Judge this shit for yourself: Savant of RAREBREED

Listen: Savant of RAREBREED - 'Til Death Do Us Part

What makes you different and/or better than those rappers/MC's that are thought of as the best the game has to offer (Hov, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, etc) right now?

What sets me apart from most of these people considered to be the 'best' is my lack of fluff. I make sure that every line I write counts for SOMEthing. That doesn't mean that every line is going to be deep or profound. It simply means that none of my words are used just for the sake of rhyme, I don't use filler lines that serve to simply get from point A to point B, and I don't put less effort into what I'm doing just because a song that I'm working on is supposed to be a single or is being backed by a banging beat.

Why do you love hip hop?

I love hip hop music because it's the only genre that I know of that legitimately incorporates elements of every other genre around it and because it's the only genre that is built solely on creativity. I'm a classically trained musician that has taken about 10 years of music theory training and the fact that there's no definitive music theory in hip hop is nothing short of miraculous to me. The participants MAKE the theory and rules as they go along. Some rules stick. Some rules thankfully don't. Either way, the rulebook is always changing as the participants and listeners change. Of course there are some drawbacks to that, but what other genre of music can lay claim to such a system? Hip hop is beauty that abounds from organized chaos.

Why should we/I give a fuck?

You should care about what I'm doing because I truly care about what I'm doing. While everyone else is claiming that they aren't a rapper, and for that matter SOUNDING like they aren't a rapper, damnit I'm laying claim to the title. I'm a f*cking rapper. Actually, you know what? F*ck that. I'm not a rapper. I'm an emcee. And yes, there IS a difference. Either way, I'm good at what I do.

Blogger commentary: if you want more info, hit this nigga on Twitter: @SavantRAREBREED

Judge this shit for yourself: Illingsworth

Listen: Illingsworth - Time Kills (feat. Sene)

Some of the greatest acts in hip hop are duos or groups (Tribe, Goodie Mob, N.W.A., etc)... How do you plan to prove yourself as worthy of being included in the same league as those legends? 

Well I'm an emcee/producer in a group called Detroit CYDI (http://detroitcydi.com). To keep it simple, the group plan is the same as my own. I have NO plan to prove myself worthy to sit amongst those greats. When legends die, people who only met them through their music will still shed real tears. That's love. I have no idea how to make someone love me. Also, you can have the desire to be a legend but true legendary status is never contrived. I just want to give people the best approximation of the music I hear in my head, and if they want to crown me the-king-of-something at the end of the day, sweet. If not, I'll live, until I die. If the CYDI or myself become legends is entirely up to the listeners/supporters. I've done a few instrumental projects (all available at http://illingsworks.com for free or fee) which have received pretty good feedback. I always feel like I can improve. As long as I keep working towards polishing my skills at translating the sounds in my head into actual sounds, someone other than my blood relatives might mourn my passing from this realm. :)

Why do you love hip hop?

I love music period, mostly because of what it does to the senses.  From the creation, to the digestion, to the performance, I'm sure it has to be the closest thing to using drugs, aside from actually using drugs (I don't smoke). I rhyme as well as produce, and when I'm on stage I feel like I can kick the planet into the sun. It's a ridiculous rush, a very euphoric experience. You get the duration of a song to win the crowd. It's sink or swim. Unpredictable. And when you are an emcee and you feel yourself enter the infamous "Zone" , there is nothing in this world like it. The listening experience can also be pretty euphoric. There are songs that make people cry, smile, laugh, reflect. Music is life. It's beautiful. 

Why should we/I give a fuck?

You should care about what I'm doing because...well...because I care about what you hear. I put a lot of myself into the music I create, and I want you to feel just as happy and honored to hear it, as I feel to make it for you.  So um, EXCELSIOR. I don't like to talk a lot, I'd rather let the music do that so. Check out some sounds, and you can tell me exactly what you think. Peace and thank you. 

Blogger commentary: if you want more info, hit this nigga on Twitter: @Illingsworth

Judge this shit for yourself: MARS

Listen: MARS - Give The Rapper Some (feat. NOV)


What makes you different and/or better than those rappers/MC's that are thought of as the best the game has to offer (Hov, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, etc) right now?

The difference between me and those dudes is the fact that I’m a brand new dude to this, where as they all have been here for a minute now. Whenever a hot new artist comes out he usually has this "I’m the hot new guy" energy with him. In due time I will let you guys determine where I stand lyrically up against them dudes.

Why do you love hip hop?

...why not? I feel like hip hop is the best form of expression in music right now, and has been for some time.

Why should we/I give a fuck?

That’s easy, because I’m the shit... Just kidding. But on a serious note you, shouldn’t really care, unless you care about dope lyrics, cold beats, and a "give it to you straight" approach to emcee'n. Then...you should care at least a small bit. At least enough to pay attention before you don’t have a choice but to pay attention!

Blogger commentary: if you want more info, hit this nigga on Twitter: @MikeChek

Judge this shit for yourself... again: No Mercy

No Mercy, a previous participant in 'Judge this shit for yourself', just put out a new song/video, and wanted me to make it available for ya'll to view/comment on. . . so here you go motherfuckers!

