The Come Up Show - Where That Feel Good Music Lives. Real Recognize Real.

Interview by: Martin Bauman

Allow me to introduce you to Jamla’s latest artist, GQ. The Oakland emcee (also known as Quentin Thomas) has been steadily making a name for himself in hip-hop since signing with 9th Wonder back in 2009, all while dispelling the notion that basketball player’s can’t rhyme. Before his hip-hop career began, Thomas played under Roy Williams at the University of North Carolina where, as a freshman in 2005, he was a member of the National Championship-winning team. Nagging injuries may have put an end to his basketball career, but they also allowed him to focus on honing his craft as an emcee. Since then, he’s released a three-part mixtape series titled Blended, followed by his first project under Jamla, the Trouble Man EP. Now, he’s prepping for a big 2013 with the release of Death Threats and Love Notes: The Prequel, followed by his debut album later this year. The Come Up Show caught up with GQ to discuss his latest project, the stigma of basketball players rapping, working with 9th Wonder, and much more.

Hit the skip to read the full interview.

If you know Casper, you would know he is an artist who aims to send a positive message through his music, as well to those around him. Growing up through hardships not one person should have to bare, Casper chose to rise above the circumstances he had been dealt to become the inspiring and motivational person he is today. With his music, being a father, to even taking the time to inspire young hip hop fans at a local camp, Casper works hard and it is evident. With Casper and Marlee, we get an inside perspective through Casper and those close to him on what has made him become the artist he is today. I’m not one to use these kinds of words, but it’s heartwarming. Watch the interview below and give a big shout out to Casper in the comments section.

With the release of Someday Is Less Than A Second Away right around the corner, on April 16th to be exact. DL drops a video explaining his thoughts on the project. You even get a glimpse at a portion of his shoe collection at the beginning it. If you haven’t heard the songs he gave out from the album, “Admiration” and “Super”, they are well worth checking out. Watch DL’s album teaser below and let me know if you’re going to grab yourself a copy when it comes out.

Pre-Order: DL Incognito – Someday Is Less Than A Second Away

With his forthcoming album Stara-Nova almost complete, Toronto emcee ELMNT gives us an early listen with his latest single, “Malibu”. The horn heavy Lavish production crafts a smooth relaxing vibe as ELMNT shares his thoughts. There is even a sample of VIP – “Znam Brate” on the hook. Stara-Nova will feature an array of different producers and will be available for free download later this month, so stay tuned for that.

From ELMNT’s soundcloud

“For anybody that’s ever felt real challenges, blood, sweat, tears in their life. For anyone that’s been stripped bear just to find themselves in nothingness. For anyone who needs to realize / is realizing / has realized how powerful love is. For anyone that feels indifferent, intolerable to racial discrimination. No more guns, no more ego’s, no more wars, no more tribes. It’s our time, Stara-Nova.”

Download: ELMNT – Malibu (Prod:Lavish)

Interview by: Martin Bauman

It’s just a matter of time for Kayo right now. Having built a strong following from last year’s The Escape Movement, and having learned from the likes of Snoop Dogg and Xzibit on tour, the St. Lucian emcee is all set to release his debut album with EMI/Halflife. All he has to do now is wait, which, as Kayo acknowledges, has been a challenge. In the meantime, he’s been busy with other ventures. After graduating from St. Mary’s University earlier this year, Kayo has been working closely with The Escape Movement clothing label and trying his hand at clothing design. The Come Up Show caught up with Kayo on tour to discuss his early career, working with The Escape Movement, and the status of his album, among other things.

Read the full interview after the jump.

Styles P and Jada get together to give us “Red Eye,” which is the latest leak off his upcoming album Float. The project, produced entirely by Scram Jones, will be available on April 20. Go figure. Check out “Red Eye” below.

If you have never been to an Action Bronson show, I would probably say your missing out. This video is evidence to that as we get to see Bronson live in Toronto at his last event, as he stage dives, throws someone in a headlock among some other things. Take a look at the footage below and let me know if you were there to see this live.

Footage Courtesy of Noisey

From “Super” to this new song “Admiration”, DL Incognito has been giving us an early look at his album Someday is Less Than a Second Away, which drops April 16th. This is definitely one to turn your speakers up for, as DL asks his fans what it is about him that they admire over an uplifting jazzy Tom Wrecks production. Take in the new single “Admiration” and let me know what made you become a fan of DL in the comments section.

Pre-Order: DL Incognito – Someday is Less Than a Second Away

We’re still waiting on DJ Scream’s Long Live The Hustle but in the meantime, he lets go of a new record featuring the bawse. Listen to “National Champs” below.

As promised, today Termanology releases his 7th addition to the Hood Politics series. The mixtape features production work from frequent collaborator Statik Selektah, as well as Termanology, Harry Fraud, Shortyfyuz, ATG, Lee Bannon, Push Keys and Moose. On this one Term brings in a few more features than usual, though it makes the project that much better with guests Method Man, Raekwon, Cappadonna, Graph, Ea$y Money, Masspike Miles, Novel, Cory Guns, Kid Ink, Ras Kass, Wais P, Reks, BIG K.R.I.T, Bad Luck, Low Eyes, Superstah Snuk, Ricco Staxx, Realm Reality, Artisin, Nitty Scott MC, Kali Raps, Boogz Boogetz, Dynasty and H Blanco. Stream Hood Politics 7 underneath and let me know what track is your favorite.