For this release, Oddisee goes in over some instrumentals from other genres, such as Bon Iver and Marvin Gaye. Y’all know I’m a huge advocate of artists branching out into new territories, so I welcomed this project with open arms and I definitely enjoyed the result. Listen for yourself below!

As with all 5star newcomers, I’ll give y’all a little bio of these two. Their real names are Keshav Garg and Aaron Mentos (Shav & Mentos) and they roomed together at random at Colgate University. The pair wrote and produced their debut single, ‘Carelessly,’ on the first day that they met at Colgate. The duo eventually self produced and wrote a 5 song EP titled “The Circus Room” during their first year together, which is set to release Thursday, May 17th. Their music is characterized by Shav’s easy and likable vocals and excellent guitar work, which seamlessly accompanies Mentos’ rapping delivery, lyrical talent, and occasional bass playing. Shav & Mentos fuse live instruments with hip-hop to create an amicable, eclectic sound that is perfect for the summer vibe. Be sure to check them out below and let me know what y’all think!

Another day, another 5star newcomer! This gentleman here goes by the monicker Lost Poet, and I’ll let him describe himself:

The Anaheim, Cali native came in tune with the pen at a young age. Simple poetry became bigger than itself when a classmate asked him to write a song. He did that and more, making pause tapes on decks and writing every chance he got.

His music brings with it a positive, influential message with a heavy old-school influence. In this day and age, it’s very difficult to pin down artists who can still be labeled as teachers or mentors, who make music that have meaning rather than just working with a superficial palette. That being said, check out the video for yourself, and let me know what you think!

We here at 5star love introducing you to new/up-and-coming acts, simply because nothing beats the feeling of having new music sitting squarely in your iTunes library. It is in such a vein that we bring to you, Rizzle Kicks. A British hip-hop duo that is feeling the love in the UK, but somehow hasn’t made the jump overseas yet. We aim to change that, however, as we have two visual cuts from their latest album, Stereo Typical, which you can cop here if you find yourself enjoying these two tunes.

First up we have Down With The Trumpets. Featuring a euphony of what else but trumpets, the video features the rapper/crooner duo galavanting around what can only be a local British town. It was this tune that first got me hooked on Rizzle Kicks, as its hard to deny the charisma and charm emanating from the two throughout the flick. You can tell they really enjoy what they’re doing, and I hope that it continues to pay off.

Next up we have Mama Do The Hump, a tune slowly gaining traction as it was recently featured Dancing With The Stars. The video here is much more fun loving, as we see who I assume is Jordan and Harley’s mothers rapping/singing their parts for them. I could definitely see this song getting radio play in the US, with the fun acoustically-driven beat and smooth-as-silk flow that both Jordan and Harley seem to have perfected. This looks like it was an absolute ball to film, and I would have loved to have been there for this!

So there you have it! Rizzle Kicks. US Tour. Let’s make it happen! Don’t forget to buy their album if you like what you hear. Support good music!

Who woulda thought this song would blow up to the point where the G.O.O.D Music conglomerate would hop on it? Nothing makes sense anymore. Radio rip for now, CDQ will be up eventually. and just like that, the CDQ/Dirty is up! That was fast…

Download: Chief Keef – I Dont Like (Remix) (MP3)

XV’s running mate drops this cut off his upcoming mixtape, BARbarian Chronicles.

Download: Sez Batters – Derrick Rose (MP3)

A 5star newcomer, Nick Carter Green is a 20 year old Chicago native drops off his sophomore mixtape which is full of, in his words, “Unique Lyricism, Signature Confidence, And Playful Humor”. Here’s a preview of Seventeen, a track off the mixtape in which he goes in over MMG Untouchable, and if you like what you hear you can download the rest below. Enjoy!

 Download: Nick Carter Green – X: The Breaking (Mixtape)

*Sigh* I don’t get what’s with this guy. A simple name change transformed him from rap pariah into everyone’s favorite rapper. I’ve said this twice already today, but I don’t like what this world is coming too. Stream/Clean for now, I’m sure the iTunes version will pop up soon.

After giving us a 2 minute preview with just his verse, Kali drops off the first full single from his upcoming album Kickin’ & Screamin’, due out May 15th.

Download: Krizz Kaliko – Kill Sh*t f. Twista & Tech N9ne (MP3)

I’ll probably get a lot of flack for saying this, but I haven’t enjoyed any of Soul’s songs as much as Kendrick’s or Q’s. I liked him on Section.80 and Druggy’s Wit Hoes Again, but as for his own releases, I haven’t really felt any of them. Oh well…

Man, it’s insane how quickly this guy has blown up… This mixtape has been hyped up to an insane level, and while I’m only three songs in, I’m liking what I’m hearing so far. Be sure to give this track a listen, because you know this dude is going places.

Download: Logic – Young Sinatra: Undeniable (Mixtape) 

The Noble Black Society conglomerate links up for this dope posse cut. I really dig the production on this one, I just wish it was a little louder. The vocals kinda overrun the beat, which is unfortunate because that beat sounds dope.