Until now, Scotty has been a humble force brewing within the rap scene of New Atlanta. Always laid-back and “Cool”, Scotty’s newest project, F.A.I.T.H. (Forever Atlanta In The Heart) burned up the streets, taking Scotty ATL from a local hustler to a nationwide budding superstar. Armed with media support from XXL, Fader, SPIN, Pitchfork, Worldstar, LiveMixtapes, Hot 107, 94.5 and Ballers Eve; mixtapes hosted by the legendary DJ Scream and breakthrough DJ Burn One. Close relationships with artists like Cyhi, Young Dro and the fast-rising fellow Atalien Trinidad James, Scotty continues to push further into the public eye. His new video “GAME” featuring Trinidad Jame$ and Big Krit landed on 106 & Park as thenew joint of the day and is currently in rotation on MTV Jams. As part of #NewAtlanta, Scotty is the definition of what the various artists from different crews that identify with the “#NewAtlanta” trend represent: original, classic hip hop music with substance. It’s artists like him who are giving rap fans a reason to finally pay attention to new ATL talent. Scotty grew up on the Eastside of Atlanta, raised by a single mother. Life wasn’t always easy for him and the block he grew up on, so the “hood” topics we hear in his lyrics are a reflection of reality for this artist, nothing we hear is contrived. These days, Scotty navigates through the industry as a young boss full of nonstop hustle, integrity, a flawless live performance harkening the days of the real MC.

Brooklyn bred emcee Kris Kasanova is known for his lyrical prowess and eye-catching visuals, from his music videos to his photo shoots. Growing up in the projects of Red Hook, Kris learned the art of rap from his stepfather. At ten years old, Kris would accompany his stepfather to the studio during his sessions while he worked with great artists such as Mary J. Blige and Big Pun. Being around music so much, Kris became eager to start making up his own rhymes, which led him to start taking his craft seriously at the age of seventeen. Around this time he met his early production team, Clyde and Harry. Together they created hundreds of songs which helped sharpened Kris’ skills and work ethic.

In 2010, Kris met New York Lower East Side Producer/DJ, Ibe, who produced Kris’ his first mixtape entitled The Long Way Home. With Kris’ lyrical skill and Ibe’s creative production, The Long Way Home was immediately embraced by many major music blogs and streetwear clothing shop Flight Club. Their partnership became popularly known as HomeSkool but the movement represents the mindset of his team as go-getters and hustlers without any formal training. The following year, Ibe and Kris started working on his latest project, War Paint. As Ibe told stories with his beats, Kris painted vivid pictures with his rhymes and the combination sonically took War Paint to another level musically. Adding to his team, Kris Kasanova signed to management company, Gild Creative Group ( GCG) increasing his relevance amongst the music industry and on the street. Since the release of the album, many outlets like Hot 97, All Hip Hop, Karen Civil, 2 Dope Boyz, Karmaloop TV, and BET Music Matters all took notice.

This year, Kris has released his LP entitled 24K. Conceptually, this album pays homage to his name, his age, and the golden era of hip hop. The project includes collaborations with Flatbush Zombies, World’s Fair, Skeme, Tennille, Jarv Dee, and SZA. Along with production from Canei Finch, Ibe, THC, DJ Dahi, and J Kits.

Earlly Mac, King Foolay of Finally Famous is a midwest rap artist from Detroit Michigan.

Slick, catchy rap verses punctuated by glittery pop hooks are the trademark of New Deal Crew. What started as a side project, has now become a solid trio of artists and producers, eager to make New Deal Crew a household name. Paul Gulyas or “Cutta”, who is responsible for most of the bands beats, offers smooth lyrical support to frontman Chris Crack’s cut throat raps, with harmonious hooks and strong guitar. While Carvel Snow, adds extra emphasis on what “space life livin'” is really all about. With a playfully raunchy sense of humor (lyrics like “she don’t love me, she only love me for my sex game”) and sampling some untouched classics like “Time Of The Season” by the Zombies, this crew is taking over playlists throughout the CHI and beyond.

