Fresh Colorado hip-hop from DJ Cavem, H*Wood, Black P and A Tribe Called Mex

We've got another fresh batch of homegrown hip-hop for you this week, and the cuts we've picked will take you through different ends of the spectrum. DJ Cavem brings in a breath of fresh air with his anti-pollution anthem in "Hybrid Lex (I Can't Breathe the Air)," H*Wood takes you...

By Antonio Valenzuela

February 14, 2013

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We've got another fresh batch of homegrown hip-hop for you this week, and the cuts we've picked will take you through different ends of the spectrum. DJ Cavem brings in a breath of fresh air with his anti-pollution anthem in "Hybrid Lex (I Can't Breathe the Air)," H*Wood takes you on a "Cruise" with his EDM-infused ride, Black P returns to his battle alias with "YMP," and A Tribe Called Mex makes its introduction with "Blown." Keep reading to get see what's good this week.

DJ Cavem - "Hybrid Lex (I Can't Breathe the Air)" DJ Cavem always manages to inject progressive social commentary into his subject matter while delivering a relevant sound. On this song, he takes a stance on pollution that's funky enough to joyride in your whip while your friends nod to the slapping beat. The wordplay of Cavem here is particularly clever, with references to hybrid whips, bikes and chem-trails all riding over G-funk-style production.

H*Wood - "Cruise" H*Wood consistently raps over electronic-influenced, atypical production, and here he delivers another great genre-blending song. As the beat for "Cruise" builds into a trance-esque plateau, H*Wood delivers a contagious chorus about his pursuit of the dough.

Black P - "YMP" Yo Mama's Pimp was Black P's battle-rap alias from 1999 to 2003, when the rapper was still building his rep. Black P has as many detractors locally as he has co-signers nationally, and that trend is likely to continue with his latest video for "YMP." While some might not exactly feel his delivery and shun the hackneyed party themes, others will praise the big synth sound of the beat.

A Tribe Called Mex - "Blown" Spoke In Wordz and Surpass Flavor have formed a new group called A Tribe Called Mex and are set to release Beans, Rhymes & Rice on March 8. The first single from the project, "Blown," finds Spoke In Wordz venturing closer to a radio-friendly format without watering down his potent delivery. Iesha Speaks's soothing voice is also a friendly surprise on the track, while Surprass Flavor adds that ruff street flow, giving the track balance.

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