongside an impressive stable of local hip-hop heavyweights, the Ypsilanti-standout’s auteur career has been heavy on creative substance.

For the majority of this year, Breez has rapped with a chip on his shoulder, putting out four projects and navigating instrumental as if he has a personal vendetta to any emcee holding a microphone within a 1,000-mile radius.

You will not get too far in the hard-stomping, poetically powerful Black Note Graffiti album, “Volume III Rise.” Without experiencing a mosh-inducing jolt, charged by the disorderly-beautiful tones of BNG.

Dani Darling is somewhat of a musical polyglot, shifting between soulful, R&B, poetic, and jazz. She’s an atmospherically altering performer, where her presence changes the air surrounding her audience.

Doja Cat’s album Planet Her. is a mix of raw sexual expression with polished artistic passion. Planet Her features a laundry list of music-heavy hitters

Stan The III is an anomaly in music. As the rapper routinely puts together verses that rival mainstream artists in terms of creativity.