As a little girl, K’Valentine’s artistic ability was so extremely exceptional that it was evident that she had a gift for the arts…period. It was about this same time that she discovered Hip Hop. She dove in, fell in love and impressed many with her vast knowledge of the Hip Hop world and its reigning Kings.
K’Valentine began writing poetry as an alternative to express her emotions and then had the opportunity to meet with the world renowned author and poet Dr. Maya Angelou of whom she held in high esteem. Dr. Maya Angelou ensured K’Valentine that if she continued to practice and use her skills with words that she would be the best. Taking that most cherished advice, K’Valentine wrote poetry non-stop and she started to notice her poems transitioning into songs.
After reciting poetry at numerous spoken word events and receiving positive feedback, it was time for K to finally get in the booth. Shortly after, she released her debut project, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” 2011. Her first project was the best introduction for herself, giving sight of her personal experiences through her music.
K’Valentine’s love for words and music has birth some of the most lyrically divine work. Her writing proved to be not only a talent but also a form of therapy and an outlet during trying times in life. K’Valentine introduces herself to the world with her well written flowing and stylized rhythmic music. Experience K’Valentine and enjoy.

Nex2Kin consists of two rap protégés, Bligg and Rich-an-Yung, who are blood related cousins from Chicago’s Southside. Nex2Kin’s connection was instantaneous and it happened while attending their family reunion. Both knew each other as cousins but never knew the other person had the talent of rapping. It was a shock to the rest of the family at the reunion when they started to freestyle for everyone. By the end of the reunion, Nex2Kin was born with Bligg and Rich-an-Yung, and, since that day, they’ve focused on conquering the rap world as a duo.

Bligg often dabbled with rapping but didn’t take it seriously until high school, despite the countless people who told him he had a knack for the art. He found himself deeply submerged in this art form, literally eating and sleeping music. Although he’s still very young, Bligg had many life experiences that he drew from that allowed him to give a certain level of authenticity that his music exemplified. With so many positive things happening in his career in such a short period of time, Bligg was hopeful that greatness was on the horizon, and that’s when he and Rich-an-Yung joined forces in 2010.

Like Bliggs, Rich-an-Yung is no stranger to hard work. Rich-an-Yung has had some experience within the music industry. His father, Big Ray, worked with a number of rap artist that include Chicago’s own, Do Or Die. Although he was exposed to the industry and the politics of it all, Rich-an-Yung didn’t get bite by the rapping bug until he was 14-years-old. But when the desire hit, he saw refuge in it. He looked up to LL Cool J, P. Diddy, Jay-Z, 2 Pac and his idol, T.I. as inspirations.

They both write their own music and love the creative aspect of it all. Making “party” music is what they are known for and in a very short time, have garnered a lot of respect for it. Coining themselves as “undefinable,” they would consider themselves musically versatile. Having many career highlights already, the rap duo shared a song with longtime friend and respected colleague, Twista, on their song “Bad Than A Mutha,” was a dream come true for Nex2Kin. They headline their first tour “Hella of Laughs & Hip Hop Tour”with comedian Kenny Howell and it became a huge success in 10 cities across America in venues seating approximately 4,000 people. All the love across the country feels great but it’s nothing like receiving the love from your home town. That’s why it’s no surprise that Nex2Kin is a main-stay on Chicago’s radio station WPWX Power 92 (92.3FM). Currently, they are putting the finishing touches on their upcoming mixtape “Cheeks & Drinks” that is being released on Cole City Music Group, an independent record label.

Although Bligg and Rich-an-Yung are rappers, they both look forward to the day other opportunities will open up as a result of their music. They envision endorsements, clothing lines, and even owning their own record company to sign other up and coming artist in the future. The sky is truly the limit for these rapping moguls who will one day take over the rap charts.

Mubu Gang Affiliate Castro is back on the streets with a prelude to his “Welcome Home” project with 6 bangers including his collab “Murda Muzik”with King Louie . Look for Castro’s full length project hosted by Dj Honorz & Stack Or Starve Due Out In Nov! Follow @Castro_Ibf