The fiercely independent, Idaho-raised rapper nick! channels a deeply overstimulated, restless frequency on his new EP, "GEEKED!". Born in 2006 and building a fervent following entirely without industry co-signs, he occupies an interesting lane in new-wave underground hip-hop. His music sounds precisely like the brain chemistry of an internet-raised creative processing the blinding speed of newfound success. He writes and produces melodic, hard-hitting rap...

French artist Kurtys, with his rich cultural and unique sound, is creating ripples far beyond his native Paris region. As the founder of Oshean Records, Kurtys has not only established himself as a self-produced artist but also as a confluence of diverse musical influences. Born to a Brazilian father and a Beninese mother, his music is a reflection of this varied heritage, echoing the Parisian and...