Think Differently Music: Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture

For all you Wu-Tang and Underground Hip-Hop fans, this ablum was made for you. The reason I bring up an album that was released in October 18, 2005 is because it includes collaborated tracks by Wu-Tang Clan members, affiliates, and underground hip-hop artists. This album gives you a true feel for how underground artists sound and how they can make it to the "main stream". Dreddy Krueger produced this album and did a great job of mixing the Wu-Tang sound with these new and old artists alike.

All the songs on this album are bangers, but "Give it Up" with R.A. Rugged man and J-Live stands out to me. R.A. comes in hard with a sick flow, while J-Live kills it with metaphors. Both these artist are by no means "new" or "up and coming" but they both claim to be, and are, underground with a raw sound.

If you like this song, Wu-Tang, or Undergound Hip-Hop make sure you pick up this album that seems to have slipped through the cracks. And make sure to leave me a comment of an album or artist I should check out.

Grieves

Benjamin Laub aka Grieves is the definition of determination and hard work. In 2003, Grieves moved into a Seattle apartment with nothing more then a bed, tv, and his MPC 2000XL. He spend hours a day on his MPC creating beats and writing songs. Soon enough he found himself performing in small clubs and venues. He used these funds to support his own tours and the release of his first LP, "Irreversible".

By 2008 Grieves had partnered with Budo, an established local producer, to help him develop his second full release, "88 Keys and Counting". In 2009 Grieves signed to the Minneapolis based label Rhymesayers Entertainment where he has worked on and released "The Confessions Of Mr. Modest". This album features P.O.S and the Cunninlynguists.

Grieves's music often is about heartbreak, pain, and self-truths. He says he writes these songs to deal with his problems and harmful events of his life. This makes his music easy to relate with and understand. But Grieves is not all about doom and gloom. His live shows are energetic hip-hop performances and Grieves shows off his skill of music by using multiple instruments on stage. He also has great humor which really comes out during a live performance. I would recommend checking out a show if you have the chance.

Here is a song from Grieves to get you started, off his newest album "The Confessions of Mr. Modest"-Ghost Ship. Please check out all 3 of his albums and let me know which one you feel is his best.

Elemental Zazen

Zazen has shared the stage with Immortal Technique, Kool Keith, Mr. Lif, and many more. He is Originally from Boston but has lived in many states and even over seas in his life. He is currently living in Seattle working towards his PhD in Sociology. Zazen has been though a lot during his relatively short life, from the death of a close family member, a devastating house fire that took all his possessions, to brain surgery to remove a tumor.

Just stumbled upon this little gem by Elemental Zazen "Nothing To Lose But Change". I have been playing this CD on repeat all week and thought I would share it with you all. It includes guest appearances from Canibus, Fashawn, Gnotes and Jean Grae, Elemental Zazen's new album features production from Jake One, Kno, M-Phazes, Blue Sky Black Death, J.Ferra, Metaform, and Eligh.

This CD has intricate rhymes, dirty drum beats, live instrumentation, and an old-school aggressive flow. I think the production from Jake One, Eligh, and Kno are spot on. After you listen to the song Hollow Hearts check out the whole album and let me know if you got the same vibe I did. Listen to Hollow Hearts featuring Canibus.

Sadistik

At only 23 years of age, Sadistik is quickly becoming one of the best underground hip-hop artists. Sadistik is one part Slugs and one part Marshall Mathers, with a unique style. By the time Sadistik was 22 years old he had already released his first album "The Balancing Act" working with already known artists Mac Lethal and Vast Aire. If you listened to this album, you will find it really takes off 1/3 of the way in. Sadistik's lyrics feel dark and cold yet meaningful. This is not a CD that will hype you up or cheer you up, rather it is more for those times you are alone and want time to reflect. Make sure you pay attention to the deep poetic sounding lyrics throughout this whole album. If you just listen to one song off this album make sure its "Writes of Passage".

Here is an example of the poetic lyrics Sadistik uses during this album:

But I gave in to all my fears instead

The only thing that ran more then me (were the tears you shed)

When you told me you cut inside ya flesh

You're depressed and you'd rather die instead

I could feel my heart tear to bits

(The first time Ive cried ever since my parents split)

And I knew, there was no you and I

I kissed you goodbye, it felt like suicide

-"November"

"The Art of Dying" is Sasistik's most recent release. Kid Called Computer helps to produce this album and he doesn't miss a step. Much like The Balancing Act, Sadistik displays his emotions throughout the album with a unique swagger.

If you are looking for something different from the norm with a deep poetic and intense flow, these albums are for you. Please don't sleep on Sadistik, if you do, you'll regret it!

Let me know what you think of Sadistik