Perhaps it’s not journalistically prudent to demand that everyone listen to a certain artist. But that’s why I often prefer blogging as opposed to straight journalism. And if you’re a hip hop fan (or even if you’re not) you should probably be listening to Jon Connor. The Flint, MI rapper is huge right now and getting bigger.

He dropped his fourth mixtape of the year, the aptly-titled “While You Were Sleeping.” He also just dropped a killer music video for the track, “Never Left.”

The video, directed by Connor’s fellow Flint native and current Brooklyn-based filmaker, Jason Shaltz, matches the song perfectly. Set in a dark New York alleyway and in the shadows of the Brooklyn Bridge, Shaltz employs  rapid-speed cuts to blend with Connor’s rapid-speed rapping.

As Connor makes the transition from underground MC to a household name, videos like this go a long way to spreading his name and message.

Tags: Jason Shaltz, Jon Connor, Never Left, While You Were Sleeping

Flint, Michigan rapper Jon Connor is set to release his new record, “While You Were Sleeping” on July 26 (his fourth release in a year). He just dropped the second and third leak off of the new record, “Don’t Wanna Be” and “I’m Heavy”

Connor’s previous releases this year have each been free mixtapes, with him rapping over other’s beats (including Jay-Z and Belinda Carlisle‘s classic, “Place On Earth“). “While You Were Sleeping” marks a return to The People’s Rapper rhyming over original production.

“I’m Heavy” features Mistah Fab, an underground hip-hop legend from the Bay Area. Stream and download below.

“Don’t Wanna Be” features a stripped-down beat produced by Brix with Connor providing his usual aggressive flow and positive message. That being said, “Don’t Wanna Be” works great as a windows-down/volume-up banger!

Watch a live performance and interview with Jon Connor here
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Nick Manes is a music journalist based in Grand Rapids, MI. Follow him on Twitter here.

Tags: Brix, Don't Wanna Be, Flint, Jon Connor, Michigan, Mistah Fab, While You Were Sleeping

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Above is Trey Palms newest single “Time Spent With You” off his recent mixtape, While You Were Sleeping. This track is quite catchy with fast paced instrumentals, great rapping and an awesome hook. Trey Palms certainly has a bright future ahead of him and expect a very busy and successful 2011 for him. Enjoy!

Download: Trey Palms – “Time Spent With You”

Download: While You Were Sleeping (mixtape)

Tags: hip-hop, Trey Palms, While You Were Sleeping

This is what his manager had to say about Trey Palms’ mixtape which dropped today:

“While You Were Sleeping” is Trey Palms’ first mixtape and was recorded over the past few weeks with platinum winning producer Debonair Samir. Trey Palms has already begun work on his next mixtape which we expect to release sometime before Christmas.

My favorite tracks are Island Flake, The End, Usual Success, and On My Own.

Download

After the jump is the tracklisting and a brief bio on Trey Palms. (more…)

Tags: new mixtape, Trey Palms, While You Were Sleeping

Trey Palms mixtape, “While You Were Sleeping”, drops tomorrow. Last leak off it below. Relaxed beat with some solid flow.

Usual Success (Freestyle)

Tags: Hip-Pop, Trey Palms, upcoming mixtape, While You Were Sleeping