"Underground 101"

Welcome to the world of Underground HipHop, I'll be your guide to the most talented and original Emcees out today. Now onto the Hit List:

This is Aesop Rock, a Long Islander who's been living in Brooklyn, New York for the last couple of years. He's on the Definitive Jux label, and likes to mention the Coney Island Wonder Wheel in his songs... he even had a picture of himself sitting in front of it in the liner notes of Bazooka Tooth, his 2004 release. Anybody who knows who this guy knows that to call his flow "Unorthodox" is a severe understatement. I first was exposed to Ace Rizzle when I got the Molemen's "Ritual of the Molemen" in 2001, on the single "Put Ya Quarters Up" with MF Doom and Slug... I was astounded by what he said without understanding exactly what he said at the same time. So, I bought "The Daylight EP" and was equally impressed with his originality and wide breadth of subject matter (from severe Depression to insulting idiots). After all, it wouldn't be Underground if you heard it on the radio, would it?

Favorite Quote: "Life's not a Bitch, life's a beautiful woman// You only call her a Bitch because she won't let you get that Pussy" - The Daylight EP



Now, if you think that Kanye West's sell-out, commerical ass is an Underground Emcee from Chicago, you don't know shit. Meet Juice, a real Battle Emcee from the Windy City, who has served more of your favorite Rappers since the early 90's than MacDonalds. Just ask Eminem... he whooped up on Em not once but twice. Known by most HipHop heads as one of the most talented lyricists on the planet, he's the greatest Emcee that you know nothing about... because for some reason, the truly talented in HipHop never get signed... since they have this thing against conforming to Corporate standards, and staying true to their fans. Juice is a perfect example of this. I could talk about him all day long, but find out about him by putting "MC Juice" in www.google.com and find out for yourself... you won't be disappointed. I promise.

Favorite Quote: "I don't need to cuss when I bust // I turned Arthur to ashes, and Emcees to dust" - Freestyle on the Wake-Up Show

Here's another dude that you should know about, from the Boogie-Down Bronx... C-Rayz Walz. He's also on Definitive Jux, with labelmate Aesop Rock, and in order to understand who he is, think of it this way: Combine the funniest dude you can think of with the deepest philosopher that you can imagine, and you get C-Rayz. I first heard about him by going to Underground Emcee Battles, and hearing some of the funniest one-liners come out of this dudes mouth ("You couldn't move the crowd if you threw rocks at the audience"), and I couldn't wait to get a hold of one of his CD's, which I finally did when I bought "Ravipops" a couple of years ago... because up until then, I couldn't find anything out there with him on it. I personally think that "Ravipops" is a true HipHop classic, and if you can get a hold of a copy, do so... it's worth the $16.99. Google him, too... you can find out plenty about him through that site.

Favorite Quote: "I raised my Daughter and taught her// to put six to your chest// Like Julius Erving// you stepped in the Cypha// you foolishly swerving" - 'Floe', on Ravipops

That's about it for today, I have to go home... it's 4:30 pm.