Even though this year we at nappyafro were suppose to go harder with featuring more independent artists, I’ll be the first to say that we could be doing way better in that category. But all that’s about to change. See, we get lots of music sent to us be it physical or digital. I guess scheduling reviews and keeping up columns kinda block us from getting that music out. So starting now (And I hope regularly) we are cranking the Indie Spotlight column back up. New music from new talented artists has always been a big part in Hip-Hop; why not help that? But before we get to the music, let me give a guide to all you aspiring artists as to how you can (And can not) get your music featured here:
1. Don’t E-mail Blast Us
And I understand why you would. It’s much easier to send your music out to 100 or so sites with the click of a mouse then it is to write each one individually. But honestly, we when received they just get deleted without getting read. Even if I don’t like the music sent, at least I will actually try to listen to it if the e-mail is personalize and it’s also a good chance I will write back (Maybe not quickly but I will eventually write back). Using our contact form will also merit a read too.
2. Don’t Get Upset If We Don’t Review It
We try not review mixtapes. I know we break that rule sometimes but it’s mostly because we can’t tell V–G what to do. Besides, it’s only 6 of us on staff (Plus the occasional help on the side) so we at least like to review the music that people want the most. Do you really this we gonna not review the new Weezy album to do yours? Not to say that they’ll never be exceptions.
3. We Gotta Like It To Post It
Duh.
Okay, enough of my grandstanding; let’s get to it.
Download: Anterluz – “Til We Die”
Twitter: @anterluz
Hailing from Southern California come Anterluz. He actually sent two tracks but as soon as I heard this one, I hit him back like; “Is that a Rocky sample?”. Okay, I’ve heard the Rocky theme sampled before; but I really like the way producer Soul Professa flipped it. Not to say Anterluz can’t rap; he goes hard over the track (“Yeah we getting it in/I’m crack on the backboard/I’m bending the rim”). His street album Fight For The Crown is expected to drop this fall with production from DJ Babu, Frank Dukes, Soul Professa, THX, YH of Da Zombeez and others. We see you Anterluz! Stick & Move!
Download: Thee Tom Hardy – “Thee Tom Hardy Show”
Twitter: @THEETOMHARDY
We got sent Tom Hardy’s Don Cannon hosted mixtape, The Hardy Boy Mystery Mixtape: Curse of Thee Green Faceded, and it sat in out inbox for almost 2 weeks. Yeah, we’re idiots. This North Carolinian does his thing. He’s also signed to 9th Wonder’s label It’s A Wonderful World Music Group/The Academy so we could being seeing big thing for this kid in the future (Is this still technically an Indie Spotlight? Whatever). You may have heard him on “Rap $$$” with Freeway and Young Chris also on the track. I guess it’s more that one white boy that can rap from North Carolina (We still love you Joe Scudda). This track is off The Hardy Boy Mystery Mixtape: Curse of Thee Green Faceded which also feature cameos from Murs, Mikkey Halsted, Tyler Woods, and others. Get that here.
Download: Jeff Johnson – “Pray 4 Me (The Great Recession)”
Twitter: @thisboyiscrazy
Hey. One we reason we mess with Jeff Johnson is because dude puts in work. Plus he shows that Atlanta just doesn’t breed one type if artist. Most of Jeff’s music is come with a message and “Pray 4 Me” keeps this theme (Check out the accompanying music video). You can still get his mixtape Hoodlums, Scholars & Heretics which he released earlier this year here. The full album from Jeff should hit this December
As always, you can send music to [email protected]. Peace.
