In a galaxy far away there is a planet much like ours, only its technology surpasses that of Earths by centuries. As this planet’s species developed, it became extremely homogeneous, crime ridden, and devastated by tyranny and corruption. Amongst their population there was a small group that opposed the state of the world.

All too often when people think of Little Rock, Arkansas, the first thing that comes to mind is HBO’s award-winning 1994 documentary Gang War: Bangin’ in Little Rock. Not any more. With the Rock on his back and a Razorbacks’ fitted cocked just so on his dome, rapper SL Jones is out to prove that Little Rock gangsters can bang in more ways than one.

With a career in hip-hop spanning well over 15 years, emcee/producer/songwriter Saukrates is only getting started. The triple threat musician has conquered his nativeCanada and is geared for a U.S. takeover. It’s a long time coming.

Straight from the depths of Gauteng Province, Tembisa natives H.I.4.P or affectionately known as “Metal Jackets” is a trailblazing 6 man hip hop crew of innovative and skilled lyrical architects, The naturally born headbangers are Mas aka Mastamind, Dummy, Mduza the Burden Bearer, Saenz aka P.O Des, Mad Pro aka 3LA and Fungi.

His skills have seen him provide the backdrop to TV documentaries and adverts with Godessa, Cellblock and the late Mr. Fat of Brasse Vannie Kaap and the late great Mr. Devious. With Hype magazine nominating him for best producer at their 2009 awards and Pioneer Unit making him their in-house producer in that same year Hipe is definitely the perfect beatsmith to prepare the canvas for you to paint your masterpiece on.

The Fillmore District has bred more rappers per capita than any other district in San Francisco, and although the older generations recall its rich musical history rooted in Jazz, the Fillmore today is rife with drugs, turf wars, and mass gentrification. DaVinci (aka J. DaVinci), a young MC raised in the Fillmore, is a prime example of the duality of this area, who at the age of 13 was homeless, hungry, and hopeful for a way out.

Born and raised in Pretoria JP better know as the Joint Pusher has always had passion for music. His passion led him to move to Johannesburg where he was able to mc in the underground scene. He studied sound engineering and holds an advance diploma in sound engineering and sound technology.

Aries Nuñez, known to the entertainment world as Prince Aries, has quite a few cards up his sleeve. Though his passion lies in music and his love for DJing, Aries became a fundamental player in the Bay Area’s new renaissance – promoter, graphic designer, TV show personality, and producer – with his multimedia background placing him a cut above the rest.

Coming from the M.F.U. (Mfuleni) townships in Cape Town near Khayelitsha, Massive Turn, also known as Massive Ten, is a hip hop crew determined to make serious moves in the SA hip hop scene.

This week we profile Shynin Armour, a member of the Black Army Movement (BAM) crew. Shynin Armour was born in Meadowlands, Soweto (South Africa) and started following the Hip Hop movement during the mid 90’s. We also feature the first single called “Word Play” which features Dark Spark [Prod. Tuxman, Dynami & P2daoH] from his 3rd album titled RUGGED 3//3 dropping 27th April 2011.

Hailing from Kwa-Thema, east of Johannesburg, Kevluv epitomizes the African dream, embodied in a Hip-hop artist.The name Kevluv described simply means “Kevin doing what he loves”. Currently wrapping up work on his much anticipated debut mixtape, titled NODAYZOFF which will be independently released ushering in a new era through his own label Eargazm Entertainment.

For Princeton, New Jersey native Kyle Rapps, recording a song with one his top influences and heroes in h-hop, The Teacher himself, Blast Master KRS-One was easily a full circle move for him. “I used to study his song structures, rhyme patterns and live shows,” remembers Kyle.

The Cowboys, the Grassy Knoll, J.R. Ewing, the Stanky Leg… Dallas, Texas, is known for lots of things. Progressive, forward-thinking hip-hop has, until now, not been one of them. Quirky yet streetwise, fun-loving yet dead serious, A.Dd+, the duo of Paris Pershun and Slim Gravy, may just be leading the city towards a rap renaissance.

Born into a musical family from Brooklyn NY, Q-Unique realized at a very early age that he wanted to entertain through song; “When I was 3 or 4 years old, whenever we had company, my parents would give me a microphone and I’d sing for the guests, and I loved it”.

Kokayi (Carl Walker) is a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, emcee, producer and educator. Pronounced “Ko-Kah-Yee” (or KOKE for short), this Washington D.C. native takes his name from the Swahili word meaning “to summon the people”.