Yesterday, our nation mourned in unison in remembrance of the men and women who lost their lives 15-years-ago in a terrorist attack against the U.S. Whether you believe in one the many “conspiracy” theories that have been conjured about about 9/11, the fact is that many people lost their husbands, wives, sons, daughters, friends, sisters, and brothers that night and our condolences are out to the families that lost a loved one. But it wasn’t all bad that day, Hip-Hop received not one but two classic albums that day in Jay-Z‘s Blueprint, and Fabolous‘ Ghetto Fabolous… Okay just one, but “Trade It All” was my sh*t — shoutout Jagged Edge — and it was the debut album that would introduce Fab to the world, which is notable in itself. Before any of your young homies come running up to you on some, “Check out this Jigga track, “Song Cry“, Super slept on!” ish; peep out these 5 tracks that are actually slept on and are soon to blow.

Ankhle John – “Lil’ Booties Matter (RAW)”

One of the casualties of today’s hyper-sexual, video-vixen driven culture has been the defamation of the normal everyday body. Women have been racing to their nearest surgeon in hopes of being made into the newest carbon copy, with ass shots being the number one inquiry. D.C. native Ankhle John is here to tell you guys’ that won’t be necessary. Meshing golden age like cadences with a lyrical exploration of the body that Akinyele would blush at, John showcases his vast creativity. “First time we linked up, she showed me she’s a snorter/ Shorty ghetto smart, sent to Georgetown to be a lawyer/ I keep it cool, I peep the coke in her nostril” rhymes John in the midst of his lyrically dense tale. Check out, “Lil’ Booties Matter (RAW)” below and be sure to keep an eye on the D.C. native.

Max Gertler – “Grammy (Feat. Flahzi)”

Happy music has been popularized now more than ever. No more are the days of struggle tales and come up raps the industry darling; nowadays the Lil’ Yachtys and D.R.A.M.’s of the world have made happy pop rap the new trend. This is the lane that Max Gertler and his wavy, synth heavy track, “Grammy” drive in. Though old heads may be disgusted by this — which confuses the sh*t out of me — I love it. “When I win a Grammy, I’m gon’ rock it on my wrist” raps Gertler repeatedly throughout the track, which is full of aspirational conquests and leaves you feeling ready to conquer the day’s troubles. Check out the tropical new track, which is sure to blow, below and check out the Brooklyn native’s new tape, Di$ney, which is out now.

Tate Tucker – “Roll With Her”

Everyday when I get up in the morning, I do three things. First thing I do is get up and brush my teeth, the second is check my email and the third is thank the music gods for sending us Anderson .Paak and his groovy, unconventional style. Thanks to the great reaction to his latest project, Malibu, more and more artists have been finding more success being themselves and adding a little funk to it. One of those artists is Los Angeles rep Tate Tucker, whose ability to seamlessly switch from qualified wordsmith to on-key vocalist is a feat that is not to go underappreciated. On the track, “Roll With Her” Tucker exhibits a smooth, suav demeanor that serves to make him a favorite among the female listeners. Check out the swanky track, “Roll With Her” below and be sure to keep an ear out for the City of Angels native.

Rossi Rock – “That’s My Lady”

This weekly list was comprised to highlight both music that is on the cusp of blowing up, and music that is really good and going under the radar. San Diego native and TanBoy rep Rossi Rock and his infectious track, “That’s My Lady” is exactly the type of track we had in mind. Produced by Chris Romero, “That’s My Lady” is a fun bouncy track that finds Rossi effortless flowing about everything from 8 Mile, Jermaine Dupri, and of course his lady. Over rapid hi hats and a faint horn bouncing in the background, Rossi exhibits the lyrical qualities that have him buzzing in circles all throughout the industry with his fantastic tape, Agassi, which is the only tape to have two songs featured on With All Due RESPECT. Check out the bubbling track from the TanBoy below and get yourself acclimated now before the bandwagon is full.

Rob $tone – “Meetings (Feat. Denzel Curry)”

There have been plenty of winners and losers throughout the duration of 2016 — America being the biggest loser — but I’m not sure anybody has had quite the year that San Diego native Rob $tone has had. After moving back west from Atlanta and really putting the full court press on his music career, $tone carved out one of the years biggest underground in “Chill Bill” with his 1207 crewmates which saw him sign a contract to RCA Records and burst out as one of the year’s breakout stars. Out to prove that he’s more than just a one hit wonder — and that song is a HIT — $tone dropped his second mixtape, I’m Almost Ready, and first since signing to RCA. He failed to disappoint. Though there are a few bonafide bangers on there — see “Don’t You Dare” and “Rolling Stone” the track that will sure have everybody buzzing — as evidenced by this tweet — will be the groupie banger “Meetings” featuring one of the year’s best guest verses from Denzel Curry. Just like we called “Chill Bill” and Dae Dae‘s “What You Mean“ before they hit the Billboard Top 100, we’re calling this one as well. Don’t sleep, get hip now. Check out “Meetings” below.

There you have it! Let us know how we did, did we get it right? Are we still sleeping on your favorite local artist? Let us know in the comment section below!

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