The ranks have been in need of a fresh injection of new talented rappers that are capable of reviving the league’s allure for fans of brutal back-and-forth bars. Cue the latest round of Grind Time battles, posted in the late Summer and early Fall. While many of the battles contained the likes of league veterans such as DirtBag Dan and TheSaurus, it also birthed either the emergence or re-invention of new, hungry battlers that will carry Grind Time into the next era.

We poured over hours of Grind Time footage to find our favorite battlers we think will be making a big mark in the scene in the very near future.

1. P.C. (Punchline Champion)

Hometown: Asbury Park, New Jersey

Division: South

Website: http://www.facebook.com/punchline.champion

Twitter: n/a

Quotables: “I said I hope you ball with that 9 like Rondo/Cause when I’m stormin I leave families mourning like Alonzo” (versus Anymal)

“I said you ain’t got that work, got that coka holmes/You ain’t grippin them tens so if he ever say he got rid of his grams that mean he put her in a nursing home” (versus Anymal)

2. Paranormal

Hometown: Trenton, NJ

Division: East

Website: http://www.youtube.com/ezactrenton

Twitter: @ParanormalEzac

Quotables: “My bars are endless/Your head must be 14 karats because it’s neckless” (versus Kage)

“I shoulda known that the judges woulda been like ‘Yeah uh, Paranormal went out swingin, he got it in 3, but you know, I’ve known Kage since I was 8 so I’m gonna go with OT” (versus Kage)

3. Kollision

Hometown: Utica, NY

Division: East

Website: n/a

Twitter: n/a

Quotables: “And you say you’ll catch a body bustin all of them slugs? / Bitch, you wouldn’t catch your bitch if she was fallin in love” (versus Mic Muscle)

“I got jerked last event to put my shit to oh and two / But now I’m stealin you and your clone, taking the double you” (versus Mic Muscle)

4. Lex D(iamond)

Hometown: Inland Empire, CA

Division: West (LA)

Website: http://lexd.bandcamp.com/

Twitter: @Lex909

Quotables: “Consider me a strong hater / It’s because you have no delivery while you’re not greater because Penn is only good on paper” (versus Dj Penn)

“Consider me a strong hater / It’s because you have no delivery while you’re not greater because Penn is only good on paper” (versus Dj Penn)

5. Ivan Da Great

Hometown: Syracuse, NY

Division: East (NYC)

Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ivan-da-great/

Twitter: n/a

Quotables: “You won’t make moves in the Q so we blowin up like C4 / Baltimore was never shit — that’s why they nicknamed it B-more” (versus PT)

“I wanna call him racist, but I gotta put that to rest / All his white friends like him cause he knows how to act black the best” (versus Kollision)

Wax dropped a video this week from his upcoming project Eviction Notice which is set to drop November 28th. Check out the video for “Too Loud” produced by EOM, it was directed by Casey Chan.

2.) KRS-One – Just Like That

It’s been a real long time coming but KRS-One is about to drop his twentieth album in 2012. The video for “Just Like That” is surely a good taste for what he has in store.

3.) Final Outlaw ft. Homeboy Sandman – Outlaw

Inspired by the X-Men character comes the joint “Onslaught” by Final Outlaw featuring the Homeboy Sandman. If you guys used to read comics and know the story of the character you’ll understand the song, kind of an internal battle with yourself.
Final Outlaw ft. Homeboy Sandman – Onslaught

4.) Chris Faust ft. ScienZe & John Q. – American Villain

Soon Chris Faust will be dropping the Villain project. Here is the joint “American Villain” featuring ScienZe and John Q, which is QuESt’s alter-ego, which gives you a nice preview of what’s to come.
Chris Faust “American Villain” featuring Scienze & John Q (prod. Dujeous) by FAUST

5.) Notes To Self ft. Evidence – Nobody

Here’s a cut called “Nobody” by the Toronto group Notes to Self featuring Evidence off their upcoming project, Used To Be Dark (Recoil).
Nobody [RECOIL Remix] with Evidence by NotestoSelf

If you missed last week’s “You Need This Music” check it out here, and if you think that I missed anything this week or have any feedback, feel free to leave a comment below or hit me up on Twitter at @EvanBlackMusic, peace.

