To say that the art of hip-hop is in her blood would be a massive understatement if referring to Zane One. Zane is the last born daughter of a pastor/poet as well as sister and cousin to the members of the legendary Los Angeles underground group LPG. She has opened for Cody Chestnut, and wrote songs alongside John Villa Lobos. With 20 years of hip-hop under her belt, countless shows, classic projects and a strong, unique sense of fashion, Zane will not only remind you why female emcees belong in the game, but also how aggressive and skillful artistry can manifest where you least expect it. An example of that artistry is available now in the form of Zane One (L.A. Woman), Zane One's debut album, courtesy of AudioSketchBook / End Of Earth Records.

After years as members of the west coast hip hop collective Sweatshop Union, Pigeon Hole release their debut full-length record, Age Like Astronauts, this summer on URBNET Records. Their latest creation boasts innovative production from the mc/beatmaker team and a distinctive sound that borrows, bends, and shapes music without regard for genre.

"We made the record using Canadian psych samples, 60's lounge-pop LP's, baby drum kits, and homemade cassette tape synths,” says Marmalade, one half of Pigeon Hole. “Mostly we drew from the classic hip hop we listened to when we were young. I don't know what you'd call it. Boombap-psych rap, maybe?"

Pigeon Hole consists of Sweatshop Union’s Dusty Melo and Marmalade. The two met in Nanaimo, B.C. Soon after, buzz got around of an exciting young rap group packing local venues.

The Bamboo Brothers are re-energizing hip hop with a sound brand new and way back. Kurious Jorge brings the seasoned, effortless flow and Dave Dar, the fresh, trusted ear. Their talents overlap, Jorge, a consumer of all genres, Dar, an agile MC, together making a music light and strong as bamboo. Both uptown sons with tropical roots, Jorge and Dar were friends before they were collaborators, admirers of each other’s tastes and styles. They match lush, dirty beats made from real instrumentation and ancient samples with seductive, hopeful lyrics. This is music to rock in a hammock or subway car, to build a philosophy or family by, hip hop that digs deep to rise up.