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.

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.

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.

Despite a dramatic haircut that drew mixed responses from his fans, the change simply marks a milestone in his career; an indication of what’s to come next.

The West-coast rapper has built a name for himself as a member of one of the most-legendary (no pun intended) rap groups in California history, a commercially-successful and hugely-prolific solo rapper and an accomplished business man. MURS has nearly done it all. But, even then, there’s always more. Now on the verge of releasing his latest project, the “Bad Man” rapper has teamed up with a Ski Beatz, a producer that’s been responsible for some of the most-well known tracks from artists like Mos Def, Talib Kweli and even Jay-Z.

Partnering with Dame Dash’s new-ish imprint DD172 / Bluroc, the rapper is poised to once again assert his dominance in the independent rap market with Love & Rockets, Volume 1: The Transformation, Ski Beatz by his side and an army of global fans behind him. We talked with MURS about rapping, his career and bringing back the Jheri Curl.

aboveGround: The first thing, obviously you’ve got the album coming out with Ski [Beatz]. The first obvious question is what’s the story behind the album’s title, [Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation]?

MURS: Man, I’ve wanted to name it that for a long time. It’s the name of a comic book series and the name of an 80s pop band. Like, the yin and yang, the balance of life. It’s love and rockets, like you know, love and war, peace and war, two opposites.

Right. And then the whole “ Transformations” part, does that kind of tie in with cutting the hair? Or, is that a separate thing?

Yeah, exactly, it ties into all that, man. Exactly, I’m taking a step and recognizing my place as – I guess – a veteran, or something of that nature in this game. And, the responsibility to provide opportunities for younger people and to set an example for them.

Not just younger people, but young artists. Realizing that things change when people start asking you for advice and saying that they look up to you and things like that. So, I am transforming into that role and being married for me. New label. All types of things. It’s still happening.

Was there a particular event or anything that happened that spawned the idea in your head that that transformation was taking place or is in the process of taking place?

Just stuff I’ve been reading. Being married, counseling, everything. The transformation was happening already and the title came to me just one day with my wife at – I don’t call it counseling, but – like life coaching kind of seminar thing that we were at. It just described perfectly what I’m going through.

Like, the album was already Love & Rockets before that. The transformation was just me moving from LA to Arizona, me getting married, you know and also being more involved in community and volunteering and out reach. I’m getting ready to adopt children from Ethiopia and having kids, and puppies. The whole settling down, or stabilizing, that’s what I like to call it.

You guys are adopting kids from Ethiopia?

We’re working on it. We’re in the process. I went there last year to volunteer and my wife has been out there two years in a row volunteering. We sponsor three kids. We’re helping to build a well and eventually a school and a leper’s colony there. She mentors children with autism and just mentoring different high school kids and entrepreneurs.

I know you mentioned this a little bit in the album. You know, how other rappers are using money to buy jewels and you’re using money to build schools – I think – is the line that you used.

Yeah. And, you know, it’s not just me. It’s Immortal Technique helping and Sage Francis is helping a lot. There’s a – I don’t wanna call it a movement cause that term has kinda been cliché – but, there’s definitely a spirit of outreach in the hip hop community. Especially in the independent rap community. Rhymesayers heavily funded our last trip to Ethiopia, bought lots of shoes and stuff for us to take over. It’s just inspiring others to do the same and inspiring others to come together and maybe eventually forming some kind of organization. We worked with Habitat For Humanity through Paid Dues. Twenty-five kids came out and we helped build a house for underprivileged families and they got VIP tickets.

What do you think inspires of drives that mentality – like you said – especially, like you said, you see the more-famous rappers and they have lots of money and they do very little in terms of helping out it seems like but yet you’ve got on the other side, the independent guys, they’ve got less money but they’re putting more into the community.

I think a lot of artists that are making a lot of money began rapping out of desperation and not self expression. They wanted to remove themselves from adverse economic circumstances. And, I got into it to express myself and do self expression. And, I’ve been able to do everything I’ve ever wanted to do in life. When it came time for me to own a Mercedes Benz and all of this other stuff, I did it. And it just wasn’t really fulfilling.

Once you really – and not just sending money places and writing checks – but, like for me, going to Ethiopia and touching the people and like hugging kids with HIV and playing with them – that’s fulfillment. It just felt right to me. And, I think it would feel right to anyone if they took the time.