Besides displaying his art alongside some of the best artists in the scene, such as Barry McGee, Neck Face, and even Ozzy Osbourne, Peyote is affiliated with brands like Blood is the New Black and artists like Mr. Dibbs and Nobuddy. With a distinct style that will make you stop and stare for hours, Peyote is an artist to take note of. Although he mixes it up between paintings, drawings, stickers, wheatpaste posters and more, his style is always recognizable and unmistakably unique. Each piece has infinite detail that looks like it was spewed from a nightmarish mescaline trip deep within the grimy heart of the Tijuana underworld. Somehow the gritty insanity that makes up his artwork comes together to make a flawless ghoulish image. We caught up with Peyote to see what’s behind the artwork and what’s going down in the graffiti underworld.

Peyote is an interesting name; does it number amongst one of your influences?

As far as influences, yeah I’ve done mescaline, and other hallucinogens; I hold peyote higher than others simply because it is a life changing experience and should be viewed as such, I’m not a fuckin’ hippy though and don’t get it twisted.

Do you have any early memories of hip hop or street art that stick out in your memory?

Yeah I guess when I was in 6th grade I got thrown in the back of a squad car for stealing a Busta Rhymes CD, does that count? Nothing really came out of it they just kind of taught me how not to get caught, I suppose that’s the earliest memory of anything hip hop…

You’ve worked artistically with some rappers, like Nobuddy and Mr.Dibbs of Rhymesayers and Machina Muerte, how does hip hop influence your artwork?

I don’t know if it directly influences my work but I will say without music we would be nowhere whether anyone wants to admit it, well that’s another thing entirely.

What other aspects of life influence your work?

Probably people I meet all the time, I have always lived or surrounded myself with people who aren’t afraid of the seedy underbelly of life, I think that has always been an inspiration for me to draw the way I do, mostly people who just come in and out of my life or hang out in my area i.e. prostitutes, drug dealers, drug addicts, heavy metal kids, small time rappers, graffiti people who can pretty much fit any of the latter.

How has moving around influenced your art, how have the different regions contributed?

I would say that each place had a different effect on me, as far as the way I draw things I definitely owe it to Mexico for the patterning and the way I draw. I’ve heard a lot of people say it also reminds them of Oaxacan folk art which I like a lot and also Huichol Indian art or the peyoteros. I think that Southwestern American Indian art has also contributed to some of my style so it’s a pretty mixed bag at this point.

With such intricate works, can you describe the process behind one of your pieces?

Difficult question, really there is a starting point and I continue from that point outwards, I don’t usually plan the finished product to look a certain way unless it’s a paid illustration and there is a certain goal, you have to make money somewhere, but in my personal art it just works itself out, basically not much of a process.

What mediums do you typically work with?

Preferably above all, I would have to just say black ink on white paper or white ink on black paper, I see the world that way I think I have always been a person of extremes so this seems the best way to interpret the world, frankly I have a very hard time with color.

You do both street art and studio art; do you prefer one over the other?

They’re both good, both can get you places, it’s really how hard do you want to work at either one, what would you like to risk; I like both the same to answer your question. I’ve never been a person to say, “oh this dude is more legit, look how much he has bombed.” So what, who cares? If you are good you’re good I don’t care how you do it, just what it looks like, this world doesn’t need more trash so please don’t add to it.

What is the Minneapolis street art scene like? How does it compare to the art scene in other cities you’ve been to?

First and foremost, I would say Minneapolis street art scene is pretty crippled, you can owe that to a heavy buff, tough law enforcement on graffiti/street art and just the winter. All of it contributes negatively to what people are doing. Also as far as better cities top three: NEW YORK, MELBOURNE AND BARCELONA.

How do you think art and hip hop coincide, and how are they important to each other?

Same thing, different medium maybe. I guess I listened to a lot more hip-hop growing up now it seems like I almost reverted to shittier music for the lack of a better term…

Have you had any run-ins with law enforcement concerning your art?

Actually just the other day I was chased but luckily didn’t get caught, I consider myself a lucky person although I’m sure there is just something much worse than getting arrested awaiting me.

