Sykes can sing

I'm still working on catching ya'll up on what you've missed so far hip-hop-wise in 2011. Todd Sykes (one half of the Volcano's favorite hip-hop group, City Hall) dropped a solo instrumental album in mid-January. This album is available for free on their slick website, wearecityhall.com. The album is classic Boom Bap Sykes, with his signature jazz influences. Along with being a producer and an MC, Sykes can sing! You get to hear some of his "sanging" skills on the first track of the album. Look for Sykes to be making a little national noise this year. He has collaborations in the works with some of the top New York underground MCs.

Illizm's Adamantium

Another big local release just happened this month. Tacoma's Illizm has a new album available for download on iTunes. Illizm's new album is titled Adamantium ... Where my comic nerds at? Notable production on the album comes from Washington's own Swift Holiday.

Illizm has one of the better live shows I've seen in this city. He decorates the stage with his logos. He often performs with his partner in rhyme, hype-man, Wicked Sixx. They clearly have a polished set. They rap and move together flawlessly. Illizm will even rock some war paint if you're lucky.

Illizm has been a mainstay in Tacoma hip-hop for a good six years now. Unlike many local MCs, Illizm also knows how to branch out of our state. He often does shows in Missoula, Mont., Portland, Ore., Bellingham, Seattle, Longview, Zillah and Spokane.

"I'm So Appalled"

Earlier this month Leezy Soprano dropped the "I'm So Appalled" video. The song has Leezy seriously lacing the Kanye beat. Go to YouTube, put in "Leezy Soprano Appalled" and it will come right up. I suggest you do this now because Leezy has remarkable flows.

Leezy says of his video, "I'm setting myself aside from all other local artists. I'm going so hard, waking people up and getting new fans."

I must say I agree, and am not appalled at that. Thanks for the banger, Leezy!