Working with kids with autism just changed my life. It was was like, wow, it means something to them, and they mean something to me. I miss those kids. I think about them every day. The challenges they face.

I bought Gears of War 3, like, I’m not some saint, you know. But, I just know that no matter how much stuff you buy it’s not going to make you any happier.

I mean, my life is stable. I’m stable. My wife and I are able to support a few other human beings and that is what makes me happy and I realize that money isn’t what makes me happy. All of these rappers. If you look at them – if you honestly look at them – going to jail and getting caught cheating on their wife and the drama they encounter, they can’t possibly be enjoying it.

On the album, you’re working with Ski Beatz, it’s a little bit of a different style. What was different this time around working with him?

Working with Ski was different because he wasn’t aware of me and my fan base or my history so I felt like there was alittle bit of proving to be done and I think that always makes me a better rapper. Just the music was different, it’s just way different than working with 9^th [Wonder] or anyone else that I’ve worked with. I feel like a better rapper, I learned a lot from him because he’s been in the game doing relevant, successful things for so long. It’s impossible not to learn something from him.

I definitely made a friend. I think that’s the most important, so hopefully we won’t get too comfortable but we’ll keep working because we formed a bond. And, we’re about to go and do 50 cities together, that’s definitely going to add to the music.

How did you get in touch with him in the first place?

Through Damon Dash, man. He kind of hooked the whole thing up. Tabi Bonney introduced me to Damon Dash. I kind of said, ‘Yo, why aren’t you putting a West-coast artist out,’ and he’s like, ‘Well, let’s start a record.’ I’m like, ‘Well, do you need to hear it?’ He’s like, ‘Nah, Tabi tells me you own a festival and you got a lot of fans, you just took him on tour. I need help getting out on the road. You help me, I’ll help you.’ And then he kind of hooked me up with Ski. I hope Ski doesn’t regret it.

MURS and Ski Beatz – Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation

MURS releases his new album with NY beat wiz, Ski Beatz. A new collaboration between the two sees MURS entering a new phase in his rapping career under direction of Dame Dash and the DD172 / Blu Roc imprint.

tabi Bonney – The Summer Years

Washington, DC rapper tabi Bonney’s The Summer Years is now available in physical formats.

Away Team – Scars and Stripes

MC Sean Boog and revered producer Khrysis team up for a brand new LP sure to be chock-full of boom bap anthems.

People Under The Stairs – Highlighter

Thes One and Double K reunite for the newest PUTS album, which is now available from major online retailers.

blctxt contxt – A Smart Black Boy: The Sonic Inception

Get Familiar alum, blctxt contxt, releases his newest EP, with production from King I Divine, Illastrate, J Haze and more.

RJD2 and Aaron Livingston – The Abandoned Lullaby

RJD2′s newest project alongside producer Aaron Livingston is titled The Abandoned Lullaby.

This week the new video for “Good Life” by The Tribe & Big Cats! featuring Smoke DZA dropped. It’s a a part of their Make Good video series, so check it out.

2.) Common – Blue Sky [Prod. No I.D.]

Here’s the official lyric video for the song “Blue Sky” by Common produced by No I.D. off his highly anticipated upcoming The Dreamer, The Believer. Below the video is the download link for the track.

Common – Blue Sky [Prod. No I.D.]

3.) Statik Selektah ft. Action Bronson, Termanology & Bun B – Never A Dull Moment

Off Population Control which is coming right around the corner on October 25th (pre-order here) is the track “Never A Dull Moment” featuring Action Bronson, Termanology and Bun B.
Statik Selektah ft. Action Bronson, Termanology & Bun B – Never A Dull Moment

4.) Kids These Days – Clear Eyes [Prod. Blended Babies]

Considering we’ve had this track bumping on repeat all week over here at aboveGround I have to recommend you check out this new video for the song “Clear Eyes” by the upcoming Chi group Kids These Days produced by Blended Babies.

of Kids These Days – Clear Eyes from Elephilms on Vimeo.

5.) Ro Spit – Fly MC

Over the week the single and the video dropped for the new Ro Spit track, “Fly MC” off The Glass Ceiling Project coming late October. Below is the video and the download link for the track.

Ro Spit – Fly MC

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.