by Renda Writer

SoTattooed.com wants to hip you to what’s happening on the hip-hop scene.  We’ve compiled a list of 6 “need-to-know”  hip-hop artists that represent all that is good about that Florida boom bap sound.

Protoman – A brief deal with Rawkus Records pushed Protoman to new levels of visibility and fame, and even though his term with them is over, he still continues to put out dope songs like some kind of a one man hip-hop factory.  Always redefining his style and his approach to the game, Protoman knows how to keep it moving and is constantly working on something new, or just a new way of doing what he’s doing.

D Schwartz – If you’re looking for a CD to buy that will restore your faith in the quality of contemporary hip-hop, “Derek Operation” by D Schwartz is the disc to go get.  Released as an homage to DJ Premier and the artists of the golden era of hip-hop, this MC knows how to put together a project that puts emphasis back where it should be: on the beats and rhymes.

Dino Ferrari – Everyone has their own distinct purpose here on this planet.  We were all put here to do something, and Dino Ferrari was made to rap.  Whether he “makes it” or not is not the question, because he’s gonna just keep on rapping.  With production assistance from DJ Fono, and a solid camp of supporters behind him, Dino is the embodiment of commitment to the art of rhyme.

The Benchwarmers Clique – In all honesty, if you don’t like The Benchwarmers Clique you’ve got a problem.  There’s really no way to listen to one of their songs and not bop your head to the smooth flows of Travisty The Lazy MC and Joka Wild, two dudes who have warmed the bench long enough and are now stepping onto the court to show their skills to the world.  Check for their new release, “The After Hours Spot.”

Melodik – Imagine if MC Lyte’s late 1980’s lyrical tenacity were bottled up and repackaged in the form of a young South Florida female MC who teaches hip-hop dance classes by day and tears up local stages by night.  If you caught Melodik performing back in October at Kitchen 305 in Miami for the “Easels & Turntables” event, sponsored by WeMerge Magazine and Scratch DJ Academy, then you saw her jumping up on the venue’s couches with a microphone and a mouth full of flow.  The crowd was in the palm of her hand, like they always are at her live shows.

Mike Beatz – Remember when people like Pete Rock and Diamond D proved that producers can rap?  Ft. Lauderdale’s own Mike Beatz carries the torch passed down from the great producer/rappers of hip-hop’s history with esteem and pride.  Originally from Jamaica, and raised in New York, Mike is currently basking in the success of his latest single, “50/50,” a track that sounds as ready for airplay as a track could be.