Afro Monk

Artist: Nocando
Title: Jimmy the Lock
Label: Alpha Pup Records

I’m pretty sick ‘n’ tired of hip hop these days but every once in a while there’s one album that really rocks my socks and that time is now! Nocando has really dropped a bomb with his debut album. Alpha Pup Rec is in my book a label that always come up with some 100 % quality stuff and they definitely don’t disappoint me this time either.

Nocando hails from L. A. and some might recognize his name cause his won the Scribble Jam battle 2007. Usually I’m more into the east coast sound when it comes to hip hop but this one really redefines what you’re used to hear from west coast I guess one big reason for Nocando’s sound comes from the producers he’s chosen to work with namely Nosaj Thing, Nobody, Thavius Beck, Th’ Corn Gangg, Free the Robots, Maestone, & Daedelus. I can’t say that I recognize all the names but Nosaj Thing, Free the Robots & Daedelus are three of my favorite names when it comes to the more instrumental scene (Glitch Hop, Dubstep, call it what ever). A few guest rappers has been invited aswell; Busdriver, Iron Mike Eagle, Nick Diamonds and VerBS .

With these guest and these producers I guess this will be on of the best albums this year regardless what genre we’re talking about.

Noncando on Myspace
Alpha Pup Records