8PAST - New Bedford Artists to Watch, Volume Two
Hello one and all. Once again, it’s Sky Bento here on the check-in. Big Bento Energy is in full effect.
I’m back once and again, representing for the 8PAST. I love my city man. We’ve got such a thriving music scene. So I figured I’d shine light on some of what the city has been up to lately on the music tip. Pay attention, you might just hear your new favorite joint.
Check these out:
Caliph - Immigrant of the Year (Album)
Now a Grammy award winner via his work with DACA, this album has been a long time coming. Liph is one of the greatest rappers New Bedford has ever seen and has consistently rapped incredibly well in both single and album form. His New Edition-sampling 2017 banger of a single “The Mood (with Jefe Replay)” is a Summer mainstay in the city and led to him being featured in XXL’s The Break. He’s been dropping quality bodies of work for over a decade now. The man deserves every bit of his accolades. Now he’s back with the autobiographical Immigrant of the Year. It’s difficult to put any aspect of what he does above his lyricism, nimble as his flow may be. That’s no insult to any aspect of his skill, it’s just a true testament to the man’s gift as a writer. “Melanin” might be another “The Mood” for me. My other favorite records on this project are “Pilates”, “Bounce/Problems” & “Day 2 Day”. You can stream Caliph now on all streaming services.
IG & Twitter: @CaliphGK
Rocky Rich & Yung Quapo - Movie
If you read the first 8PAST article, then you’re already familiar with Yung Quapo. And if you’re familiar with Quap, you should be familiar with Rocky Rich. Rocky is arguably the hottest rapper in the streets, along with his brother Xagi Yung. Rocky has been dope for a few years but it’s still incredible how much he’s improved as a rapper since he first tore the city up with his anthem “Nothing”. His voice has gotten a lot slicker and his delivery packs a lot more punch, somehow at the same time. For more Rocky Rich, check out the official Risk Takers Youtube channel.
IG: @RockyRich_RTE
Bogie Bam - Go Off
Bogie Bambaataa is a local legend, a true OG. Known for rapping since he was a toddler, the gap between projects was far too long before 2020 came and out of nowhere he returned with three full projects. Bam has one of the greatest rap voices I’ve ever heard honestly, and lyrically he’s no slouch either. It’s great to see him rapping so well even all this time. He’s just proving his hiatus does not mean he’s fallen off and as the game has changed drastically since he started, he’s still the same Bogie Bam and he’s going to spit. For more Bogie Bam, check out his Youtube channel.
Twitter & IG: @bogiebam
As Summer approaches, I’m sure the city will only continue to heat up. I’m such a fan of what’s going on in the 8PAST right now. It’s really empowering to see such different types of rap all coexisting. So I guess this isn’t a goodbye, but more of a until next time. Stay soulful.
With love, Bento