Do you think there’s something that musicians can learn from the street artist ethic?

I guess be prolific? Should get somewhere eventually. That’s a pretty big law.

What do you want people to take away from your artwork?

Whatever they like, I don’t want people to make assumptions about the person who made it more than anything. I would rather they just take away something personal that they can relate to, if they can at all.

What do you have in the works right now?

Yeah I have a show in NYC December 15th at Pandemic Gallery in Crooklyn. Come see it if you can, lots of great people on the roster including but not exclusive to, FARO, 27, DR.CRAB, OZE 108, GEN 2 the list goes on…

Any last thoughts or shout outs?

Yeah shout out to Steakmob, Palmetto Family, RIP CHARLIE MARKS, my good friend Elberto Mueller who just put out a book titled “The Autopsy of 2009″, awesome read cop it on Amazon.com, and my biological family of course as well as anybody who is behind me, you all know who you are.

1.) Donny Goines – Success Served Cold

This week Donny Goines dropped his Success Served Cold project. It has a long list of features from the likes of Just Blaze, Statik selektah, Brother Ali, XV, Laws and many more. This album is definitely worth a download and a listen. Find more from Donny Goines at Success Served Cold.

Download: Donny Goines – Success Served Cold

2.) Elite ft. J. Cole – World Premier

Off Elite’s recent mixtape Awaken which you can download here. Stream/download the track “World Premier” featuring J. Cole off the project below.

Elite ft. J. Cole – World Premier

3.) Murs ft. Locksmith – S.K.I.B.E.A.T.Z [Prod. Ski Beatz]

Let’s just be honest, Ski Beatz has been all over the place. Murs album with Ski Love and Rockets Vol 1: The Transformation is available now and Locksmith’s Embedded with Ski drops November 15th. Here’s a video for “S.K.I.B.E.A.T.Z” off Murs’ album featuring Lock.

Murs “S-K-I-B-E-A-T-Z” ft. Locksmith [MUSIC VIDEO] from DD172 on Vimeo.

4.) Blu ft. U-God – DoinNothin’

Blu hit us up with a video this week for “DoinNothin’” featuring U-God of Wu-Tang off Blu’s NoYork! project.

BLU – DOINNOTHIN’ FT. UGOD (PRODUCED BY FLYING LOTUS) from david m. helman on Vimeo.

5.) Tanya Morgan – Whatever That’s Mine [Prod. Von Pea]

This week “Whatever That’s Mine” by Tanya Morgan dropped. The track is produced by Von Pea and it’s off the group’s upcoming new EP which we’re anticipating over here.
Tanya Morgan – Whatever That’s Mine

If you missed last week’s “You Need This Music” check it out here, and if you think that I missed anything this week or have any feedback, feel free to leave a comment below or hit me up on Twitter at @EvanBlackMusic, peace.

We caught up with their resident MC Botzy and lead singer/guitar Mike D to bring you the inside word on what makes up the unique Culture Cry Wolf sound in this extended Get Familiar session.

aboveGround: Tell us about a great music memory that you have.

Botzy: Culture Cry Wolf was playing an outdoor show with Prof and Soulcrate Music, in Soulcrate’s home town of Sioux Falls, SD. Prof had to cancel last minute, due to an insane injury…which made us as direct support for Soulcrate. We ended up playing for almost 800 people in the pouring rain. Such a blast!

How did you get started making music?

Botzy: In summer 2006 I moved from Massachusetts to Arizona, completely blind. Somewhere in the first 6 months, I met an artist by the name of KonGeror (now known as K. of Gahed Indie). I had never rapped a bar in my life, while K had already been creating music and cultivating relationships for years. In my first few years of making music, I was able to observe advice from Carnage, Ernest Rhodes, P.O.S. and Toki Wright, somewhat vicariously through K. I consider myself extremely lucky.

What are the differences between your solo efforts and working in a group?

Botzy: From a creative stand point, I find that both efforts continue to change. My first record Deaf to the Static had a darker undertone, while Culture Cry Wolf’s The Wesley Opus Sessions sounds like a summer EP. Oddly enough, both were written in parallel. My follow up mixtape My Friends and I displays a wide range of tracks, and is every song is a collaborative effort. Over all I adjust to whatever project I’m working on, and continue to grow because of that.

