The weather may not be sweltering hot yet, but the scene is. If ya missed the all-ages hip-hop at the Urban Arts Festival and Tacoma Hempfest, don't fret. There's more outdoor fun to be had. On July 10 catch the Art on the Ave Festival, featuring performances from Mr. Von, City Hall and others.

Until then, check out the Abom Kid's new mixtape, 2nd Time Around. Abom is a new artist from Tacoma. His flow is definitely better than a lot of the up-and-comers around here. He has a sharp, quick spit. This, along with his up-tempo, energetic stage show, makes Abom one of the more promising new artists to emerge this year. This mixtape features guest artists Rare Concepts, Swift Holiday, Awall (aka 2Piece), Serious Mak, Violet, $krilla, the Koomaniacs, Craze' 8, Tak Patron and A R Mastamind. If ya looking for a way to get in the game -  follow Abom's lead. He started doing any show he could; he linked up with like-minded artists and is now getting asked to perform even in Seattle. That's how ya get yo foot in the door, my young Jedi. Download Abom's mixtape at datpiff.com.

Another artist to look out for is Fred Diezil, making national noise thanks to winning a songwriting contest for the coveted national Coast 2 Coast Mixtape series. Ya can check out his winning song, titled "Winter's My Summer," on iTunes or Amazon. Remember Skee-Lo, the "I wish I was a little bit taller" guy? Well, Diezil's opening for him July 17 at The Backstage Bar and Grill in Tacoma.

Finally, Mixmaster Lok Skywalker hit us with a full-length album last week, 253 Reasonz. Also check out his video for "Gone Off the Purp'." It's a funny animated short that can be found on Lok Skywalkers's Facebook page. Skywalker is a true Tacoma vet. He makes gangsta music for the streets and he makes it unapologetically. Skywalker has an old-school flow that matches his triple O.G. status. His style may not be for everyone, but if ya like high-energy gangsta-ish with a good sense of humor, he's definitely worth checking-out. Catch him live; his set is fun to watch.