With all of hip-hop’s globalization and commercialism, some MCs still identify with the culture through the memories of Run-DMC, Boogie Down Productions and the like. New Jersey born and California raised Raashan Ahmad’s debut solo album “The Push” is rooted in the musical tradition of his predecessors. 

The vintage boom-bap sound and turntable scratches on “Hello” produce a head-nodding beat sure to connect with b-boys. Longing to see the art form return to its former days, he raps on the aforementioned song: “can we get a real hip-hop show, where people dance to the music not just watch the flow; where the bouncers don’t ego trip, DJ spin B-sides, and brown people support the vibe.” Knocking drums and breezy horns lead the charge on the jazzy and soulfully encouraging “If I.” Even with Rashaan Ahmad’s positive temperament, he writes how “The Weight” and pressure of life can be rather stressful. Paying homage to the past, “The Crush” is a tribute to the pioneering rap artists that came before him, while “Give Thanks” expresses his gratitude for the meaningful things in life. 

Since hip-hop has given Raashan Ahmad much to appreciate, “The Push” is his way of giving back. 

Label: Om Records

Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop

“Love Money and Music” is the independent release of Browns Mills, NJ rapper 8thW1. This ten song disc (plus two bonus tracks) is a candid and spirited reflection of 8thW1’s personal philosophies about subjects that matter most in his life: love, money and music. 

In discussing matters of the heart, 8thW1 sounds extremely sincere as he expresses his sentiments regarding love on “A Fool’s Lullaby (Could It Be)” and subsequent doubts about romance on “Heartbeat.” The song “Money” finds the wordsmith longing for financial compensation for his craft, whereas the rock sounding, frat-esque “Drunken Saturday” is 8thW1’s interpretation of partying under the influence of alcohol (it’s like a modern version of the Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right”).

The track “Posers” sets 8thW1’s skills as a lyricist in motion, diving in rhyme-first at the opportunity to taunt pseudo MCs, rapping: “stop chattin’ and stop posin’/fall back like Scarface with coke before stickin’ your nose in,” in addition to the sarcastically witty line, “you do this on the side/like stickin’ d—k inside your chick while ya’ll spoonin’.” 

Love, Money and Music is a fine example of the diversity hip-hop music offers audiences and is certainly an album that people can surely appreciate.

Label: Love Money and Music

Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop

There used to be a time in R&B when male singers passionately broadcasted their love for the opposite sex. Rekindling the romance in music is Brandon Beal’s debut album “Comfortable.” 

Comprised mostly of ballads, the Texas native touches on different aspects of relationships throughout the disc, including: the courting process (“Grown,” “Girl”), cheating (“October”), breakups (“Don’t Wanna See You Again,” “Take Me Back”) and lovemaking (“Country Love”). A hopeless romantic, Brandon promises to please the target of his affection on “You Deserve,” declaring: “all I need is an open opportunity.”

Despite all of his wooing, the crooner isn’t immune to getting cold feet when pursuing women. The song “Maybe” finds the singer unable to approach the lady he’s attracted to at a bus stop—his rationale being: “maybe she was going home to her boyfriend, maybe I wasn’t the type that she wanted, maybe I coulda had her but I was trippin’.” Fortunately on “Purple Skirt,” Brandon finally gathers the courage to inform his crush that he’s interested in her. 

The production and songwriting anchor “Comfortable,” proving that chivalry in contemporary R&B still has its place when done the right way.

Label: MMG Records Inc.

Genre: R&B

Every so often an artist comes along that shuns convention and challenges the status quo of preexisting formulas. Peter Hadar happens to be that person, and his second album, “Well Dressed for the Art Show,” reflect his eccentric style. 

Fusing sounds and tones of R&B, Electronic, and Rock, the former fashion stylist turned singer/songwriter ventures into anomalous territory on the atmospheric “Painted” and spacey “Planets.” Returning back to earth piloted by the deep grooves of a base guitar is “Laugh Together,” a telltale song that explains how something so simple as laughter (or lack thereof) can affect the likelihood of a relationship advancing to the next level, as implied in the chorus: “we did not laugh together so it’s evident that we would not last forever.” Proud of his unorthodox ways, he even celebrates it on an interlude, singing: “if you’re weird and you know it clap your hands.” 

Even though “Well Dressed for the Art” defies traditional R&B formats, it proves that Peter Hadar’s presence alone is enough to make you pay attention.

Label: Cool Weirdo Music

Genre: R&B