Did you move to AZ as an artist? Were you making music before the move?

Botzy: Before moving to Arizona, I had never played an instrument or rapped. I remember being younger, and wishing that I had “the ability to inspire”. I wrote a lot, poetry wise, but never anything to music.

What was your relationship with hip hop and rap like before you moved to AZ?

Botzy: I’ve been a hip hop head since 12 or 13. I was the kid in the high school with his headphones on, and I knew the lyrics to every song. I listened to a lot of mainstream, but I also consumed a ridiculous amount of indie hip-hop. For me, it’s always been that way: Get Rich or Die Tryin’/God Loves Ugly, The Documentary/1988… and so on. Rappers like Dose One and Aesop Rock were a bit over my head, until I started rapping. I didn’t get exposed to that kind of hip-hop until I could fully appreciate it. Now Aesop is one of my favorite artists.

How do you see the various genres influencing your music?

Botzy: One of my major growth points as a rapper was a result of just that. Working with such a wide rage tempos and vibes has helped me find my voice. It’s pushed me in many different directions, and has taught me how to adjust to my surroundings. This is a very valuable lesson as an emcee.

You guys have kind of a fiesta vibe, where does that come from?

Mike D: Culture Cry Wolf is all about having a good time. We take our music very seriously, but like to have fun both on and off stage, and each show is much like a celebration. That combined with our Latin influences results in our music having a “fiesta” vibe.

What kind of genres feed into the Culture Cry Wolf sound?

Mike D: Hip-Hop, Ska, Reggae, Punk, Latin, and Doo-Wop. Mike D brings elements of Ska, Punk, Reggae and Doo-Wop, Jaime provides a Latin/Afro Cuban vibe. Frankie is influenced by hardcore, punk and metal. Daniel adds mariachi horns, Druby Soho provides Hip-Hop and Punk, and Botzy raps.

Being based in Minnesota around so many huge independent acts: Is it a net positive or negative for Culture Cry Wolf?

Botzy: It’s a positive in my mind, absolutely. The amount of ground work that’s been put into this city is insane. The venues are used to working with independent artists and the fans are accustomed to supporting local acts. A lot of that is accredited to the vets in this city. Not to mention a lot of notable acts in the city have been helpful to us, offering advice, allowing us to open, etc. This place is amazing. Good Lookin’ Minneap!

Mike D: We have been very involved in the local hip hop scene, performing with acts such as: Mally, Tribe & Big Cats!, Guante, Kristoff Krane, Cecil Otter, and Sims. Sims is our only collaboration on this record. We have been fortunate enough to receive a lot of support from both local and national acts, and our fan base has provided a lot of support as well.

How is Dia de los Muertos different from [your last record] The Wesley Opus Sessions?

Mike D: First and foremost, Dia de los Muertos is a full band studio recording, whereas The Wesley Opus Sessions had stronger Hip-Hop production. Dia de los Muertos will give the listen a more accurate representation of what Culture Cry Wolf sounds like live.

What is the general tone/ feel/ message of the album?

Mike D: Dia de los Muertos has a darker, deeper tone throughout the album. It also has a wide range of dynamic styles, which we attempted to fuse together in an innovative way.

Is there pressure behind Culture Cry Wolf’s first full album?

Mike D: Less pressure, and more excitement. We have been together for three plus years, and this is the first time pulling something together that sounds like us. Our fans have been very supportive, and also have responded positively to our first singles, “Day of the Dead” and “Sweet Marie”.

What did it take to put this album together?

Mike D: We have been in the studio since January of 2011, but the creation of this album has been in the works for three plus years. Also, we have been playing a lot of shows to gain support. Opening for many nation acts, flyering in the freezing cold, and handing out free music to anyone who would listen.

What’s next for CCW?

Botzy: Oh you know. We just released music videos for “Day of the Dead” and “Sweet Marie”, which are off our new album Día de los Muertos. They were directed by the most wonderful Adam J Dunn. CD Release in November.

Mike D: We would like to showcase this album as much as possible over the next year, and expand our fan base both inside and outside of the twin cities.