No Mercy - Goin In On Em

Judge this shit for yourself: Kino Beats

Listen: Kino Beats - Say Hello To The Future

What makes you different and/or better than some of the more popular producers (Swizz Beats, Kanye West, Madlib, etc) in the game right now?

What makes me different is being that I am from VA, I am a hybrid when it comes to sounds. I can provide a east coast records with a dope sample and crisp drums or I can produced a southern record with a "trap" feel.

Why do you love hip hop?

I love Hip Hop cause it provides a great outlet for so many people outside of just rapping and producing. There are so many job titles included in the field of Hip Hop and it develops careers for those doing what they love.

Why should we/I give a fuck?

That question will be clear in 2010. Since I started at the age of 13 I gradually got better and hit more and more of my annual goals. Now at 19 I have worked with Young Money, Byrdgang, Dipset, We the Best and many others. So this year everything I have done so far will be taken to the next level.

Blogger commentary: if you want more info, hit this nigga on Twitter: @KinoBeats

Judge this shit for yourself: Kid Hum

Listen: Kid Hum - Gingivitis (feat. Sunken State)

1. What makes you different and/or better than some of the more popular producers (Swizz Beats, Kanye West, Madlib, etc) in the game right now?

I made different beats than they did given the time and space we are all allotted on a day to day basis. 

2. Why do you love hip hop?

I just love making beats, it makes me feel like a little kid again. Like you can be a big 25 year old kid in your basement playing with your toys all day and that is still acceptable in society. Well, kind of acceptable.  

3. Why should we/I give a fuck?

I listen to everything, but I am seldom moved by much. When I make music I try to zone out and disconnect from myself, and when I listen to it its like somebody else made it. I like my music more than most music. I make the music I like. 

Blogger commentary: if you want more info, hit this nigga on Twitter: @KidHum

Judge this shit for yourself: Mike Classic

Listen: Mike Classic - The Comeback

1. What makes you different and/or better than those rappers/MC's that are thought of as the best the game has to offer (Hov, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, etc) right now?

What makes me different is that I keep it real with my music, and keep it real with myself. I never look at what the next trend in music is because I think my music will always be timeless to my fans, regardless of the time of year or anything like that. I've noticed a lot of old school rappers trying to do the new generation "sound" and it just doesn't fit them. Which is why it's important to never lose your roots.

2. Why do you love hip hop?

Hip hop has always been apart of my life... Ever since my dad punched in "Illmatic" while we was sitting down in the car that day (when I was younger), that's when I fell in love with it. It gives people the opportunity to give others an image on where they're from and their outlook on anything that they come to. It always calms me down when things are rough and gets me hyped when things are great. Sort of like my drug, haha.

3. Why should we/I give a fuck?

I'm a breath of fresh air in these days of music. A new breed for hip hop. I'm not doing the same thing the next man is doing. Always like to be the outcast of the group and showing people music that actually has meaning to it and feeling behind it.

Blogger commentary: if you want more info, hit this nigga on Twitter: @Mike_Classic

Judge this shit for yourself: No Mercy

Listen: http://usershare.net/ecv3ur7xdw9i

1. What makes you different and/or better than those rappers/MC's that are thought of as the best the game has to offer (Hov, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, etc) right now?

Right now we're in a recession. So I feel I have what it takes to motivate the people to get out and do things either differently, or better. I have a message in my music that I'm trying to get out that doesn't involve the usual drugs/guns/money/cars/hoes thing, because I've seen the best fall from each one. I wanna help people stay on the right path while continuing to be themselves.

2. Why do you love hip hop?

I love HipHop because there's been times I may have been down or not in the right frame of mind and that certain track comes on and brings me up. Tracks such as Outkast's "The Whole World" and Tupac's "Keep Ya Head Up". Some tracks like the Games "Money" and T.I.'s "Live Your Life" inspired me to make money the right way. I also love HipHop because its a way to get things off my chest that I may not want to say at the time.

3. Why should we/I give a fuck?

You should care because within the next 10 years I'm gonna do my part to help change the world in a positive way. I'm from the hood and have entirely different goals from your average "nigga from the projects". Just kick back, pay attention, and take note of anything you hear from me that may relate to you. I do this for the world and there's gonna be something here for everybody.

Blogger comentary: If you want more info, his this nigga on Twitter: @NoMercyHarlem

Judge this shit for yourself: Dai Katamy

Listen: http://www.zshare.net/audio/6884882341b9e304/

1. What makes you different and/or better than some of the more popular producers (Swizz Beats, Kanye West, Madlib, etc) in the game right now?

Not better than anybody... yet. Haha. I think what makes me different is the way I approach things... a lot of times my emotion at the moment shapes the beat in every aspect, from the drums, to the chops, to the choosing of the sample even. I try to use it as my voice.

