Record labels I'm lovin right now ...

You know, a lot of the artists that I am fond of often come from some of the same camps. So here are a few that are on fire right now, in my humble opin.

Rhymesayers
--their cache of quality artists is deep: Atmosphere, Soul Position, P.O.S., just to name a few. Newest release: Psalm One



Stones Throw
--definitely on the map with the likes of Aloe Blacc, J Dilla, Madlib, MF Doom and many more. Newest release: Oh No

Def Jam
--this mainstream label manages to keep it real even as they throw around their weight. The latest Ghostface is Killah and the Roots are on deck; don't forget that Nas is now in their line up too. Newest release: Lady Sovereign

Definitive Jux
--this def j is off the chain/chart and unfortunately not on as many radars as they should be...several artists have huge fan bases and are on the bubble like Aesop Rock, Murs, Cage, the Perceptionists and others
Newest release: Mr. Lif

Nataural High Records
--this label has some incredible talent including Bavu Blakes, Lunar Heights and Spank Pops. Don't sleep on them! Newest release: Jern Eye


The cd I can't wait to check out (other than The Roots' "Game Theory" - there are some new cuts the preview on myspace) is Lupe Fiasco's "Food & Liquor" disk. Should be nice. He is so against the grain and not in the rebel kind of why - just his nature. He appears laid back and respectful and that "Kick Push" joint is hot! The full project doesn't hit the stores until September 19! Damn. Damn. Damn. It'll just be something to look forward to, huh? Well, to tide you and me over, check out "I Gotcha" on Fiasco's myspace page.

That's all from the belly of Ohio ... stay true, kfox