Torae – For The Record

Torae’s official solo debut finally arrives. The veteran MC breaks away from his previous pairings to work with a slew of producers such as Khrysis, DJ Premier, !llmind, Pete Rock, Large Professor as well as Barrel Brothers collaborator Marco Polo. The album boasts limited appearances from Wes, Pav Bundy and MeLa Machinko.

Danny Brown and Black Milk – Black and Brown

The Detroit-bred duo of Black Milk and Danny Brown release their highly-anticipated collaborative effort. Although released as a free download last week, it’s available now in both CD and vinyl formats. The album consists of Danny Brown’s gritty, aggressive raps over ‘Milk’s signature style of sample-and-live-mixed instrumentals.

Rapper Big Pooh – Dirty Pretty Things

Little Brother alum Rapper Big Pooh releases his newest solo outing. Dirty Pretty Things will mark the Virginia native’s third studio record since 2005′s Sleepers and his first since his official split with Phonte and 9th Wonder in 2010.

Brotha Lynch Hung – The Ripgut Collections Two

The Bay Area horrorcore veteran produces his second in his Ripgut compilation series. Comprised of Brotha Lynch’s previously-released tracks, the album is a sort of “Best of” mix.

MED – Classic

Medaphoar, aka MED, the Oxnard-based MC, reveals his newest effort. Backed by the full Stones Throw line-up, the album boasts more than a fair share of production from Madlib, as well as beats by Oh No, The Alchemist and Goergia Anne Muldrow. In addition, Talib Kweli, Aloe Blacc, Kurupt, Planet Asia and others make guest appearances.

Culture Cry Wolf – Dia de los Muertos

We’ve been plugging the sophomore effort from Minneapolis-based Culture Cry Wolf for a while now. And, it’s no wonder. The truly-unique sound makes for a triumphant new release that’s more than worth checking out.

Off the upcoming The Kolexion project by Bumpy Knuckles and DJ Premier is this new song called “BAP,” and I haven’t gotten the beat outta my head for days.
Bumpy Knuckles – BAP [Prod. DJ Premier]

2.) XV – U.F.C.

This ia new very well done video for the track “U.F.C.” by XV off his Zero Heroes project that came out a few months back.

3.) Willie Green – Four Seasons (Fall)

This week brought us the third installment in Willie Green’s seasonal instrumental beat-tape series. Check out and support the new Four Seasons – Fall.

4.) Emilio Rojas ft. Francisco – Take A Good Look Around [Prod. Gee Futuristic]

And here we finally have a leak from Emilio Rojas’ upcoming Breaking Point project which is sponsored by the Billionaire Boys Club and dropping in December. Here’s the song “Take A Good Look Around” featuring Francisco and produced by Gee Futuristic.
Emilio Rojas ft. Francisco – Take A Good Look Around [Prod. Gee Futuristic]

5.) J57 ft. Meyhem Lauren, Action Bronson, Maffew Ragazino & Rasheed Chappell – The Main Event

Off the upcoming 2057 by J57 of the Brown Bag All Stars is the track “The Main Event” featuring Meyhem Lauren, Action Bronson, Maffew Ragazino and Rasheed Chappell with DJ Brace on the cuts, check.
J57 ft. Meyhem Lauren, Action Bronson, Maffew Ragazino & Rasheed Chappell – The Main Event

If you missed last week’s “You Need This Music” check it out here, and if you think that I missed anything this week or have any feedback, feel free to leave a comment below or hit me up on Twitter at @EvanBlackMusic, peace.

Until recently, leopard print was mostly restricted to your mom’s hot, divorced friend, but apparently the safari look is in style now in the millionaire-rapper circle. First Kanye sported a leopard print jacket and then Drake followed by taking to the stage a few times in jungle-cat style and kept pushing it until he was caught in zebra print. Finally, Lil’ Wayne took the stage at the VMA’s in the worst thing that has happened to hip hop since Auto-Tune: A pair of leopard print leggings. Now it’s just a race to tiger print.

Maybe he was celebrating his Scottish heritage or maybe he was just a little too blunted to find the leg holes in any of his pants, but Kid Cudi wearing a kilt is one trend that’s certain to not catch on. Maybe his next hit will feature some bagpipes.

