It’s refreshing to hear good, solid and honest music coming from a younger generation of hip-hop artists. Rappers Lil Rue, HD of Bearfaced and Roach Gigz are three emerging hip-hop artists who everyone should know about going in to 2013.
Hailing from Oakland, California, Lil Rue first burst out onto the West Coast rap scene in 2009.
“Lil Rue” is short for “Little Ruegar,” which was Lil Rue’s weapon of choice growing up in his North Oakland neighborhood.
“Really I am just a young entrepreneur trying to make something of myself and make it out off the streets,” said Lil Rue in a 2010 interview with BayUndaground.com.
Proclaiming himself as being “self-made,” Lil Rue’s lyrics are brutally honest and genuine.
“Believe half of what you see and none of what your hearing, because God is the only who I’m fearing,” raps Lil Rue in the hit “Life that I’m Living” feat. Joe Blow.
“You see, I came up in an area where it was all or nothing, if one person wasn’t eating then we all were struggling,”says Lil Rue in the last verse of the song.
Taking the harsh realities of living in the ghetto and turning those sentiments into beautiful poetry is what Lil Rue’s music is all about.
With the completion of his full length album “Breaking and Entering” in the summer of 2012, Oakland rapper HD of Bearfaced has begun to make a name for himself. HD’s talent lies in his ability to rap in perfect rhythm with any beat he chooses. On the song “Triffe,” HD borrows sounds and vocals from Rose Royce’s famous 1978 ballad “Love Don’t Live Hear Anymore.”
HD’s style of avoiding repetitive verses and utilizing short yet bold rhymes gives an authentic sound to his music. The track “Represent the Struggle” is a good example of his songwriting ability.
“I put in work for my block and I’m still on my job, what do I do for a living? Sell dope and rob,” he raps.
“I’m trying to get a story across right now. A story that’s really explaining me. So I want my fans to know me on a personal level while still being a rapper,” HD said in an early 2012 interview with 100grandonmywrist.com.
HD’s willingness to talk about the trials and struggles in his life is what gives his unique music strength.
Twenty-one year old rapper, Roach Gigz hails from San Francisco. By drawing upon influences from previous West Coast rap pioneers such as Mac Dre, 2pac and Snoop Dogg, Roach Gigz communicates a message of creativity and progressiveness.
His resume of hot tracks and list of Bay Area collaborations include: “I’m Up” featuring Lil B, the YouTube sensation “Can I Rap” and “ Black and Orange,” which played during the 2010 World Series.
In an interview with somanyshrimp.com, Roach Gigz assured fans of his music that, “My son was born last week and just seeing his face gives me the motivation to go harder than ever. His life eliminates failure as an option. I hope everyone likes my face, it ain’t going no where.”
Hip-hop fans interested in discovering new music should check out these albums: “Syrup and Kush” by Lil Rue, “Breaking and Entering” by HD of Bearfaced and “Bugged Out” by Roach Gigz.
