No one can really deny the fact that Tyler, the Creator and Odd Future have risen to near mainstream popularity from small beginnings, and we respect that. However, much unlike "Goblin," the group's recent works lack conceptual flair and hinge on outrageous and sensational lyrics. This distinction is an important one to make, considering the similarities one could instantly draw between Tyler, the Creator and Airospace, an experimental hip-hop artist hailing from Washington, D.C. Thankfully, this article will not spend numerous lines of text comparing Airospace to Tyler, the Creator and associated artists based on their vocal similarity and metal oriented influence, considering the depth of Airospace's flows, lyrical variety and beat production. Read more.
Click here to visit Airospace's BandCamp page.
May 17, 2012

From the time of its inception, hip-hop has been an ever-shifting force that grows and bends with the times and cultures in which the genre is most popular. In America, it has fluctuated from innovative and provocative parallel to mainstream media and advanced audio capabilities (see auto-tune, beat sampling, dub-hop). As both mainstream and underground artists have simultaneously grown in popularity within different groups, rap and hip-hop have developed in a different fashion that doesn't always transcend the national (or in most cases, natural) boundaries to the American public. Read more.
Click here to check out GrimeSpot TV's YouTube channel.
May 16, 2012

"The Life of the Party" dub-hop artists, Ben the Rapper & Donovans Beats, will be performing at Rajah's Den Hookah Lounge on May 19 around 1 a.m. Prior to their appearance at Rajah's Den, the dynamic duo will perform a Project Active Media event at the Marietta Brewing Company with JE Double F, Psyonik Soundz and another hip-hop artist that has yet to be announced. There is no cover charge, and attendees are encouraged to enjoy a hookah prior to the performance. Hookah will be sold during the show, however, an area will be set aside for audience members to break it down. Click here to see the event page. To see more media from Ben the Rapper & Donovans Beats, click here.
May 14, 2012

First off, let's just say that Logan Venderlic is a new find for us, despite his known presence in the ever-so proximate town of St. Marys. After releasing his first EP, "Manic," Venderlic began performing outward from West Virginia, showcasing his original compositions with a backing band of friends. Along with a low-budget music video for "A Walk With a Girl," the self-proclaimed "folk-wave" artist impacted the internet with his originally intelligent style of songwriting, the likes of which reflect his home region, nostalgic thoughts, college rituals and romance. Read more.
May 11, 2012

This update is long overdue, but here's a compiled photo post from everyone's performance on April 6. Thanks to Matt Reed & TGP, Ben the Rapper & Donovans Beats and Kidd Kao$ for rocking the Adelphia Music Hall's first hip-hop show ever! Gotta' show some love for all the kids who came out to support these acts, especially those who stuck around till the very end. Thanks to the Adelphia staff for tolerating our rambunctiousness, we know it was just another shift for you guys. Props to Grant's Rentals on the fantastic lighting! Last but not least, thanks to Dirt Candy Photography and Bea Shoots Photography for coming out and getting some awesome shots!
Click here to see more pics!
April 11, 2012

On April 6, Lighten Up! will be hosting an evening of soulful funk, progressive dub-hop tunes and constant rhymes at the Adelphia Music Hall in Marietta, Ohio. The event will consists of three acts, including Matt Reed & TGP (funky hip-hop from Columbus), Ben the Rapper & Donovans Beats (party-themed rap/dance duo from Columbus/Marietta) and Kidd Kao$, a 16-year-old rapper from Vienna, W. Va. that spits as if he belongs on DJ Khaled's rotational line-up of featured hip-hop artists. Music starts at 9 p.m., only $5 at the door. The show will be an all ages event, however, there will be a bar available for anyone over 21 years of age. Read more.
See the Facebook event page.
March 13, 2012