2. Why do you love hip hop?

As aggravated as I get with the people running the output of hip-hop in the mainstream, you know, the ones who control what people hear on the radio... what keeps me in love with hip-hop is the variety... the different kinds of approaches that artists take, mostly producers. One producer might take a piano, a bass guitar, real drums, and make a masterpiece...and another producer can take those recorded live instruments and ABSOLUTELY FLIP IT into something JUST as melodic with chops alone. That's what keeps me wanting to put a ring on it… Haha.

3. Why should we/I give a fuck?

I'm not doing what most producers from my area are doing, even though it's not the popular style. I let what I grew up with (80's baby, grew up in the 90s) influence how I approach things.

Blogger commentary: if you want more info, hit this nigga on Twitter: @DaiKatamy

Judge this shit for yourself: Thelonious

Listen: http://usershare.net/2kx310cubqjs

1. What makes you different and/or better than some of the more popular producers (Swizz Beats, Kanye West, Madlib, etc) in the game right now?

I couldn't really put myself in the same box as a Timberland or Kanye, I'm only 17, but my ear is new and inventive. I've only been producing since May 2008, but I've already established my own style that is distinct and people can recognize it without my name being on the track. I modeled my style after 9th Wonder and I try to approach things with a certain ear and carefulness. I can't go about making music just because, I have to be inspired.

2. Why do you love hip hop?

I can't even sit here and be the stereotypical 'I love hip hop' person, but I just love music. My dad played jazz when I was little and it had a great effect on me, and slowly he let me listen to hip hop here and there and it slowly became infectious. The first song I learned all the words to was "All About The Benjamins", and I was born in '92.

3. Why should we/I give a fuck?

You (the people) should care because I'm doing what I love to its highest level and I'm growing as a person with every beat you hear from me. These are the daily trials and tribulations of a teen put into sound. I couldn't put any better. I just sit around and listen to old records, as if its new Lil Wayne to kids, chop'em up the way I want you to hear, and serve my stories on a silver platter.

Blogger commentary: if you want more info, hit this youngin' on Twitter: @Thelonious1up

Judge this shit for yourself: pOETiqbEETz

Listen: http://usershare.net/u1blv5xfj0pr

1. What makes you different and/or better than some of the more popular producers (Swizz Beats, Kanye West, Madlib, etc) in the game right now?

I’m different, cause nobody does chops how I do chops... and then play on top of the chops... What makes me better than a lot of these cats out here is: I’m equally dope at making beats with a sample or without a sample, and I can cross different genres of music.

2. Why do you love hip hop?

I love hip-hop because it saved my life... Growing up in parts of Oakland where I grew up, there's distorted view of what music is. Hip-hop is what kept me from following the path of my peers to life on the streets.

3. Why should we/I give a fuck?

Ya'll should care about me because I’m slowly becoming one of them producers Dilla was... A producer’s producer... I’ve been hearing about that all over, and the amount of producers that show up when they hear I’m in the building is proof...

Blogger commentary: if you want more info, hit this nigga on Twitter: @pOETiqbEETz

Segment: Judge this shit for yourself

If you use any form of social networking, then you already know every nigga and they mama thinks they're a rapper and/or producer. . . you have undoubtedly gotten an e-mail, or tweet, or Facebook message, or MySpace message, or a message in a bottle, or a message from God, etc, saying 'listen to my new single, I promise I'm the next Tupac/Just Blaze'. . . if you're anything like me, these messages go ignored after the first few times, for a couple reasons: A. half the time when I get these messages, I am in a place in my own life where I don't really give a fuck that you're new single has a Mannie Fresh beat, I just wanna check my Twitter to make sure Hexmurda hasn't returned, and keep it movin'. . . you and your new mixtape are not a priority in MY life. B. 92.67% of the time, the shit is garbage. . . WHY DOES EVERYONE SWEAR THEY CAN RAP? Or make beats for that matter. . . I mean, shit, I CAN model. . . I can sit on my ass and let someone take photos of me. . . but does that make me a model? Fuck no. I'm SEVERAL sizes off that, like most of these internet MC's are about 4 levels of talent below 'Swag Surfing'. . . much less Tupac status. . . That being said, how are people going to know if they are any good or not if no one is listening to their shit and responding accordingly. . . In the maze of bad. . . and I do mean BAD. . . fuckin' awful. . . internet MC's and wannabe producers, we could be missing out on a few amazing talents. . . Thus, I bring you 'Judge this shit for yourself', the segment in which an 'artist' has a one shot deal at giving you a sample of what they've got to offer the world of hip hop, via a rap or a beat. . . there is an open forum for readers/listeners to comment on what they've heard. . . now, don't be a douche bag and just say 'this shit sucks'. . . say something thoughtful for Christs sake. . . I know most of you probably aren't even capable of forming a thought, much less typing one out, but. . . try? If you like the shit, say why. . . if you don't, say why. . . be a critic, not a fucktard. . . also. . . I am hitting them with three epic questions that will hopefully expose them as either wack niggas. . . or potentially talented and thoughtful individuals. . . let's see how this shit goes.