Written by Dylan Gallagher Wow, what a spectacular explosion of music. The Controversy has won me over instantly. This LA based indie rock band is hitting the scene and making a HUGE splash, having won Artist of the Year 2012 in the Artist in Music Awards 2012. They also received nominations for three other awards in the same ceremony. The Controversy’s line-up includes front-woman vocalist Laura Vall and guitarist and co-writer/producer Thomas Hjorth. The band’s first album is called Real, and let me tell you their rock is as real as it can get.

Written by Dylan Gallagher

Made up of two brothers, the group Jinxshame is a rap and hip-hop sensation just bustling with soul and strong, fresh beats. The two brothers are out of Woodland, California, and they give us that familiar California style rap. Their music reminds me of 2Pac if he were on singing in a slower tempo with more effects in his songs.

Their song “Ass A Fee” has a slow beat with a whiney synth bit over it. The lyrics are intense and powerful. Another song worth listening to is called “All The People,” which starts with a quieter, softer-spoken section over a quick and intricate bit of guitar picking. When the beat drops, you can’t help but bob your head up and down as the two brothers chant, “Come join the people.” The lyrics in this song are well written and display a disciplined passion for song-writing. The beat continues as they boys sing about joining together, and then when the bridge drops near the end, the song gets even better. The bridge acts as an outro and leads us out of the song, but it reminds us to join the people and work together.

Written by Dylan Gallagher

As these boys so proudly state: “There ain’t no party like the Westside party…Cuz the Westside party don’t stop.” This, among so many other statements, is the truth. Westside Band is here for your aural pleasure, and when they come ‘a knocking, you better answer. The band, which formed in 1981, has a lineup that is as follows: Junior Trejo, Polo, Chico, Rick Borr, Dan Rea, PD, and Gerald. All members sing together in very interactive and upbeat harmonies.

Written by Dylan Gallagher

Some of the coolest beats this side of the Mississippi are given to us by none other than Ricky Pettis. Ricky Pettis is a smooth R&B, jazz guitar player. His music is soft, easy to listen to, and displays creative use of the electric guitar. Ricky’s lead bits are bright, fun, and expansive, as they creep all over the fret board.

Ricky’s music isn’t sustained by guitar alone, however. There are momentous fills and explosions of brass instruments like trumpets and trombones thrown into the mix, too, especially in his song “Can’t Stay Here.” The lead guitar in “Can’t Stay Here” reminds me of some early blues stuff mixed with jazz in a style that mimics Stevie Ray Vaughn. The song has just the right tempo, and the effects aren’t too overwhelming. They fit the song just right, and when the piano comes in to compliment the guitar’s part, the combination is just fantastical. Another great song by Ricky Pettis is called “I’m Just Sayin.” This tune uses a cool, jazzy guitar lead over an even jazzier rhythm and piano section. This is the kind of music that you can relax to, but it’s also the kind that makes you want to jump on your guitar and jam along. The lead playing shows great skill, and the different guitar distortions and effects sound unique and interesting.

Written by Dylan Gallagher If you’re looking for some fly, heartfelt rap and hip-hop, then Jevy is the guy for you. His music is full of soul, great rhymes, and an excellent appreciation of the craft. Born in Seattle, Washington, Jevy started out his career in writing music by writing poetry and spoken word, then slowly working his way into the industry with the experience he gained in college studying Music & Performing Arts. Jevy’s first album is titled Fahrenheit 2K12, and it includes fourteen different tracks. Jevy’s live performances are great, and show just how passionate he is about singing and getting his message out to the public. Jevy has a very commanding presence on the stage and in front of the camera, proving that he’s got the ambition and the grit to handle this business, which can sometimes be absolutely exhausting. Jevy sings about his influences, which include Andre 3000, Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac, and his music reflects these influences. He has a rapid-fire delivery of lyrics that permeate the mind and make you consider your own life. To me, what makes rap so special is its very personal and direct method of transferring emotion through lyrics that are meant to grab your attention. The rhyming scheme just allows a rapper to build on his own words until they come to an explosive, orgasmic conclusion. Jevy has clearly figured this out and displays great talent in his music. Listen to all of Fahrenheit 2K12 and see what you think. I’m sure you’ll be happy with it. Songs you should check out on the album are “Superstar,” “Beautiful Night,” and “Made For This.” Check out Jevy’s website here: https://www.jevysworld.com/#!

After being involved in the California music scene for years and accidental meetings AN.T.I, Vyz, and DJ- J Rez have formed the super rap group trio “Literates.” Since earl 2008, the trio has been making waves through out California when they release their first LP titled “Don’t Sleep.” The LP included 14 tracks with 12 being produced by A.N.T.I who is influenced by N.W.A, DJ Quick, and Cypress Hill so you know he only produces some of the illest beats. “Don’t Sleep” was released in early 2009 and their style can be best compared to artist like Insane Clown Posse.

Coming from the birth place of Mardi Gras, the craziest party in the US, Katrina, and a rap scene like no other Anymeenz from New Orleans is surrounded by a culture that has seen it all. All the external and internal factors of living New Orleans has made Anymeenz into a lean mean rapping machine. I’m very familiar with the hard knock life of NOLA pre-Katrina from the legendary Cash Money records roster. Life is just as tough as the Bronx and the street life is the only promising future most people living in the urban areas of NOLA have. However, music seems to be the escape most choose whether it’s serious or just playing around-NOLA music is deeply rooted in the culture.

Harley Mac’s LP “When Girls Eat Apples” is a master piece. Not much is known about this up and coming MC, but if his LP is any indication of what he has in stores for us then we can not wait for more music! From he talents we can gather that he is self-sufficient, independent, and is a lyrical monster that explores the different realms of hip-hop in terms of production. All 3 songs offer something completely different that will make you question what kind of rapper is he? Is he best compared to Andre 3000 or Tyga? Maybe both?