In a break from my usual analysis of a single artist or discussion of recent trends in hip-hop, I'm going to use this week to look at a few rappers from the more underground side of things. Blowing up in the music industry isn't a straightforward game, and even some of the most talented rappers can languish, underrecognized and underappreciated for years - or even the entirety of their careers.
King Mez
The Music: The Raleigh, N.C., native has a knack for delivering impassioned rhymes over smooth Southern board work. He spins lyrical webs with his wordplay and depicts the struggle to show others the "king" he sees in himself. He has produced three mixtapes and has worked with Khrysis, Phonte and fellow North Carolinian J Cole.
The Industry: North Carolina isn't exactly a hip-hop powerhouse, which may explain why Mez is still running on his own independent label. This, in turn, has contributed to his lack of high-profile collaborations, which has undoubtedly held him back from achieving more widespread recognition. Moreover, his distinctive rough-around-the-edges flow and penchant for silky smooth beats don't make for great radio hits.
Essential Listen: "My Everlasting Zeal" (2012)
Stay Tuned For: "Long Live the King," which is dropping on April 10.
?Mayday!
The Music: It is easy to compare this live-instrument hip-hop group to the better-known The Roots. Hailing from Miami, ?Mayday! takes a more aggressive, battle-ready approach to this niche hip-hop form. Energetic drum lines and pulsating guitar riffs are punctuated by the go-get-'em ambition of MCsWreckonize and Bernz. It's great music for working out, driving or picking yourself up after a tough day.
The Industry: Signed to Tech N9ne's label, Strange Music, ?Mayday! appears quite content in its corner of the rap game. They are able to freely experiment with blurring the line between rock and rap while benefiting from the underground respect that comes from Tech N9ne's label. So don't expect ?Mayday! to hit the mainstream any time soon, but fans can expect that great music will continue to be their norm.
Essential Listen: "Take Me to your Leader" (2012)
Stay Tuned For: While there is no impending album, ?Mayday!, is currently touring with Tech N9ne on his Something Else Tour.
Sweatshop Union
The Music: This British Columbia-based supergroup made their name with their strikingly politically aware lyricism and melodic hooks. One of my first introductions to hip-hop, Sweatshop is about as underground as they come: in it for the music, lyrically powerful, rapping about the daily grind and strangely infatuated with Bill Murray. They know who they are and don't try to be anything else.
The Industry: Together since 2000, Sweatshop seems to have hit a glass ceiling as far as success goes. Socially conscious rap has its mainstream limitations, especially when it's coming from white Canadian rappers. That said, Sweatshop has a much more accessible sound than its following would suggest.
Essential Listen: "Water Street" (2008).
Stay Tuned For: Sweatshop just finished touring bars and clubs throughout the West Coast of the United States and Canada.
XV
The Music: Probably the most widely recognized name on this list, XV's strength is in his variety. Able to sound at home on a wide range of beats, he attracts a diverse audience. His varied beat selection is his greatest shot at radio success and the ensuing endorsement deals, as much it is his greatest hindrance.
The Industry: On the surface, a lot of the pieces are there: the major label contract (Warner Bros, who he signed with in 2010), the frequent mixtape releases (over 20 since 2006), single-worthy catchiness (see 2011's "Textbook Stuff"), big-time collaborations (too many to name). But the stars just haven't quite aligned for XV. Not yet, in any case.
Essential Listen: "Zero Heroes" (2011)
Stay Tuned For: "The Kid with the Green Backpack," XV's first official studio album, is due out later this year.
Ryan Buell is a sophomore who is majoring in psychology. He can be reached at Ryan.Buell@tufts.edu.
