Spoaty Mac
Street Reporter
Perhaps the most well-rounded project to come out of Vegas. Showcases a deft mix of lyricism and storytelling. There's something for nearly every taste: tales from the hood as well as freaky tales, stereo bangers and clubby tunes. A hot CD all the way around.
Ill Will
Golden Rapper Magazine (Magnum)
Loved the concept, but was a disappointed with the first installment—all music and no interviews. Succeeding issues, er, CDs, contained songs from a varied crew of local spitters—some come with fire. Be nice to see if the brain thrust can create a real magi.
Triga
I'll Let It Go
Recalls spirit of Cleveland's Bone Thugs N' Harmony, with thug-core raps spliced with nicely sung hooks. Muscular-voiced and menacing, Triga is what he is, and that's mean-mugging emcee whose topics revolve around the pleasure and pain of urban life.
Booskee
Thugties Volume 1
This CD wears the 702 like a badge of pride or, more correctly, like a municipal bandana. Over 21 tracks, Booskee gangbangs for Vegas, shouting out 'hoods, boasting about running the city and letting out-of-towners know to flex at their own risk.
Johnny Boy
702 The Flow
Watchable less for the content—lots of pretty girls—and more for Johnny Boy's hustle, this is an instructional video on getting your grind on. Dude spread the word about Vegas Latino hip-hop everywhere. Los Angeles. Phoenix. Even Miami at the Latin Grammys.