Hip-Hop | Mike Champoux — One

Posted by on March 10, 2013

It’s a rare moment these days when I come across a new emcee whose sound truly transfixes me. Rapping has become such a major fad in our college culture, and as more nontraditional hip-hop acts gain prestige in this community, it continues to saturate this work and turn a genre that once exclusively documented the struggles of urban life into one accessible to all. I’m very proud of the progression of hip-hop and I believe that it’s an adaptive genre by nature, but simultaneously—as an advocate of hip-hop’s finesse and literary qualities—it has made me loathe checking my inbox and staying on top of the trends. There’s a definite lack of awareness and a presence of ignorance in those who self-identify as artists of hip-hop that I can tell upon first listen. These are artists who’ve been drawn to hip-hop because of the perceived ease of constructing a strong where no message or originality is necessary. Tracks have become defined by punchlines and producer’s remakes of industry singles, rarely detailed and rarely bearing any sign of lyrical prowess. I digress, but this morning a Seattle artist named Mike Champoux was brought to my attention, and has provided me with a temporary sense of trust. He’s a multitalented producer and rapper, and is a few weeks away from releasing his first full-length, L.I.F.E., which highlights the introspective qualities of his work. “One” is a beautiful homage and response to a friend of Champoux’s who took his own life, with a melodic and gripping instrumental that has that characteristic Seattle sound that Ryan Lewis has brought to global attention. Enjoy. 

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Hip-Hop | Grynch – I’m Good ft. Sol

Posted by on March 7, 2012

Two of Seattle’s finest join forces on Grynch’s brand new album, Perspective [iTunes], which hit digital stores on March 2nd.  I haven’t had a chance to listen to the whole album, but I saw this track featuring Sol, which initially caught my attention.  After releasing, what I consider to be the album of 2012 “Yours Truly“, Sol returns with his first feature since the album release.  Boasting an underground sound, Sol and Grynch deliver some feel good bars over the Budo produced beat.   Seattle’s hip-hop scene has certainly been around for a while, but some of the youthful faces are bringing well deserved recognition to the city.

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Sol: Facebook || Twitter || Album Review