“Viva Mayday” by Viva Mayday (Rap Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Viva Mayday with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Viva Mayday"

 

"Viva Mayday" is the politically charged self-titled debut from reggae rock outfit Viva Mayday. A typical rock three piece – guitar, bass and drums – Viva Mayday rely heavily upon the upstroke to create their classic reggae sound. They also incorporate punk and classic rock elements into their music, showing their musical talent and diversity. The lead singer's vocals are uniformly in the style of traditional reggae and fused with a variety of musical styles, Viva Mayday show likeliness to Bob Marley, Dispatch, The Clash and Sublime at different points on the album. All the while, their lyrics are reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine. Viva Mayday's songs are jam-packed with socially aware, politically charged lyrics that exploit the bands disgruntledness, for the most part, with American foreign policy. "Viva Mayday" is also well-produced, sure to keep both the music and lyrics polished and audible. "Fidel" opens with an incredible Hendrix-style guitar solo as they sing about "the war machine" and "propane democracy." "Missionaries" reflects the "give peace a chance" mentality of the entire album with a Marley-esque vocal, suggesting that even the people that mean perfectly well are struggling to survive abroad. "1963 Motorcade" is a song about the assassination of JFK and conspiracy theories against the government. "Viva Mayday" is certainly opinionated and controversial. If you enjoy what Rage Against the Machine offers lyrically and punk-infused reggae rock, you should give this album a listen.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Viva Mayday's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Villiantine's Day" by Chaos Da Verbal Villain (Rap Artist from Pennsylvania(PA))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Chaos Da Verbal Villian with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Villiantine's Day"

 

"Villiantine's Day" is an East Coast experimental hip-hop album from Chaos Da Verbal Villain that features innovative production and rhymes that push the envelope. Chaos brings extreme intensity and a powerful delivery to the table. His lyrics are controversial and well-constructed, and his creative choices present a new innovation with each new song. The arrangements support the constant battle with sanity that the album presents with odd beats, zany synths and a nice thick coat of darkness that perfectly compliment the album's concept. "Villaintine's Day" is professionally produced and sounds fantastic. Highlights include "Verbal Vybin," with strong lyrics, a nice hook, and an interesting beat. "Mental Madness" features an incredible beat, cool claps, and a hauntingly zany vibe. "For The Love featuring Ajent Smif" has a cool cat jazz vibe, a slick bass line, and a strong guest vocal. Chaos Da Verbal Villain certainly lives up to his name with "Villaintine's Day," as he comes off as a well-versed, veteran and innovative emcee. If you enjoy underground hip-hop that challenges your state of mind, get a little chaotic with Chaos.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Chaos Da Verbal Villain's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Son of Malcolm" by C-Born Nacirfa (Rap Artist from Texas(TX))

RadioIndy is pleased to present C-Born Nacirfa with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Son of Malcolm"

 

"Son of Malcolm" is a spiritual hip-hop album with reggae undertones from C-Born Nacirfa. This album is driven by the concept and the lyrical content. C-Born speaks a strong word and commands your attention through his poetic lyrics and precise delivery simultaneously reminiscent of Wyclef Jean and Common. The sound is comprised of the relationship between rough sounds and delicate sounds, which befits an album preaching change through action. As a whole, the sound maintains a certain rawness, and the arrangements are full, interesting, and well-balanced. "Son of Malcolm" is well-produced and the recordings are all radio ready. Highlights include "Revolution," a cream-of-the-crop track that incorporates all that is C-Born, with dueling vocals, a simple beat, and some nice melodies. "The Ritual" features a cool string sample, a thick beat, and some great production in the vocal area. "Smokin" features an Asian vibe, some cool piano overlays, and another strong lyrical message. Overall, "Son of Malcolm" is an impressive album with a positive message and great vocal performances and arrangements. If you enjoy revolutionary Afro-hip-hop with strong, poetic writing, give C-Born Nacirfa a listen.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out C-Born Nacirfa's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Pound-4-Pound" by BiGGs (Rap Artist from Florida(FL))

RadioIndy is pleased to present BiGGs with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Pound-4-Pound"

 

