[Video] Lute - ".80 Proof"

Lute is one of the new, young artists repping the West Coast who just released his mixtape West 1996 (click for tracklist/download @ 2DBZ). He's just released a video for one of the songs on the tape, which also just became my introduction to this spitter, ".80 Proof". Over one of the classic Pete Rock "PeteStrumentals" Lute's spitting some pretty fierce part which will have me having to check out some more material from this dude. Many thanks to 2DBZ who still gives shine on some sick debuting artists to look for in the future. Thoughts/love/hate??

Serum & Manifesto - "Insurgemcees"

Serum & Manifesto is a new duo from Miamo repping some sick hip-hop for all the heads. Their new video "Insurgemcees" can be seen above. The song is taken from their debut album "The S&M Project: Hott Waxx" released on underground label Tyranno Serum Records. The album is actually available for free download via their Bandcamp with the option to purchase the physical CD for a donation of $10. I haven't listened to the full-length yet but the single/video produced by California's Ekcel Beats and directed by Lex One is definitely enough to make me check out the entire thing when I find the time. Download the full 17-tracks production below while you still can.

SERUM & MANIFESTO - "THE S&M PROJECT: HOTT WAXX"

Unsigned Hype: ROCK MECCA

Rock Mecca is a new up-and-coming emcee hailing from Queens, New York. Mecca is currently preparing his debut album "Pirate Radio Star", building up his hype via ill singles and if you ask me he's worth keeping an eye on. Judging by the two singles below, his love for vintage and gritty East Coast hip-hop shines through while he's also making a point of maintain his own identity.

At the moment Mecca is working on building a buzz through the ill singles in orer to promote the forthcoming LP. "Runnin' Runnin'" is my favorite and is also the newest single, a song that "cleverly flips a classic Hip Hop interlude into a certified heater". The single artwork can be seen uptop and the download link is the first out of the two Hulkshare links below. The previous release from the project is a joint called "New York Noise" which is another solid effort that you find right at the bottom of this page. If you want to support the artist you can donate $1@ Rock Mecca's Bandcamp and learn more about the artist @ Reverbnation.

Unsigned Hype - GRAND OFFICIAL

Grand Official is a new five man crew from Pico Rivera, Los Angeles, CA that you're most definitely gonna hear more from in the future. The group's five members consists of emcees A. Dose and Adlife, producers A-One and Grip plus turntablist Hallucin-8. Grand Official formed in 2003 and lives, breathe and sleep hip-hop with a pronounced love for all of the four elements of the culture. You can hear the vintage '90s hip-hop sound in their music but with a very modern twist. The sick and meaningful rhymes, sample-based beats, and something that's been missing in my opinion, heavy turntablist!

The crew's love for the classic boom bap shines through in their music and amongst many others influences include legends like Pharoahe Monch, Gang Starr, M.O.P., Ras Kass, Dilated Peoples and many more. Their digital single "Incredible" and "L.A. L.A." is now available for free download so check that out below. The latter track was recently given props by none other than DJ Premier as he played it at his 21st October set @ LiveFromHQ set on XM Radio. Check out the joints and keep your eyes open for more Grand Official here @ The Lost Tapes.

GRAND OFFICIAL - "L.A. L.A."  /  GRAND OFFICIAL - "INVINCIBLE"