Minnesota, what’s good? It’s been a minute. I’ve been laying low, traveling a bit, and researching new tunes to share with you all. Don’t know about y’all, but I’ve been missing boom bap and feel good hip-hop as of late. The other day I rediscovered early Mac Miller joints and went down a spiral of listening to early Wiz Khalifa, J. Cole, Mos Def, and Nas. It inspired me to find more boom bap for this year-end edition of The Come-Up. Of course, we still have other flavors… let’s dive in!

Dungeon, TheBaptist - “Plastics”

We kick things off with an East Side St. Paul native like yours truly: Dungeon, TheBaptist. His recent single “Plastics” was making some noise on Twitter when it dropped and I had to check it out. When I heard his pursuing lyrics over a ‘90s-inspired beat, I knew I was in for a treat. Listening to Dungeon was quite literally a baptism — one which I truly recommend experiencing before the year ends! 

The1AndOnlyZeke - I Used to Care A Lot

We’ve all had those heartbreaks that have made us contemplate the relationship, our decision-making, who we were, and who we want to be. I Used To Care A Lot by first-time feature The1AndOnlyZeke is a great take on all those sentiments over some polished beats with a splash of boom bap meets early Drake beats. Seriously, this is one of my favorite albums as of late. My favorite tracks are “Shit Changed” and “The Truth.” Big ups Zeke!

Mike Dreams ft. Christina Sophia & Teflon Don- “Still Wit It”

Far from a stranger on the Come-Up, Mike Dreams’ penmanship is as tight as his flow and creativity. I’ve loved watching how he continues to grow his style and captivate with every new project. “Still Wit It,” his latest single off 2021’s CAREPHREE, proves he’s still got it. Looking forward to the next album, Mike! 

Formerly “CAM” - I’m Young, I’m Alright But I Might Die

The other day I saw a tweet asking why songs that are less than two minutes long slap so hard. I’ve been asking myself the same question about the recent Formerly “CAM” project, I’m Young, I’m Alright But I Might Die. The nine tracks are all roughly a minute long each. Short enough to pique my interest, but they’re so quick that I want MORE! Cam, you can’t just be setting the world ablaze without giving us more. Definitely peep if you’re ready to be depressed by how great, yet short, the songs are. Truly a vibe, though. 

Exxe ft. Formerly “CAM” - “Nine to Five”

I know y’all want more Cam, so I got you. He’s featured on fellow first-time Come-Up feature, Exxe’s single “Nine to Five.” Seriously, I could listen to both of them exchange bars this like for hours. The single itself is so relatable. How many of us are stuck at 9-5s that we hate or wish we could quit, but we need the money? If you’ve ever had that thought or just simply need some new heat for your winter playlist, this is the one! 

Gozie Ukaga - “Told You”

As y’all already know, I’m not ashamed of featuring songs/projects that are “dated” and sharing new discoveries that might be new to you, as well. That said, I think y’all will love Gozie Ukaga. The young Minneapolis brother is a talented singer with the vibe tailor-made for slow winter drives with the heat on max and your leather seat heater working its magic. Peep the single “Told You.” 

Cassette - “Fumble (Kerry)” 

A French-speaking Minneapolitan with a smooth voice and hypnotic beat will always catch my attention and Cassette is just that. In this single, Cassette welcomes us into a world filled with love, rhythm, and vibes curated for the summer, rather than snowy winter evenings. Nonetheless, the Congolese-American who grew up in Paris delivers a track worthy of the Come-Up. Bienvenue frérot! 

J’Mere ft. 772pan - “Neighborhood”

No stranger to the Come-Up, J’Mere been a force for some time now. “Neighborhood” is tuff. Its the type of song that makes me miss high school basketball games. This would definitely make my pregame hype playlist, which I’d jam on the way to a rival basketball game. Big ups, J’Mere. Keep doing your thing, bro. 

DNM - “FALLING OUT”

I’m not sure what’s in the Minnesota air, but there’s been a rise of Black Twin Cities artists combining hip-hop and indie/alternative rock AND I AM HERE FOR IT! No seriously, sh** sounds so fu***** good and I want more. DNM, pronounced Denim, are a dope group on the rise and deserve their Come-Up moment. Their single “FALLING OUT” is special. I was hooked off a snippet I heard on my timeline, but fell in love when the music video for the song started with them hanging denim jeans to dry in a throw-back filter while wearing denim everything. I’m living for this and hope you are too. Check it out! 

That’s all I got for y’all. Preciate y’all for showing love to the Come-Up! Finding dope local artists is hard, and I’m serious when I say that I want to feature more women and LGBTQIA+ artists, so please, if you have any recommendations, please DM me on Twitter or IG, @thejeffbissoy.

Wishing y’all a happy and safe holiday.  Much love, Jeff