I enjoy going to hip-hop shows as both a spectator and critic. Often emerging rappers will mimic what they see a a successful performance without fully understanding the nuances of success. UHH is dedicated to giving advice and necessary criticism of emerging artist.

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Summer in New York feels as though it never lasts long enough, especially since summertime is the prime season for hip-hop. While the city slips into the new season, Upcoming Hip Hop spent one of the last nights of warmth partying with UpLate Up Early at Aviv along with other incredible acts.

J-PRIMZwas the first band of the night. The collective kicked the night off by diving straight into the music. With their eclectic mix of upbeat rock-tempo complimented with jazzy undertones, it was unexpected yet refreshing for an underground hip-hop show. The banter in between the music was solid and purposeful. After briefly introducing themselves to us, one of the front-men James transitioned into the next track.

As the intro of the song swept in, he had his eyes closed snapping and it was refreshing seeing an emerging rapper so comfortable in his element. The drum solo towards end of the second song was so lively everyone was screaming. At one point James threw down his band mate’s keyboard. The bass guitarist got on top of the doorway.

It was an excellent first performance. J-PRIMZ killed their set and watching them have fun made me it enjoy it that much more.

As our host Akinyemi gave us breathing room between acts, Krakaur was our second act of the night introducing his set with a highly distorted, robot voice before remixing various songs from Aaliyah and other singers.

He allowed music to move party-goers. Even though people were mingling during his set, he got people in the back dancing which is something that I did not witness any other act do. It would have been nice, however, if he engaged the audience during his set.

Rolling five deep on the stage, the next act Dope Rebels were a mini party on the stage.

Their collective came in with that hard gangsta rap of the 90's. The bass reverberated & got the front of the crowd so enthralled in the music, the floor itself was moving. Then in the middle of their set was a dramatic tonal shift to jazz-infused instrumentals. I enjoyed Dope Rebels quite a bit, but nearly every song felt like a 90's cover which felt like such a waste of raw talent.

Then there was the sleeper hit of the night, KEIYA. The timbre of her voice felt like a strong alto, her range was confident and powerful. The Chicago-native self-produces all her music, which is remarkable yet unsurprising considering the talent which Chicago has produced this past year alone.

KEIYA without a doubt carries the legacy of excellence when it comes from her hometown. There is a particular kind of soul KEIYA puts into her work and this is evident from her EP titled Work, a further testament to lyrical dexterity and magic of the singer. Sharp high hats, haunting background vocals, heavy bass,  KEIYA owned a touching space and her vocals moved through and between the spirit of the audience. She earned the audience and this was only her second performance.

ULUE was so smooth all the ladies in front rushed towards the stage. AllStar Noves and Mell Jiggson emerged on stage and their second song of the night featured Tray Tray, a woman rapper who also had a hand in producing the track.

Beyond the cliché “we’re here to bring hip-hop back” mantra most Brooklyn rappers, or even New York rappers, cling to UpLate Up Early holds steadfast to the firm believe in reinvention. Yes, the collective borrow from their boom-bap roots, their extensive vocal range and lyrical wordplay make them formidable.

Overall, I had a lot of fun at The Warp. My interest is piqued as to what these rappers and musicians have in store for us in 2017.