New sounds in the DMV...

For a long time, the DMV had been overlooked in the mainstream hip-hop community. We have a lot of talent, but no ones made it over the hill yet. Well, except for Tabi Bonney and Wale. Both of which, constantly, talked about this hate they've recieved in their own city. It feels like it you're a rapper in this city, you're doomed to crititizm. But seriously, is that any different from any other city? The true problem comes from the lack of support! But any, let's not get in to that. That was the topic of my last post.

Let's instead talk about some success stories. Let's talk about artist that haven't made it into the limelight, but deserve. I was bless with two great projects and I wanted to talk about them. The first is a project by Ardamus and Ed Metaphysical entitled, "A Day In The Life Of Modern Living." There's a reason why this project is special. It's real! Ardamus is not a gangsta rapper and he's not trying to be. He represents the average man that goes to work, stands in line and wants to stay out of trouble. I'm pretty sure he's taken more drugs than he's sold.

Ardamus, with producer Ed Metaphysical, created a 10 track album that goes through the entire day of the average man. From the nightmare you have before you wake up to going to work and getting stuck in traffic, what makes this project special is the theme that it attaches to. Every song is carefully picked out to describe the my day! The rat race. On top of that, you've got to see him perform it live! Its a treat. If you haven't already, I strongly suggest getting this album.



















Next is the work of Sm City. Sm (Sim) is a cocky bastard! But, he has a reason. Sm's attention to detail is every impressive! I've never heard anything like this from a DMV artist. I'm not even talking about just the lyrics. What astounds me is the attention to detail that comes from a perfectionist like Sm. He cares about his craft, considers it an artform and all of this shows in his work. I usually get tire of the mixtape pile, but this one feels different. If feels like an album. Mixed by DJ BChenk and Dub Floyd, this project is meaningful, lyrical and diverse for hip hop. Sm's play on words is what makes this album exciting. I don't usually say that about a lot of peoples' stuff. Not too much and not too little. This project is just about right.

This one is free! Download at well at let me know what YOU think..!