I had the privilege of spending some time in the studio the other night with Smoke DZA, Dom Kennedy, Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and Big K.R.I.T. Part of that time included hearing a number of cuts from Big K.R.I.T.’s upcoming album. I can’t give details but, in short, the album is FIRE. It stays true to who he is as an artist and actually takes his music to a different level. Get ready…

What was equally dope, however, was seeing the work ethic of these artists. They had spent all day doing interviews, filming TV productions, etc. and THEN came to the studio near 1am to work ALL night. People often talk about grinding, but these cats are living it. You can see the hunger in their eyes and, more importantly, you can see and hear their passion for the MUSIC. And, they are not alone. Over the last 2-3 years, a whole slew of next generation MCs has emerged that lives and breathes hip-hop. They do not rule it yet, but a sea change is coming. You can feel it. And, the future of hip-hop is in good hands.

If you missed our most recent mixes featuring many of these next generation MCs (and some who have been in the game for a minute), here are some links: Mix 1 and Mix 2.