You know that album where on the first track you crank up the volume in the car or your headphones? Skeme’s Pistols and Palm Trees is that album. It was released like a minute ago, and I crank it up  every chance I get. If this album came with instructions it would say something like, “House party, backyard barbecue, riding around town… Just push play.” One night I was strolling around downtown rocking Pistols and Palm Trees, and LA Night featuring Dom Kennedy just happened to come on. It came on at the right moment like a movie. Download Skeme – Pistols and Palm Trees here. Also check Skeme on Twitter. BIG thanks Skeme for tweeting about this one. Keep doing it big.

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Skeme ft. Tyga – Keep It G (Prod. By Roosevelt)

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Skeme ft. Kendrick Lamar – Til I’m Gone (Prod. By Boi-1da)

All to often those hidden stereotypes around what’s labeled “West Coast Music/Artists” (and their sound), tend to hinder great artists from getting heard.  Step out that box, and be introduced to a talent that just happens to reside on the West Coast.  Ab-Soul.  A Carson, California resident with a unique style and creative flow brings “New Air” to the rap world. With the release of his mixtape project “Long Term” in 2008, it was known he’d be a standing presence.  Now with the 2010 mixtape release of “Long Term 2: Lifestyles of the Broke & Almost Famous”, his style continues to solidify not only his presence, but his place in the game.  Check out the latest video from Long Term 2 “Turn Me Up” featuring Kendrick Lamar, and produced by Tae Beast.  Download “Long Term 2” and keep up with Ab-Soul on Twitter.

by Nichelle

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Ab-Soul – Be A Man (prod by Tae Beast)

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Ab-Soul – Long Term 2 (prod by Curtiss King)

Kendrick Lamar (EP) is another one I’ve had in heavy rotation on the ipod.  Is It Love is the track that pulls you in.  There’s a lot of good stuff coming from the West, and Kendrick Lamar is adding to the count.  Keep killin ‘em.  The first time I heard of  Jerome D was when he shot that Carter Video, and I knew it wasn’t going to be the last time.  Kendrick Lamar’s She Needs Me is another dope video from his latest projects.  Don’t sleep on Jerome D.  I’m sure you’ll be knocking on his door soon.  Download Kendrick Lamar – Kendrick Lamar (EP) on BandCamp.  BIG thanks Kendrick Lamar for making good music.

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Kendrick Lamar – Is It Love ft. Angela McCluskey

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Kendrick Lamar – Thanksgiving ft. Big Pooh