Despite the fact that this suit was covering up his costume for a tribute to Michael Jackson at this year’s BET awards, there’s no redeeming this. The bulging shoulders and knees are reminiscent of Frankenstein’s monster, but apparently no amount of monstrous behavior will get the villagers to run Breezy out of town.

Lauryn Hill usually has a pretty on-point style, but last year at Rock the Bells, L Boogie showed up in some sort of stapled-up garbage bag resembling bat wings. Maybe she was summoned by a signal in the sky to restore some respect for female MCs, but she was probably just too late to find real clothes.

Although he’s about fifty in rapper-years, there’s no call for 50 Cent to start dressing like Redd Foxx just yet. Maybe it’s because he was at the premier of the geriatric comedy Red, or maybe it’s an unofficial announcement of his retirement from the rap game, there’s no doubt the Fitty has peddled as much junk as Fred Sanford.

With all of these lines vying for attention (and dollars) from consumers, the selection for streetwear fans can become a burdensome process. That’s why we looked high and low to find the brands that not only put out the best lines, but also showcased them with the most style. Our list of the 10 best Fall lookbooks is your guide to this season’s freshest streetwear.

11. Lifted Research Group (LRG)

The ten-thousand-pound gorilla of the independent streetwear scene, Lifted Research’s new Fall line sticks to the tenants that have made them successful all along. Despite the recent and tragic passing of one of the brands co-founders (RIP Jonas), the label moves forward with a basic-but-not-too-basic line-up of Fall essentials. Encapsulated in a stylish and interesting video, LRG’s Fall 2011 lookbook definitely scores big points.

Price: $24.00 – $84.00
Buy: LRG Online Store

LRG Fall 2011 from LRG on Vimeo.

10. Butter Goods

Although their collection is fairly basic over all, we have to show love to a brand that represents Wu-Tang. Protect Ya Neck with the Butter Goods Fall 2011 line.

Price: $59.95 (AU) – $109.95 (AU)
Buy: Butter Goods online

9. Supreme

Supreme is one of the freshest brands on the market. Blending urban streetwear with refined style, their newest offering is one of the dopest line ups that works both on the streets at the workplace.

Price: $28.00 – $140.00
Buy: HUF Worldwide Online Store

8. Black Apple NY

Inspired by the economic downturn that hit New York in 1977, the fairly-new imprint offers a strong collection of new clothing and a lookbook that works as a visual tour of the city’s various different districts.

Price: $35.00 – $170.00
Buy: Black Apple Online Store

7. HUF

HUF’s new lineup is heavily influenced by skate and street culture but also features a lot of extra-fresh fabrics and color combos. With a full line spanning everything from tees to outwear, it wouldn’t be hard to outfit a whole wardrobe from their catalog.

Price: $28.00 – $140.00
Buy: HUF Worldwide Online Store

Nas recently released the official video for his heavily lyrical new hit track “Nasty” showcasing the talent he’s always had that you mighta forgot about, to the forefront of rap.

2.) Jelani – Japanese Architecture [Prod. Durkin]

This week Jelani put out a new song called “Japanese Architecture” produced by the homie Durkin and as always it goes tough.

Jelani – Japanese Architecture [Prod. Durkin]

3.) Planet Asia & G_Force – Camouflage Jackets

A free LP called Camouflage Jackets by Planet Asia and the producer G_Force let loose this week, it was originally intended for an 08 release but better late than never, right?

Download: Planet Asia & G_Force – Camouflage

4.) QuESt – Primetime

QuESt put his twist on a Watch The Throne beat, called it “Primetime” and lyrically assaulted it. Enjoy.
QuESt – Primetime

5.) Doomtree – The Grand Experiment

Doomtree is getting ready to drop No Kings which you can preorder here if you haven’t already done so. This is the song “The Grand Experiment” off that, check it.

Doomtree – The Grand Experiment

If you missed last week’s “You Need This Music” check it out here, and if you think that I missed anything this week or have any feedback, feel free to leave a comment below or hit me up on Twitter at @EvanBlackMusic, peace.