Another leak off one of my favorite hip-hop groups upcoming LP, A Better Way. As we wait for that April release date, check out this silky smooth track featuring the soulful Jesse Boykins III on the hook. With such an excellent combination of raps, production and singing, Basic Vocab has continued to represent Miami hip-hop to the fullest. Give this joint a spin and let us know what you think…

Download: Basic Vocab – “Like A Star” feat. Jesse Boykins III

We’re about a month late posting this, but too damn bad. Kenn Starr, one of my top DMV rappers, posted this project on his blog the other day and I had to jump on it. ChRis BaRz, a 19-year-old MC, dropped Class[Sickz] Out the Dark on Christmas. It features production from Best Kept Secret, Godfather, and Rocky Radio along with some dope guest spots from Tabi Bonney and Jesse Boykins III. Seeing those names – and Kenn’s co-sign – I couldn’t pass this one up. And I’m glad I didn’t. BaRz kicks his project off with a laidback delivery before switching up his flow on the upbeat, go-go-esque “Mr. Barz, Mr. Barz”. Somehow, it only gets better from there. Be sure to cop this free project and let us know your thoughts. Here’s hoping we see more of this young cat in 2010.

Download: ChRis BaRz – Class[Sickz] Out the Dark [Bandcamp]

Keelay just shot over this remix he worked on with The Park for Jesse Boykins III’s The Beauty Created project. Like “The Itis”, the rest of the remix album will feature different takes on original tracks from this established crooner. We’re definitely diggin’ this one and just wanted to share it, especially because we like what Keelay and The Park added to the track. Let us know if you’re feelin’ it too.

Download: Jesse Boykins III – “The Itis” [Right Click Save-As]

As you will see in the forthcoming post for the Ocean State Sampler, I was unable to get some artists on that project due to unfortunate, unforeseen issues. The homie Theo Martins, with whom I share an Alma mater and (kinda) last name, was one of those artists. But hey, it’s likely he’ll end up on the second installment of my Rhody project if I decide to do another. He sent over this excellent cut featuring crooner Jesse Boykins III that will appear on a special project Theo will drop soon. Check out this cut that he says asks listeners and everyone in general to look behind the veil. And, of course, let us know what you think.

Download: Theo Martins – “You Don’t See” [Right Click Save-As]