"Pound-4-Pound" is a three-track southern gangsta single featuring the original, instrumental, and a capella versions of BiGGs' "Look Good." BiGGs' has the vocal ability to intimidate as well as to bring the ladies to their knees. He has a great singing voice as well as a great flow reminiscent of the Notorious B.I.G. and Lil Wayne. The backing music sequence supports this intimidation/coercion dichotomy, as you get a thick, bumping beat with subtle and varied accents and quirky yet atmospheric synths. The second track, the instrumental version of "Look Good," gives you a whole different perspective on the track and allows you to focus on the dramatic hints. The a capella version stands on its own as well; you definitely feel the rhythm without hearing it, and it paints a complete picture of BiGGs' talents as an emcee. This single is recorded excellently, so the track sounds great as a whole and broken down. "Pound-4-Pound" certainly leaves you wanting to hear more of what BiGGs has to offer the music world in both arrangement and vocals. If you enjoy the Miami style of hip-hop, you'll enjoy this CD.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out BiGGs 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Education of Life" by Smooth4Lyfe (Hip-Hop Artist from Maryland(MD))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Smooth4Lyfe with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Education of Life"

 

"Education of Life" by Smooth4Lyfe is an upbeat hip-hop album based on positivity and catchy hooks. This album is a breath of fresh air and takes you back to the days of Tribe Called Quest and DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. The lyrics are very clever, the flow is great, and the vocal performances are fantastic. Behind the words, you get great production; so the songs are polished and radio ready. The arrangements are top-notch, with great variance in the beats and accompaniment that really brings the sound to life, pulling you out of your La-Z-Boy and getting you bumpin' and grinnin'. Highlights include "Drop That," with a classic beat, fresh lyrics, and a nice hook. The title track, "Education of Life," features conversational breaks, introduces a bit of a dark side to Smooth4Lyfe, and has a great hypnotic quality. "Summertime Baby" lives up to its title and delivers a classic rolling-with-the-top-down flow. With "Education of Life," Smooth4Lyfe has created an upbeat hip-hop sound with great hooks and an overall good time. If you enjoy positive rap with a touch of real life experience, give "Education of Life" a listen.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Smooth4Lyfe's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth" by Sir Bell Siqq (Hip-Hop Artist from Kansas(KS))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Sir Bell Siqq with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth"

 

"Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth" is a hardcore gangsta rap album featuring powerful beats and high energy, cleverly delivered vocals from Sir Bell Siqq. This album does not mess around, as Sir Bell Siqq brings you his long resume of street credibility in the form of music. The content is a true window into the gangsta lifestyle. What really stands out is Sir Bell Siqq's talent as an emcee and his impressive ability to twist words around his tongue and deliver a barrage of image-invoking verses. The arrangements behind him are appropriately subtle and succeed in creating a sound consistent with a harsh environment. "Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth" has a great recording quality, so every rhyme is clear and understood. Highlights include "Gun In The Hideaway" with its extremely controversial lyrics and wicked gunfire samples in the intro. "Who Am I" features a great hook and some nice vocal layering. "The Truth" is an anthem for the lifestyle at hand. If you enjoy hardcore, true-to-life rap with claps and big beats, check out Sir Bell Siqq.

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Sir Bell Siqq's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"What's Done Is Done" by Komplex Kai (Rap Artist from Washington(WA))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Komplex Kai with a GrIndie Award for their CD "What's Done Is Done"

 

"What's Done Is Done" is an impressive underground hip-hop album from Komplex Kai. Kai's true-to-life lyrics and Intellect as a writer fuels the material and gives the album a raw intensity and a dark vibe that come right at you. The sound is comprised of aggressive elements – thick, organic beats, heavy distortion, haunting synths, and an overall sense of drive. The arrangements are very creative with lots of layers and a dedication to the concept. Kai is a high energy emcee and puts it all on the table for your listening pleasure with a unique vocal somewhere in between DMX and 2Pac. Highlights include "Why I'm Here (featuring Rytual)," which hits hard with a big beat, a raunchy guitar sound, exceptional lyrics, and a tantalizing chorus. "Bump! Ha Raw (featuring Treaty)" opens with wicked string squeals and evolves into an explosive number with tricky vocal performances. The title track, "What's Done Is Done," wraps things up nicely with a strong message and interesting nuances in the arrangement. With "What's Done Is Done," Komplex Kai has created an impressive record with aggressive beats and driven lyrics. If you enjoy hard-edged hip-hop with a message, give Komplex Kai a try. (WARNING!: EXPLICIT LYRICS)

-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Komplex Kai's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites