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 new single "Bun The Babylon" by the UK-based musician Kace is a scathing indictment of authority figures and systematic injustice; it's a heavy-hitting UK hip-hop anthem. Lyrics that address actual issues ensure the message resonates even among head-nodding rhythms, while the music draws people in. The passionate performance elevates feelings of disappointment or rage to the level of a motivating factor, evoking pressing, real-time opposition. The...