Nocando

Calls home: Los Angeles, CA

Latest release: Tits N’ Explosions

If there’s one artist you probably already (and should!) know about on here, it’s Nocando. After moving on from battle rap stardom, he began establishing himself as a well-rounded rap artist capable of ripping you apart with a verse and making you laugh with self-deprecating introspection. I mean, dude just dropped a free project called Tits N’ Explosions?

That’s like Michael Bay’s wet dream-turned-mixtape title, even though it’s not all bombs and boobies. Tracks like “No Credit” and “Where’s the Money” are ultimate underdog middle finger anthems while “No Sweat”, which features Pigeon John and Cel, is a chance for Nocando to flaunt that bravado. Also, Pigeon John absolutely murders the hook. Elsewhere, “All Over a Bitch” successfully tip-toes the line between outright misogyny and raw honesty.

What’s truly special about Nocando, though, is that he’s able to wear so many hats and do so with ease. He’s a proud husband and father, co-founder/host of Low End Theory,  owner of Hellfyre Club, and co-host of the Shots Fired podcast with rap scribe Jeff Weiss.—Andrew Martin