Even though a Boston based brand in Karmaloop is going through it right now, there’s something brewing in the Boston area that makes up for it. Something’s brewing in Boston that Boston residents can be happy about and take pride in. It’s the Hip Hop scene in Boston.
Hip Hop in Boston has never been huge but always shown light at the end of tunnel. By the end of last year I knew for a fact it had a very bright future. Four months into 2015, I can confidently say: Boston’s sounding lovely.
To me, “Boston Hip Hop” can’t be restricted to solely Boston. It’s all the cities in Massachusetts, it’s just easier to categorize it all under Boston. There’s so many different lanes..so many different avenues..so many different sounds but they all have the future of Boston sounding very promising.
One name that’s been buzzing around the city, especially with his DJ Holiday hosted TOTB2 release is Gio Dee. With quality, radio-ready tracks Dee has inserted in himself in the the top tier of Boston rappers. His Chef Boyz camp is putting in work too. Mayklens makes us aware of that with tracks like: “Call ‘Em Out” and “Blunts N’ Love”.
With “The Chandelier View” on the way, Avenue has the city sounding right as well. You might’ve heard of him from his tracks with his Summer Of ’91 (Deon Chase, Slumdog Hill) collective but he gets the job done on the solo tip too. Peep his “Oh Wealth” visual.
Connor Donovan is another one that’s providing quality sounds for the city. Just check out his “Nobody” album if you need proof. “It’s like Kid Cudi and Mac Miller got mixed in a blender then poured over smooth, melodic platforms…” We also have to mention all the loosies that he’s dropped.
The name Millyz has been ringing around Boston for some time now and his latest project “Sped” should lead into more recognition for him. His “The Plug (Remix)” with Jadakiss also helped boost his buzz.
“Shoutout” put people on to Cousin Stizz and he’s been bouncing off that ever since. He’s hard at work on his first project but he did drop “A-World” recently and that track was well received across various audiences.
Latrell James is gearing up to drop his anticipated “Twelve” project and in the process we have gotten two singles in: “The Button” and “Boston To London” that both add to the dynamic hip hop sound in Boston.
“Break The Internet” by Caliph definitely contributes to the hip hop sound in the 617 too. Jefe Replay came back from his hiatus recently and is adding more spark with his “The Special” single and visual. And then there’s another Cambridge artist, Fa$$ Coupe, has the city “drippin’ and flossin’”.
Out of Lynn, comes C Wells who’s been on the scene for a few years now but finally found his sound and has been taking making music that sticks lately. “Made In America” is a track that lets us know this.
“Money Friendly” a trippy, smooth, relatable track by Dutchy DoBad is also picking up steam around the area. Charlie Seasons, an artist with his own lane, also has been gaining some recognition with releases like: “Change The Weather”.
Producers deserve spotlight too, especially the ones behind the boards of a lot of gems that come out the city. Names like: AyyDot and Humbeats are producer names we consistently see and with good reason too. They provide the waves for many artists.
What makes Boston Hip Hop so special is that there really is a great mix of sounds and lanes. Some traditional hip hop, some trap, some boom-bap, .. But it’s all different at the same time. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone and anyone.
Another dope thing to mention is it’s not strictly artists that are contributing to pushing it further too. Between support from the city and fans, managers, writer, DJs and media persons like: Malcolm Gray, Jess Richards, Eric Bernsen, and DJ Edubble, the future of Boston Hip Hop is definitely in good hands.
Some might feel there’s more names and songs I could’ve mentioned (which is probably true) but nonetheless you get the idea. Boston Hip Hop is alive, it’s well, and it’s flourishing.
