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...

The musical journey that Livi Jacobs has been on, which is rooted in both Austrian origins and Floridian inspirations, has reached its tragic culmination in her third song, which is titled "Keep Quiet." This tune is a visceral study of the inevitable collapse of relationships, and it is laced with agonising melodies and heart-wrenching lyrics. It is a monument to Livi's intrinsic skill as a...