Dom Kennedy, "Represent (I Like That)" Dom's latest LP, By Dom Kennedy provided 11 hit it and quit it tracks. On "Represent," his unmistakably west coast style and lethargic flow locked perfectly with J. LBS's production. Bobby Carter
star of Dr. Dre's Compton LP, Anderson .Paak pulled out all stops on the Dre/Premier joint production. Speaking directly to the current civil turmoil going on in many U.S. cities, Paak raps, sings and ultimately steals the spotlight from the two most celebrated producers in hip-hop. Bobby Carter
Towkio & Joey Purp, "Gettin Throwed" The L.A. production twins amassed all of their hip-hop influences and dumped it into this track. From southern slang and 808's to the east-coast perfected drums, it's all there. Towkio and Joey Purp hammer it home with the captivating hook Bobby Carter
Allen Stone, "Upside" The soul child of Chewelah, Wash. is at his very best when performing songs like "Upside." The downbeat jabs you in the chest and never lets up as Stone submits to the undertow of love. Bobby Carter
Blended Babies feat. Anderson Paak & Asher Roth, "Make It Work" The L.A. production duo took filtered keys, claps and a velvety bass line and added R&B's man of the moment. Finished with a verse from Asher Roth and Donnie's trumpet, this most definitely works. Bobby Carter
Hiatus Kaiyote, "Breathing Underwater" This year, Nai Palm and the crew released Choose Your Weapon, their best offering thus far. On "Breathing Underwater," they held back on the technical acrobatics and returned to the irresistible groove. Bobby Carter
India Shawn & James Fauntleroy, "One Sun" On one of few highlights from its Outer Limits EP, the duo, accompanied by tender bongo taps and a lightly distorted bass guitar, create the perfect ditty for a Saturday afternoon joy ride. Bobby Carter
Jamie Woon, "Sharpness" This is how you mark a return from obscurity. Producer (and NPR favorite for his work with Rhye and Quadron) Robin Hannibal provides the most fitting soundscape for Woon's steady falsetto. Bobby Carter
