Fresh Track: Open Mike Eagle “5ree Thinkers”
Originally hailing from Chicago, rapper Open Mike Eagle has been carving out a niche on the west coast independent hip hop scene for a few years now. Mike’s crew the Swim Team is the next generation of Cali’s legendary Project Blowed collective, but lately his work has been putting him in a class all his own. Since the release of his strong sophomore album Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes last year, Mike has released two stellar EP’s to prep for his upcoming LP in June.
“5ree Thinkers” is the first track off his latest EP Rent Party Extension and has quickly become one of my favorite Open Mike Eagle songs. Mike has always had something to say on the mic, but his style has become more distinct and nuanced on recent material and 5ree Thinkers might be his most evolved song yet. Open Mike lets listeners know he’s “on that free thinking double talk, my peoples out there like NASA space shuttle walks”. It’s this type of attitude and self-awareness that has helped Mike cultivate a style all his own that is becoming more insightful and artistically fragmented with each release. In the third verse, Mike even references an episode of the classic live action sitcom “Dinosaurs,” stating that it contained the explanation for all the secrets of the world. Heady stuff Mike, heady stuff. Grab a free copy Open Mike Eagle’s Rent Party Extension EP.
Connect with Open Mike Eagle via Facebook | Twitter
Written by John Bugbee
Album Preview + Video: 500 Free ‘Son of a Hustler’
This project has been more that two years in the making. To say the process was methodical is a drastic understatement. For Indianapolis artist 500 Free, creating a mix tape took a backseat to creating an experience. Son of a Hustler is an intimate look at his life over the past two years, which has been quite interesting, and no trial or tribulation is left off. Introspection and personal declaration fill this gritty, yet refined, glimpse into his life. The first track, “Free Mason,” is a lyrical barrage that would make any hip hop head take notice. Over the Rick Ross song of the same name, Free makes it very clear that his song writing ability and use of metaphors are rare and arguably unmatched. Tracks like “Survivin’” and “Once Again It’s On” feature the hardships he has endured in vivid detail; while the tracks “Gentleman’s Club” and “No Hands handle” the lighter side of life in two very different styles. Overall, Son of a Hustler is as deliberate as it is organic. The authenticity is undeniable, his style is refreshing and his lyrical devices are enough to satisfy a Vonnegut reader’s pallet. Grab your copy of Son of a Hustler from Naptown Connection or Forward Motion Entertainment when it drops on March 20th. Watch a trailer for the release, here:
Written by Andy Lake
Thought on Tracks 
Groupon: 50% Off Run-DMC Tickets – Indianapolis
Hip-hop legend DMC of Run-DMC will descend upon Indianapolis for a performance at Madame Walker Theatre as part of the 2012 Super Bowl festivities. The concert will be held at the Theatre’s main stage on February 3rd with an exclusive after-party following the event. The after-party will be limited to the first 225 at the door.
Genereal Admission tickets are running $45.00 in advance and will jump to $100 on the day of the show. VIP tickets are $65 and include premiere seating and entrance to the meet and greet with DMC. 100% of the proceeds from this concert will benefit House of Restoration Africa.
Groupon is offering access to the event for a mere $25. Act fast as the offer only lasts for the next two days. The discounted tickets are limited to two per person. Come out and witness some of hip-hop’s founding fathers usher in Super Bowl season in Indianapolis.
Connect with the event via Do317
Written by Rob Peoni