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19 songs deep the compilation features some of the best that Milwaukee has to offer from Streetz N Young Deuces, Scott Knoxx, Speak Easy, Dana Coppafeel, Haz Solo, Dylan Thomas, House of M, and Melissa Czarnik among others.  The whole collection is full of promising emcees, but I’ll highlight the songs I loved and the artists I will endeavor to keep track of in the future and you can agree with me in the comment section below.

At first listen one of the points that comes across more than anything else is the diversity.  JC Poppe does an excellent job at giving the listener a taste of the sound coming out of Milwaukee.  You get a little of the gritty, a look at the lyrical, and surprisingly a bit of funk. The soul-infused intro track, “Punish Me” finds Streetz N Young Deuces rapping over an AdLib production that could have easily stolen the show in less capable hands.  Next up is Scott Knoxx and his song “Lock and Load (Rule #1)” with its infectious hook, and production by Animal House.  On the track Knoxx reflects on the past when his pockets were lighter and crime was the order of the day.

On “88” producer Smoke lays the beat, and then Dana Coppafeel comes in and litters it with dope.  The track is very reminiscent of hip-hop’s better years, and is raw in all the right ways.  Do yourself a favor and play it multiple times, you’ll find something you missed each time.  Another noteworthy track is “Crills”.  Haz Solo is on the soulful song along with Dylan Thomas who both raps and produces.

The laidback “Superman Aint My Name” features witty and often funny lyrics from rap group, House of M, and at the end comes one of the most hilarious skits you have ever heard.   (I’ve listened to it enough times to quote it, but you seriously need to hear this one for yourself.)  JC Poppe brings the funk in the form of the song “Fonky Stuff” with some help from Raze and production by 88 Keys.  Though some may expect this to be an ode to marijuana and while it is referenced in the track, Poppe takes the time to puts other rappers on notice, and Raze keeps it light-hearted and funny.

“Loveless” by the seven piece hip-hop band, Fresh Cut Collective is meant for a live audience.  The group, who may be inevitably compared to The Roots because of their use of live instruments, is wonderfully original.  The track, which is brought to life by the sounds coming from the electric violin and the guitar, isn’t like anything you’ve heard on the radio (or perhaps anywhere else for that matter) and it impels you to join in and become part of what the performance (in your head).

Overall, this compilation serves its purpose; Milwaukee does indeed rap!  And the listener is rewarded with a list of rappers to be on the lookout for.  Check out the compilation below, and follow the link to the HipHopDX site HERE to download it.