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Kev Choice The RAPstation Interview By Kyle Eustice Zion I is one of the hardest working acts in independent hip-hop. The Oakland-based crew released the critically acclaimed album, Mind Over Matter, in 2000 and have been killing it ever since. With core member Zumbi at the helm, Zion I has amassed a healthy following over the years. However, it may come as a shocking surprise to some fans that the other half of Zion I, producer Amp Live, has left the group to pursue his solo career. That leaves Zumbi in the driver's seat, but fortunately he has several talented artists along for the ride. As Zion I embarks on yet another tour, emcee Zumbi has enlisted the help of fellow Oakland resident and member of the Zion I family, Kev Choice. The multi-talented pianist, emcee and DJ i

Austrian producer Flip has just released his brand new album Reflections which is available in stores and online now via Ill Adrenaline Records. The album features a line-up boasting artists from all corners of the US, like AG (of D.I.T.C.), Killah Priest of the Wu-Tang family, Elzhi, Guilty Simpson, Phat Kat, Edo. G, Kev Brown, LMNO, Tragic Allies and many more. 
Flip's signature sound is deeply rooted in the classic boom bap tradition with thick and hard-hitting drums and chopped samples, but also incorporates synth sounds, deep 808 low end and unconventional song layouts that move away from the old two bar loop formula. Flip is also a DJ and record digger, and handled most of the cuts on his album himself. And yes, he is also an MC, just in case you wondered...̷

deM atlaS The RAPstation Interview By Kyle Eustice If you haven't heard the music of deM atlaS, you should. The Rhymesayers signee is on a meteoric rise to notoriety thanks to his clever lyricism, impeccable hooks and super tight production. Reminiscent of classic '90s hip-hop, his tracks ruminate a type of maturity you wouldn't expect from a 22-year-old emcee. As D-I-Y as it gets, deM atlaS, real name Joshua Evans, caught the attention of Rhymesayers' CEO Brent Sayers (Siddiq) by playing countless shows around the Minneapolis area. He quickly landed a record contract in 2013. With two EPs under his belt, 2013's Charlie Brown and 2014's DWNR, Evans is yet another powerful addition to the RSE family. Charlie Brown explores his deep connection to the cartoo

Probably the deepest song on Mega Ran & Storyville's Soul Veggies album (in stores now on Brick Records), "I Know Who I Am," came about as part of a DJ Seedless project. Seedless crafted an Afro-Beat jazzy groove that caught the attention of legendary MC Wise Intelligent (of Poor Righteous Teachers) who dropped a scorching verse. To fill out the track, Seedless hit up the Veggies, and Ran and Story came through with multi-layered rhymes chronicling the past, present and future, capped off with Ran's epic historical breakdown of who, when, what and why we are who are we are. Listen and be inspired. Please visit https://soundcloud.com/megaranmusic/soul-veggies-i-know-who-i-am-feat-wise-intelligent to check it out now. Soul Veggies is available now on iTunes, Ama

Three Questions with Raashan Ahmad By Kyle Eustice Although Raashan Ahmad was born in Trenton, New Jersey, grew up in Los Angeles and honed his craft in Oakland, these days he's repping a 505 area code. Now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the former Crown City Rockers emcee has found the idyllic place to create the kind of music he wants to make. In most of Raashan's recent solo work, there seems to be an undeniable spiritual component, which lifts the listener up like magic. As he continues globetrotting from country-to-country and state-to-state, Raashan carries a message of gratitude for simply being able to share his love of music. 2010's For What You've Lost truly told Raashan's story; from "Pain On Black" to "Sunshine," the album addresses many of Raashan's most personal

Always one to stay busy, Bronx-based producer Ray West has just released the Dark days under the sun EP which finds Ray West and emcee CERN 1 joining forces. The 9 track project is described as being, "set in a time when love and the world appear to have no light, no matter how bright the day is. It's a feeling many people may experience in their life at some point or another. It is recommended to listen to it on rainy days, Sunday mornings , with a hangover, on subways..." Please visit http://redapples45.bandcamp.com/album/dark-days-under-the-sun-ep to get the Dark days under the sun EP into your collection. Also check out the visuals from the project here https://vimeo.com/118734405 and the official track list can be found below. 01. Intro 02. Take Wa